Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in the Scandi nursery. It also provides a good deal of flexibility with three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets may be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it is in line with current safety standards and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that could catch on clothing or create dangers of choking. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
The first thing you need to check is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or legs from getting trapped in between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child in the crib. If not, the slats should be wider and not as close together.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the possibility of your baby leaving the crib which is a frequent situation as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way, and solid and stable construction. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. It's also better to share a room as your baby for six months or so, and then transfer them to their own room when they are old enough to be supervised when they sleep on their own.
Not least, ensure that the crib is kept away from radiators and windows and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also take away any items that could pose a choking risk like blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs since they may not meet the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.
Design
Although cribs may appear the same, it is important to remember that each must adhere to strict safety regulations. The majority of cribs we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure the structural integrity. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. We recommend choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It features a chic, contemporary design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned options. It also has an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different finishes and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be very sturdy and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you may be interested in a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, giving you an excellent value for your money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned excellent marks from our parents who tested it. The side rail that can be removed was loved by a lot of parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and easy. They also stated that the crib had enough space for their baby to rest 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 design that is compatible with the majority of nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights however some parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be useful for infants. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp which can lead to mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Select a mattress that can be easy to clean with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Look for a mattress that is rated up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible and have infant and toddler sides, which allows you to use them right from birth until your child is old enough to be an adult-sized bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal, as it will support their spines while they are developing. A firm sleeping surface helps reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.
Look over the label on the mattress to confirm that it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability, lead and other chemicals that could pose a hazard to babies. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that could affect infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or don't want to move a heavy object, you may want a mattress that is lighter. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, making it the heaviest 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 heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to today's safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will need to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are usually cheap and can aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs can be a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs are designed to last, and are typically able to be transformed into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in slate or white grey to match any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to place and can fit the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada and Europe. It has a minimalist and stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. cheap cot beds is among the tiniest cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an excellent travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received several prizes from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed without the rail. It is easy to assemble and has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched during normal use.