Best Infant Cribs: 11 Things You re Not Doing

How to Choose the best cots for newborns Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery cots. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. 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 and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that is 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 make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

Our top choice 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 a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking cot beds for sale a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.