The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cot beds infant cribs (from Google)
The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which 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 should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 cot for sale reasons of safety.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, best cot beds like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Mini Cot Bed Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one test subject said that their 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 alternative. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the cost. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great crib choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.