11 Strategies To Completely Block Your Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best infant cot bed Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
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. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs come in all sizes cots and tots shapes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of baby cots online.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.