Choosing cot beds is an elegant crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It also offers a great deal of flexibility by offering three different mattress support heights and the capability to convert into a toddler bed.
Bassinets are a good option when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib for security reasons.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby is dependent on the crib you choose. You must ensure that the crib meets current safety standards and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
Check the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby getting their head or limbs caught between them. You must also be able to easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you aren't then the slats are close together and need to be a bit more spacious.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to think about when choosing the crib. It must be adjustable to various heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the possibility of your baby climbing out of the crib, which is a common event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features to be looking for. It is also recommended to choose a crib with fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which can be dangerous for your baby. You should also be in the same room as your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects like blind cords or curtains are out of their reach. Also, you should remove any objects that could pose a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs since they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.
Design
While cribs may look all identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must comply with strict safety regulations. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar fashion to ensure structural solidity. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle babies or pinch them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with simple instructions to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It features a chic contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in various finishes and comes with four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was extremely stable and sturdy. It did not flex or squeak when a big child climbed into it.
If you're thinking of having more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a full-size mattress, giving you the best value for price. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rail that can be removed was praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings safer and easier. They also noted that the crib offered enough room for the baby to sleep comfortably while mom and dad slept.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic option for those who prefer a more traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a timeless design that will complement most any nursery. It comes with three mattress heights, but it might be a little small for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a crib mattress that is washable is essential. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned using an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, select an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Find a mattress that is that is rated for up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the products that we have reviewed are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their own bed size.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is best because it can support their spines while they're developing. A firm sleeping surface helps to reduce the risk of SIDS which is more likely to occur when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
Examine Baby beds on the mattress to make sure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that might pose risk to infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that may affect infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to consider. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to move and lift the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want handle a heavy product you should consider a mattress that is lighter for your crib. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around compared to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to assemble. You should choose a crib with firmly-secured hardware 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 the safety standards of today.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. These kits are sold separately by most manufacturers. They're usually cheap, and they'll help your child transition into a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that comes with convertible cribs and are a great option for families with multiple children. The cribs are designed to last and can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to match every nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin beds. 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 of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It has a simple and stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without rail. It is easy to set up and also has a lot of visual appeal. However the surface can be scratched in normal use.