Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in a Scandi nursery. It also comes with a amount of flexibility by offering three mattress support levels and the ability to transform into a toddler bed.
Bassinets are a good option when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You want to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards, and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or present the risk of choking. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby falling over or getting their legs trapped between them. You must also be able to easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you cannot see, the slats need to be wider and not so close together.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to take into consideration when selecting the crib. It should be adjustable to different heights so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the possibility of your baby climbing out of the crib as is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress with ease as well as an enduring and solid construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. You should also sleep in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to sleep on their own.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is removed from radiators and windows and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also remove any items that could pose danger of choking like blankets or pillows. Be cautious of purchasing second-hand cribs since they may not meet the safety standards of today or been recalled for other reasons.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs may look identical, but they must comply with strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we looked at have a similar layout to ensure consistency of structural solidity. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch the baby or squeeze them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it based on its user-friendliness and assembly. We suggest selecting a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, modern design and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. cot sets is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib is available in a variety of colors and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. The crib was extremely solid and stable. It didn't flex or creak when a heavy child was seated.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you are planning to have more children. They can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, providing excellent value for price. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that earned praise from our parents who tested it. Many of them said that the drop-down side rail made feeding at night easier and safer, and that the crib was spacious enough for the co-sleeping baby to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good choice. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and comes with a timeless design that is suitable for every nursery. It has three different mattress heights, but it could be a bit small for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A washable crib mattress will come in handy for newborns. Baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that is easy to clean with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Choose a mattress that has been that is rated for up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. A lot of the mattresses in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides which allows you to use them right from birth until your child is ready to move on to the full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, since it will provide the most support to their growing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also helps to reduce the risk of SIDS which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.
When looking for a firm crib mattress make sure you check the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, and other chemicals that could be danger to infants. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US, which are a good indication that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to lift and move the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want take on a heavy product you should consider a lighter crib mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. cot sets makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also made of foam, not woven-core inners, which makes it more maneuverable in comparison to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to put together is ideal for new parents. Look for one with hardware that's firmly secured with no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These items aren't in compliance with today's safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, keep in mind that you'll probably require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are often cheap and can help your child make the transition to a bigger bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that is offered by a convertible crib, and they're a good investment for families with multiple children. They've been made to last and can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's traditional in design and is available in slate or white grey to match every nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and has locking wheels. It can be used with most twin mattresses. 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 in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a minimalist, stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is one of 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 testing the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib into a toddler bed with rail or a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is simple to put together and has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched during normal use.