10 Best Crib Tips All Experts Recommend
Choosing the best cots Crib
Choose a crib that you love. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides as your child could fall in. Instead, choose an option that is easily converted into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best cots possible start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. You don't want an old crib that may have a lot of loose or broken parts, and you shouldn't buy one that's not in compliance with current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it meets the most important safety standards.
The slats of a crib should be positioned so that children do not get their heads or fingers in them. They should not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments that could result in injury. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety, and it should be capable of adjusting to various heights to accommodate your child as they develop.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds, as they can strangle your baby. It's a good idea check your crib regularly for any missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that have become dislodged over time.
Some cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lowered however it won't stay down for very long. They are ideal for parents who do not want to share the bed. Just make sure you place your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're looking for an environmentally friendly crib, choose one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's important to pick a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go even more, consider a crib that is made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
No matter if you want to design a classic or minimalist nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic addition. The SnuzPod4 can be used in smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most attractive cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of contemporary colors that can be matched to any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs that we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last until the toddler years and beyond. Its longer sides make it less aesthetically-pleasing than some other cribs, and you won't have a view of your little one from all four sides. It also takes more space in the nursery compared to our other top picks.
It's a great option for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also bulkier than our other picks and will have to be disassembled in order to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, like maple, oak, ash, cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are typically more long-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to nicks and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This can make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to the standard crib is that it often includes a toddler rail, which can help keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. Remember that a lot of cribs specifically designed for toddlers will require you to purchase an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When it comes to selecting a crib, there are a lot of factors to consider. You have to consider size, style and slat style, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It's crucial to choose a crib that you like since it will be used by your baby for a long time. You should also pick a crib to fit in with the style of your home, no matter if it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib can grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and eventually a full size bed. This will save money in the long run since you don't have to buy a separate bed for your child.
Some convertible cribs stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile that allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. This crib is also relatively simple to assemble and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be transformed into an infant cot bed bed or a daybed. This crib is easy to put together and its low profile makes it easier for parents to move in and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery designs simple and simple. This chic crib can be converted into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib is one that has a solid construction and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively effortless. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery cots is crucial. There are a variety of crib models that can be bought at various prices.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, Best Cot newborn crib, or as a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It can also serve as a portable play area that provides your child with a secure and comfortable place to nap when they are traveling.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn't sacrifice style. It combines a contemporary aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is made sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to match their contemporary or modern home. Others may prefer a more refined design that matches the decor of the room. If you're in the latter category of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This stylish model can be converted from a bassinet to a mini-crib and then a full-size crib with no need for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent who doesn't like the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is simpler and cleaner looking. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to aid your baby's development into a toddler. They do however have a more traditional look compared to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.