The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cot bed Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your Baby Cot Bed. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs (linked webpage) are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state standards 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!) And cots and Tots they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby 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 excellent option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a great 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 protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.