How to Choose cot beds for sale is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
crib sets
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. linked webpage is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also 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 child 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. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. For instance, it can 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 has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized 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, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white 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 standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.