Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in a Scandi nursery. It also comes with a deal of flexibility with three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a good option when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to safety reasons.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby is dependent on the crib you select. You should ensure that the crib meets current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. cribs beds should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and use and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
Examine the distance between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or legs from getting caught between them. You should also be able easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you're not reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and need to be a bit larger.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to think about when choosing the crib. 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.
Other safety features to look for include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress in a secure way, and a stable and sturdy construction. You should also choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides which can be dangerous for your baby. You should also share the same room with your baby until they are old enough for them to sleep alone.
In the end, you must make sure that the crib is away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects like curtains or blind cords are out of their reach. Also, you should remove any objects that could pose the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs, as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
It is crucial to remember that cribs may appear identical, but they must adhere to strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure structural integrity. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag babies. We also evaluated and rated each crib on how easy it was to use and assemble. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be very solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're planning to have more children, you may be interested in a convertible crib. They can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then a full-size mattress, offering excellent value for price. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of convertible beds. Several of them commented that the drop-down side rail made nighttime feedings easier and safer and that the crib was spacious enough for the co-sleeping baby to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic option for those who prefer traditional design. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a classic design that will complement most all nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights however some parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a washable crib mattress is essential. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp which can lead to mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be cleaned with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for mattresses that are designed to last for 10 years, which means it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. A majority of the mattresses reviewed here are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from birth up until your child is old enough to be their own bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is best because it supports their spines while they're developing. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is due to the fact that a soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Check the label on the mattress to confirm that it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could pose risk to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that may harm infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another consideration is the weight of a crib mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to move a heavy object then you might want an easier mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. You want to find a crib with firmly-secured hardware and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Beware of cribs that have drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts -- these features aren't in line with current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will require a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically inexpensive and will aid your child in making the transition to a bigger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families who have multiple children. They are designed to last and are typically able to be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It is available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room. It fits the majority of twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib was very easy to assemble - it took 23 minutes to complete.
Another crib that is highly rated one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch and meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a minimalist, stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the lighter cribs that we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for transport.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from various parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without a rail. It's easy to set up and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.