How to Choose the
best cot bed Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your
Baby Crib's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs 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 all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer apart and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, 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 only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted 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 grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most
good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your
Baby Cot outgrows it. It is recommended for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available,
Cribs beds and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a 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.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.