Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in a Scandi nursery. It also provides a good amount of flexibility with three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a good option for those with a small home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards, and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use and to regularly check the crib for signs of wear or damage.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby being able to get their head or legs trapped between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you're not then the slats are close together and should be more spacious.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk that your child will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way as well as a stable and sturdy construction. You should also select a crib with fixed sides, rather than ones with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also be in the same room with your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to sleep on their own.
Not least, ensure that the crib is removed from radiators and windows, and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are not in reach. Also, you should remove anything that could create danger of choking like blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of buying second-hand cribs, since they may not have met current safety standards or have been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
Although cribs may appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must meet strict safety regulations. The majority of cribs we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure the structural solidity. Most cribs feature circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle the baby or squeeze them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from birth to toddler. This crib was very sturdy and stable. It did not move or creak when a large child was seated.
If you're planning on having more children, you may think about a convertible crib. They can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then into a larger mattress, providing excellent value for price. cots offers have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. The side rail that can be removed was praised by many parents for making feeding at night more secure and less stressful. They also stated that the crib offered 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 crib is a good option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that can be incorporated into the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however some parents and toddlers might find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be useful for infants. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty, resulting in mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that can be washed with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner, and select a mattress cover that is waterproof to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress that is rated to last for 10 years, which means it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible and have infant and toddler sides, which allows you to use them from birth until your child is ready to move on to a full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is best because it can support their spines as they are developing. A mattress that is extremely firm helps to reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
When looking for a mattress for your crib that is firm be sure to check the label to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that could be a hazard to babies. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that could harm babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of the mattress. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot then you might want an easier mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs 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 rather than inner woven-core, making it more maneuverable in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to assemble is great for new parents. Look for one with hardware that's firmly secured with no sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Beware of cribs that have drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts These features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. These kits are typically cheap and can help your child make the transition to a bigger bed more easily.
Convertible cribs can be a great option for families with many children. The cribs are built to last and can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to place and can fit the majority of standard twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.
Another crib that is highly rated is the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch and meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has received several prizes from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design, and it converts from an infant crib into an adult bed with a rail or into a daybed without the rail. It is easy to set up and also has a lot of visual appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched during normal use.