How to Choose the best baby cots infant cribs [web link]
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles tots and cots safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options cots to tots make up the cost. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. 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.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.