The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cot bed infant cribs (Continue)
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local 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!). They are also designed to last 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 could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware 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. 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 security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and mini cotbed 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 best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cots for newborns cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it 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 slim profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last cot for sale a long time.