The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in a Scandi nursery. It also offers a great deal of flexibility with three mattress support height levels and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.Bassinets are the best option for those with a small home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from dangers that could harm your baby during their sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to regularly inspect the crib.
The first thing you need to check is the space between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or limbs getting trapped in between them. You should also be able to easily reach and observe your baby in the crib. If not reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not so close to each other.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to think about when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other safety features you should be looking for. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. You should also share the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to sleep alone.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is removed from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as blind cords or Www.cots4tots.co.uk curtains are kept out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that could be a choking hazard like pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs since they may not meet current safety standards, or have been removed from the market.
Design
While cribs might appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must adhere to strict safety standards. For this reason, most cribs we looked at are of a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural quality. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag a baby. We also assessed and rated each crib for the ease of put together and use. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we suggest selecting a crib with a few easy-to-follow directions to minimize frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. Additionally, it features a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal features that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of colors and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you are planning to have more children. These options can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then into a larger mattress, offering an excellent value for your money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned praise from our parents who tested it. The side rail that can be removed was loved by a lot of parents for making feeding at night more secure and easy. They also said that the crib had enough room for the baby to be comfortable while dad and mom slept.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good choice. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless style that will fit in with the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights however certain parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty which can lead to mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. Also, choose a waterproof mattress cover to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress rated for up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses reviewed here are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from birth up until your child is ready to move on to their full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines as they are developing. A firm sleeping surface helps to reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
If you are looking for a firm crib mattress, examine the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that could pose danger to infants. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS, which are a good sign that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is a further factor to consider. If you are unable to lift heavy objects, or don't want to move an item that weighs a lot then you might want a mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It's also made of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it much easier to move around when compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is great for new parents. You should choose a crib with firmly-secured hardware, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to the current safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, keep in mind that you'll likely require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are often affordable and can aid your child in making the transition to a larger bed more easily.
Convertible cribs are an excellent investment for families who have multiple children. The cribs are made to last and can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is easy to move around and features locking wheels. It can be used with most twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It has a minimalist elegant design that can be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is one of the lightest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for transport.
The runner-up of our tests The Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It is simple to put together and also has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched in normal use.
