How to Choose the
best cots for newborns Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights
tots and cots a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your
Baby Cot Bed. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The
best crib 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 for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most
good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough to build 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 a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso 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 exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.