The best baby Cots (www.cots4tots.co.uk) Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your child will spend most of her time in the crib It's a good idea to invest in one that's both elegant and secure. Look for cribs that meet modern safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid cribs with slats too close together, as well as drop-side cribs, which can pose major strangulation hazards for infants. Also, look for an infant crib with simple hardware that won't catch on the baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
A baby's crib will be their place of refuge for a long duration, so it's crucial to ensure that it's secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific guidelines for cribs, which include solid wood construction and sturdy mattress supports. A majority of cribs are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to ensure additional safety measures.
Find a crib constructed of solid wood instead of particle board. Also, pick one that is sturdily built and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could irritate your baby. Finally, ensure that the device is securely secured and won't loosen over time from humidity or heavy use.
There are many cribs that have multiple mattress support heights, so they can be adjusted as your baby grows. The lowest level is ideal for newborns and you should leave it at this level until your child can begin to stand up, which is usually around the age of nine months. Some cribs also come with an infant bed conversion kit that lets you convert the crib to a toddler bed once your child is ready to leave your room.
Look for cribs without cutouts or decorative features. These can pose a choking hazard for your baby. Also, avoid decorative items such as mobiles in the crib as these can also pose a risk to infants.
Swivel cribs allow you to monitor your baby from anywhere in the room. This is especially beneficial for babies recovering from c-sections and other hospital-based births. The Sweet2Sleep crib by Graco is a popular option. It features a 360-degree swivel, which one parent discovered "was the perfect way to reach out and comfort your child without having to get up from bed," especially helpful during recovering from a c-section. The crib also has a lowering side panel for ultimate closeness and accessibility. The lockable casters make it easy to move from one room to the next.
Style
The crib is likely to be the most significant furniture piece in your baby's nursery. It will occupy the most floor space and, therefore, it must be designed to fit the aesthetic of your nursery.
A majority of cribs are modern and minimalist in look that will fit in with any design. Some cribs feature flat panels or slat arrangements at the ends. Some have finials or drop sides that provide a more traditional look. Whatever you decide on, ensure that it meets the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs come with an aluminum or wood-slat mattress support that is either a solid one-piece piece board or a wood-slat grid or spring-wire grid frames. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter as it is more stable and is a stronger structure to support your baby's body weight.
It must have a non-toxic and smooth finish that is easy to clean. Do not place anything in the crib that your baby could grab and pull, such as blankets, toys, or pillows. If you're planning to decorate your crib, bear in mind that infants can be very affectionate and may grab or bite ornaments. This could cause them be injured or even separated.
Some parents decide to use a bassinet their infant until they are ready to transition to cribs. A bassinet can last for up to six months, depending on the level of activity your child has. This crib is a combination of both a bassinet as well as a full-size bed. This crib features a side-toside pivot that makes it simple to reach into and out of the crib. It also comes with a patent-pending reflux incline that helps with colic.
Another stylish option is this eco-friendly crib which boasts over 2500 rave reviews from real moms and a high 4.8-star rating on Amazon. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a design statement that will transform boring nurseries into magazines-worthy rooms. It has four levels of adjustable height for the mattress, a feature that will help you as your baby grows.
Convenience
A crib is an essential baby item that promotes safe sleep by reducing the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or entrapment, as well as suffocation. Cribs have to meet certain safety standards, however there are cribs that come that come with a range of features to fit your preferences and budget.
If you're looking for a crib that fits into modern nursery designs, consider the Ikea Gulliver, which has sleek, well-rounded slats and simple lines that match any decor. It is also compact enough to fit through most interior doors without disassembly, and can be easily moved from room to room. It comes with only two mattress height options, making it a good option for babies. However, other models have four or three different settings.
The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great choice for those who prefer a traditional design. It is built with solid frame and the sleigh design. It's GreenGuard certified which means it is in compliance with environmental standards, and its many finishes allow you to match it with any decor. It's also among the more expensive options we've looked at in our review but it's a solid choice through multiple children and can eventually be converted into a toddler bed and later as a daybed.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, that has a unique design that's ideal for modern nursery designs and includes a number of features, including one of the tiniest the heights of a sitting mattress. It may be easier for parents with smaller statures to reach their children, however, it's also higher than the other cribs reviewed and could pose a problem for those who are taller.
The DaVinci Jayden is a popular option. It's also GREENGUARD certified. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, and later into a daybed through the purchase of separate conversion components, so it's an investment that will benefit your family for many years to be. It's not as elegant as the Sloane or the Evolur however, it has an appealing traditional design and comes in a few different colors to suit any nursery.
Budget
Even if you intend to sleep with your baby or want to use the crib your parents saved for you in their basement, a top-quality, safe crib is an investment piece. Modern standards of safety make it simple to find sturdy cribs that look great too. The best cribs for babies are simple to put together and feature a style that will not be quickly out of date with the current fashion trends.
Considering a crib is the most important purchase you'll make for your child, you may feel compelled to spend large sums of money to purchase the "perfect" one. There are many cribs with high quality that are priced reasonably and provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep in.
When you purchase a crib, ensure that it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also be in compliance with all safety standards applicable. It's also important to stay clear of buying second-hand cribs as they may contain worn-out or damaged hardware that could pose a security risk to your child. If you decide to purchase a used crib, have it thoroughly inspected by a trained professional prior to using it.
Aside from the critical safety features, a quality crib should be stable, sturdy and easy to assemble. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and ensure that all components are included and properly fitted according to Thistel. If you encounter any issues it is recommended to contact the manufacturer for bolts or screws that are replaced.
Cradlewise is a great option for parents looking for a chic crib that can evolve with their child. It comes in a very heavy box with easy-to-follow instructions and a sturdy structure. It comes with an organic CoconutCoir mattress (VOC and PU foam free) that is suitable for infants and toddlers and is Greenguard GOLD certified.
If you're trying to squeeze a crib into a tight space The Babyletto Hudson can help with its compact footprint and sleek, minimalist style. It's made of eco-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and is available in a variety of contemporary colors that instantly transform a boring nursery into an appealing space for magazines. It also has four adjustable height settings for the mattress to save your back and prevent your child from stepping out before they're ready.