How to Choose the
best cot newborn Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys,
Best cot beds and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and 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 might have been compromised. Also, don't purchase 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 safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your
Baby beds grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that 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 it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the price. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our
best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our
top ranked cribs choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a
great crib choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA).