Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in a Scandi nursery. It's also very adaptable, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be transformed into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are the best option if you have a small house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your child during their sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
The first thing to check is the space between the 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 must also be able to easily see and reach your baby in the crib. If not reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not so close together.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce 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 an enduring and solid construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room as your baby for six months or so, and then transfer them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be watched while sleeping alone.
Not least, make sure the crib is kept away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also take away any items that could present the risk of choking like pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs, as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.
Design
Although cribs may appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must adhere to strict safety guidelines. For this reason, most cribs we examined are of a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural solidity. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or squeeze the baby. We also assessed and rated each crib for how easy it was to put together and use. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest selecting a crib with a few easy-to-follow directions to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It is stylish contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of colors and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. Many of these options be converted into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money you spend. Our test parents loved the Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. A few of them mentioned that the side rails that drop down made feeding their baby at night easier and safer, and that the crib was spacious enough for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
If you are looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a great choice. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless style that is compatible with most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, but certain parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is essential. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty which can lead to mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.
Find mattresses that are designed 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 with infant and toddler sides, which will let you use them from birth until your child is ready to move on to a full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, since it will provide the greatest support for their developing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also helps reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a baby's head sinks into a soft mattress.
If you are in search of a mattress that is firm for your crib, look over the label to be sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that might pose a hazard to babies. You'll also see certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a great indication that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another consideration is the weight of a crib mattress. Sheet changes at night require that you lift and move the mattress. If you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want take on a heavy product then consider getting a crib mattress that is lighter. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, making it the heaviest in this review. It's also made of foam, not inners with woven-core that makes it more maneuverable when compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
cots offers will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. You want to find the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard as they aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, keep in mind that you'll probably need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by most manufacturers. These kits are often inexpensive and will assist your child to make the transition from a smaller bed more easily.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families who have several children. These cribs have been made to last and can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is easy to move around and features locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects 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, in addition to those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It has a simple elegant design that can fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the most lightweight cribs we've tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around and has a handy travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.