Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs consume a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better option for homes with small spaces. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib for security reasons.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it is in line with current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that might catch on clothing or present 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 3/4 inches to avoid your baby getting their head or legs trapped between them. You must also be able to easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats may be too close to each other and should be larger.
The mattress support system is another aspect to think about when choosing the crib. It must be adjustable to various levels so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the chance of your child climbing out of the crib as is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are other security features you should be looking for. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. You should also share the same room as your baby until they are old enough to sleep alone.
Also, ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any objects that could pose the risk of choking like pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
Although cribs may appear the same, it is important to remember that each must meet strict safety standards. This is why the majority cribs we looked at are of a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural quality. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag babies. We also assessed and rated each crib on the ease of use and to assemble. We recommend choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It is stylish contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-toned options. It also comes with a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be very solid and stable, without flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're planning on having more children, you might want to consider a convertible crib. Many of these options can be converted into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed, giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that received praise from our test parents. The side rails that slide down were highly praised by parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also stated that the crib had enough space for their baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom were asleep.
If you're looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that will fit in with most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it may be a bit too small for toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be useful for infants. Diaper leaks, baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy which can lead to mildew and bacteria that may affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be washed with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner, and pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Find a mattress that is rated to last up to 10 years, which means it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses featured in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides, that allows you to use them from birth until your child is ready to move on to the full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is best because it supports their spines as they are developing. A super-firm sleep surface also helps reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
If you are looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib, check the label to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability, lead and other chemicals that could pose a hazard to babies. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can cause harm to infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the mattress is a further factor to consider. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you move and lift the mattress, so if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or aren't able to handle a heavy product you should consider a lighter crib mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also made of foam rather than inners with woven-core that makes it much easier to move around in comparison to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is great for parents who are new. Look for one with hardware that is securely secured, no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Beware of cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard -- these features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits separately. These kits are typically cheap and can aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that can be found in a convertible crib, and they're a good choice for families with several children. They are designed to last, and typically can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to match every nursery decor. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to place and can fit the majority of standard twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib to be very simple to assemble - it took 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada and Europe. It has a simple, stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the lighter cribs that we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. online cots has won several awards from various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without rail. It is simple to put together, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched during normal use.