10 Things We All Hate About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cot bed Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended cribs to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are 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. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve 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 be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler mini cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your cheap baby cots for sale. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant's 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 be used as a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted 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 with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality tots and cots comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.