Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in the Scandi nursery. It's also very adaptable, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are a good option if you have a small home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to safety reasons.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is crucial 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 spacing between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or limbs getting trapped in between them. You should also be able to easily see and reach your baby in the crib. If you aren't, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit more spacious.
The mattress support system is another aspect to think about when choosing the crib. It is important to adjust the heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will decrease the chance of your child climbing out of the crib which is a frequent event as they begin to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress with ease as well as an enduring and solid construction. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. You should also share the same room with your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
Finally, you should ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also take away anything that could create the risk of choking such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, because they may not meet the current safety standards or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
Although cribs may appear the same, it is crucial to remember that every crib must meet strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we looked at have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural solidity. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag the baby. We also tested and rated each crib based on how easy it was to use and assemble. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style 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 minimal 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, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib is available in a variety of designs and four mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be very sturdy and stable, without creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're planning to have more children, you might be interested in a convertible crib. They can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, offering the best value for money. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. The drop-down side rail was praised by many parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also said that the crib was spacious enough space for their baby to be comfortable while dad and mom lay down.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is an excellent option for those who prefer traditional design. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and comes with an elegant design that is suitable for every nursery. It has three different heights for the mattress however, some parents and toddlers might find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be useful for infants. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and other bacteria that can affect infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned with an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Choose cot sets that has been that is rated up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the products in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides, that allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for the full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they are developing. A mattress that is extremely firm reduces the chance of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.
If you are in search of a mattress for your crib that is firm make sure you check the label to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could be a hazard to babies. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may cause harm to infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another factor to take into consideration. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot, you may want a lighter mattress. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, which makes it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to assemble is great for parents with young children. Look for one with hardware that's firmly secured, without sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet 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 decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by most manufacturers. They're typically affordable, and will aid your child's transition to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families who have multiple children. The cribs are built to last and can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in white or slate grey to fit with almost every nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia, and Europe. It also has a sleek, minimalist design that won't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is one of the lightest cribs we test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from various parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into 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 in normal use.