Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in a Scandi nursery. It also comes with a amount of flexibility, with three mattress support height levels and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Bassinets are a better choice for those with a small home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents choose a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it is in line with the current safety standards, and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or create dangers of choking. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to regularly inspect the crib.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby being able to get their head or limbs caught between them. You should also be able easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If not, the slats should be wider and not as close together.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will fall out of the crib as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other security features to be looking for. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. It is also advisable to sleep in the same room with your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.
In the end, you must ensure that the crib is away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects like blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also remove items that might pose the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs as they may not have met the safety standards of today or been recalled for different reasons.
Design
It is crucial to remember that cribs may look the same but must still comply with strict safety standards. To this end, the majority of the cribs we reviewed are of a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural solidity. The majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its ease of use and assembly. We suggest selecting the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It is stylish modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned options. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different finishes and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested this crib and found it to be very sturdy and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you're planning to have more children. Many of these options transform into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for your money. Our test parents loved the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rail that can be removed was loved by a lot of parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and less stressful. They also said that the crib offered enough room for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad lay down.
If you prefer a traditional style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good choice. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless design that can be incorporated into the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit too small for toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A washable crib mattress will be useful for infants. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress.
Find a mattress that is that is rated up to 10 years, so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is ideal for infants, because it provides the greatest support for their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
Look over the label of 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 might pose a hazard to babies. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may affect infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to consider. Sheet changes at night require that you move and lift the mattress. If you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want take on a heavy product then consider getting a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, which makes it the largest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of inner woven-core, making it easier to maneuver compared with a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to assemble is great for parents who are new. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured with no sharp edges or rough spots that could rub 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. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are usually inexpensive and will aid your child in making the transition to a larger bed more easily.
top rated cots appreciate the longevity that comes with convertible cribs and they're a great choice for families with several children. These cribs have been built to last, and they can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and features locking wheels. It can be used with most twin beds. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It is a minimalist and stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the most lightweight cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has a handy travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It is easy to assemble and has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched by normal use.