How to Choose the best infant cot bed cribs (a fantastic read)

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best 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 standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve 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 level 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 an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's recommended cribs to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your Baby Cot. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only downside 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 will grow with your child as they go from newborn 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 cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

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, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.