15 Facts Your Boss Wishes You Knew About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best crib newborn infant cot bed Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture 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.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib 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). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your Baby Cot Bed's crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your Baby Cot Bed.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby cots online was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
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 be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.