How to Choose the Best infant cot bed Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck within them. They could also 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 comply with strict federal laws, local 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 certs!) They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

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

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, 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 not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also a good cribs idea to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

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 come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib sets has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top ranked cribs cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from 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 purchase separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.