Choosing best cot beds
Choose a crib that you like. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby might get into, and opt for a design that can be easily converted into a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. You don't want to use an old crib that could have a lot of loose or missing parts, and you definitely do not want one that isn't up to current safety standards. When buying a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats that comprise a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from catching their fingers or head in them, and they shouldn't have any decorative cut outs or other embellishments that could create a risk. The mattress support system, which is vital to the safety of your crib should be adjustable to different heights to allow it to expand with your child.
Avoid hanging objects such as curtains or blinds since they could strangle your baby. It's a good idea check your crib regularly for loose or missing items, and replace any that have gotten lost in the course of time.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be removed however it won't stay down for long. They are ideal for parents who do not want to share the bed. Just make sure you place your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're looking for a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It's recommended to select a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you want to go even further, look for a crib made of sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
No matter if you want to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great fit for tight spaces. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, stated that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've ever seen even among sea grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of contemporary colors that can be matched to any style. It's heavier than other cribs we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last through the toddler years and beyond. Its longer sides make it less aesthetically-pleasing than some other cribs, and you won't have a view of your little one from all four sides. It also takes up more space in the nursery than some of our other top choices.
It's a great choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also bulkier than our other choices and will require to be dismantled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically made of wood such as maple or oak. They can also be made of cherry, mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are typically more long-lasting than other materials and can withstand nicks and dings better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This could make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches and could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it often includes a toddler rail, which can help to keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. Be aware, however, that many cribs specifically designed for toddlers will require you to purchase an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When it comes to choosing a crib, there are numerous factors to consider. Think about the size, design, slats, and if it's convertible. It is crucial to choose the crib you love, as it will be used by your baby for a long period of time. You should also choose the crib that is compatible with the decor of your home, no matter if it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is a fantastic choice because it will grow with your child into a toddler bed, and later into a full-size bed. This will save you money over the long term since you don't have to buy a mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finishing. Additionally, it comes with three adjustable mattress height settings and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby in and out of the crib. It is simple to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a great alternative. This crib is a great value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It's a classic style and can be made into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is simple to put together, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move in and out.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists who want to keep their bedroom simple and tidy. This stylish crib can be converted into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly production methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and specifically designed to work with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality should have sturdy construction and straightforward assembly instructions that result in an easy and painless installation. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is crucial. Cribs are available in terms of price, but there are models that are suitable for every budget.
For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, crib or a toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for babies who have reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It could also serve as a portable play yard and provide your child with a comfortable and secure place to nap on the go.
Another option that doesn't skimp on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts which could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents might want a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more formal style that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter category you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet into mini cribs and later to a full crib, all without the need for mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who doesn't like excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is simpler and cleaner visually. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to help your baby grow into a toddler. However, they have more of a traditional style compared to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.