How to Choose the best cot bed Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your Baby Crib is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good cribs crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is recommended to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into a toddler Cot Bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable best crib for newborn that will last for a long time.