Aurora Farnham

Choosing the best cots Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also offers a great deal of flexibility by offering three different mattress support heights and the ability to transform into a toddler bed.

Bassinets are the best option if you have a small house. Cribs can take up more space. However, many parents prefer a crib due to safety reasons.

Safety

The health and well-being of your baby is dependent on the crib you select. You want to make sure that it is in line with the current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create a choking risk. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to check the crib regularly.

Check the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You should be able to see and reach your child's crib. If you cannot, the slats should be wider and not so close to each other.

The mattress support system is an additional aspect to consider when choosing a crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your child will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.

Other safety features to consider include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress in a secure way as well as an enduring and solid construction. You should also choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides which can be dangerous for your baby. It is also advisable to share a room with your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom once they are old enough to be monitored when they sleep on their own.

The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is placed away from radiators and windows and that hanging items such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. Also, you should remove anything that could create a choking risk, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs since they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalled.

Design

While cribs might appear similar, it's crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety guidelines. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar fashion to ensure the structural solidity. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or pinch babies. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its ease of use and assembly. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.

One of our top rated cots cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. It also has an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).

Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details that make it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various designs and four mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.

Convertible cribs are a great option if you're planning to have more children. Many of these options convert into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed providing a long-lasting product for your money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that received high marks from our test parents. The drop-down side rail was highly praised by parents for making feeding their children at night safer and easier. They also stated that the crib was spacious enough room for the baby to sleep comfortably while mom and dad were asleep.

If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that is perfect for every nursery. It has three different mattress heights however some parents and toddlers might feel it is a bit low.

Mattress

A crib mattress that can be cleaned will come in handy for newborns. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp which can lead to mildew or bacteria that could affect infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned using an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, select an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.

Choose a mattress that has been that is rated for up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed size.

A firm mattress for the crib is best, as it will support their spines as they are developing. A mattress that is extremely firm reduces the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.

When looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib make sure you look over the label to be sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that might pose a hazard to babies. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS, which are a good sign that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.

The weight of the crib mattress is another factor to take into consideration. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move a heavy item it is possible to choose an easier mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also made from foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around in comparison to a traditional coil mattress.

Assembly

New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to build. You should look for an item that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts. These features aren't up to today's safety standards.

If you're looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll probably need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. These kits are often cheap cot bed and can help your child make the transition to a bigger bed more easily.

Convertible cribs are an excellent option for families with many children. They've been built to last and can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.

The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It is available in white or slate grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and features locking wheels. It can be used with the majority of twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib was very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to put together.

The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Canada, Australia and Europe. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the tiniest cribs we've tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with a handy travel bag.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous prizes from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed with rail, or to a daybed with no rail. It is easy to assemble and also has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched during normal use.