Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in a 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 better choice when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that the crib meets current safety standards and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose dangers of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or limbs getting caught between them. You should also be able to easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you cannot see, the slats need to be broader and not as close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are other security features you should be looking for. You should also select a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. It's also better to share a room with your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them into their own bedroom once they are old enough to be monitored while sleeping alone.
Also, make sure that the crib is away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also take away any items that could pose danger of choking such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs since they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
While cribs might appear the same, it is crucial to remember that every crib must comply with strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure the structural integrity. For example, most have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag babies. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its ease of use and assembly. We suggest choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It features a chic contemporary design and is available in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with an all-purpose 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. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in various colors and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're planning on having more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then into a larger mattress, offering an excellent value for your price. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received excellent marks from our test parents. The drop-down side rail was loved by a lot of parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and less stressful. They also noted that the crib offered enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom lay down.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a fantastic option for those who prefer traditional design. 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 however certain parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can come in handy for newborns. Baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty that can cause mildew and bacteria that may affect infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, select an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Find mattresses that are designed to last 10 years, meaning it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. A majority of the mattresses reviewed here are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be their own 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 firm and sturdy can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Examine the label on the mattress to confirm that it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a threat to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can harm infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. If you are unable to lift heavy objects, or don't want 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 the heaviest in this review. cots 4 tots is also made of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it easier to move around compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to assemble. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features don't meet the safety standards of today.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're usually cheap, and they'll help your child transition into a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Convertible cribs can be a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs are designed to last and are typically able to be transformed into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's available in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room and can fit the majority of twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib to be very simple to put together - it took 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also has a stylish, minimalist design that won't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the lightest cribs we test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with an ideal travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib into an adult bed with a rail or into a daybed with no rail. It is easy to set up and has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the surface can be scratched in normal use.