The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best cot for newborn infant cot bed cribs (just click the next document)
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
No matter if 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 can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love Best cot for newborn combine style and functionality. For instance, 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 free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her Baby beds was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has many features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cots for newborns infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.