How to Choose the best cot bed Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for best crib for newborn your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, cots and Tots like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is recommended to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top rated cots choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large Cot Bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.