Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into an infant's bed.
Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better choice in case your home is small. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby is dependent on the crib you select. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your child while they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could catch on clothing or create dangers of choking. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to check the crib regularly.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or legs from getting trapped in between them. You should also be able to easily reach and observe your baby in the crib. If not see, the slats need to be wider and not as close to each other.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to consider when choosing a crib. It must be adjustable to various heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will lower the chance 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 additional safety features you should look for. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. It is also advisable to share a room with your baby for six months or so, and only move them to their own room when they are old enough to be supervised while sleeping alone.
The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is kept away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. You should also remove items that could be danger to your child's health like pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs, as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
It is crucial to remember that cribs may appear the same but must still meet the strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we examined are constructed in a similar way to ensure structural solidity. The majority of cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could trap a baby or pinch them. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on the ease of use and to assemble. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with clear instructions that are easy to follow to reduce frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary design and comes in several 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) that could release gas into the nursery.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal features that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you're planning to have more children. A lot of these cribs can convert into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed, giving you a long-lasting investment for your money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received excellent marks from our parents who tested it. Many of them said that the drop-down side rail made nighttime feedings more secure and easier, and the crib was roomy enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel at ease while dad and mom were asleep.
If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good option. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a classic design that will complement most any nursery. It has three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit too small for toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a washable crib mattress is essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty, resulting in mildew or bacteria that could be harmful to infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, select an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.
Find a mattress that is rated to last for 10 years, so it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides, that allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to an adult-sized bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is best because it can support their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Check the label of the mattress to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a risk to babies. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can harm infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to take into consideration. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot it is possible to choose an easier mattress. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 lbs, making it the heaviest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around as compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with 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. Also, stay tots and cots of cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for headboards and footboards These features aren't in line with current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're typically affordable, and will help your child transition into larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option for families with several children. These cribs are designed to last and generally can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's traditional in design and is available in slate or white grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and has locking wheels. It can be used with most twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to assemble.
Another top-rated crib, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch, and it is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a stylish minimalist design that will not clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the tiniest cribs we've tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an excellent travel bag.
The runner-up of our tests The Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has been awarded 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 is aesthetically pleasing. appeal. However the surface can be scratched in normal use.