Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in a Scandi nursery. It also comes with a deal of flexibility, with three mattress support levels and the possibility of transforming into an infant bed.
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 because of safety concerns.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. It is important to ensure that the crib conforms to current safety standards and is free of hazards that may cause harm to your baby during their sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or present a choking hazard. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
Check the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You must also be able to easily reach and observe your baby in the crib. If you aren't, the slats should be wider and not as close to each other.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the risk of your baby getting out of the crib as is a common event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are other safety features you should look for. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also advisable to share a room with your baby for six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom when they are old enough to be monitored while sleeping alone.
The last thing to do is make sure the crib is kept away from radiators and windows, and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are not in reach. You should also remove items that could be a choking hazard, such as pillows or blankets. You should also be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, because they may not have met the current safety standards or been recalled for different reasons.
Design
While cribs might appear the same, it is important to remember that each must meet strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we looked at were designed in a similar fashion to ensure structural solidity. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or pinch babies. We also assessed and rated each crib for how easily it was to put together and use. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with a few easy-to-follow directions to minimize frustration.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from birth to toddler. The crib was solid and stable. It did not flex or creak when a large child climbed in.
If you're thinking of having more children, you might be interested in a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then into a full-size mattress, offering excellent value for price. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rail that can be removed was loved by a lot of parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and less stressful. They also said that the crib had enough room for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad slept.
If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a solid choice. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that will fit in with most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it might be a little too small for children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a clean crib mattress is a must. Baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty which can lead to mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, choose an 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. Many of the products reviewed here are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines as they are developing. A firm sleeping surface reduces the chance of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a child's head is lowered into a mattress that is soft.
Check the label on a firm mattress to ensure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a threat to infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that may harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. If you're unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't want to move a heavy item, you may want a mattress that is lighter. cots offers , 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 from 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 put together is ideal for parents who are new. Find one equipped with hardware that is securely held and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These items aren't in compliance with today's safety standards.
When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're often cheap, and they'll aid your child's transition to larger beds more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that can be found in convertible cribs, and they're a good investment for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last, and typically can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed.
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 match almost every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room. It accommodates the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
Another top-rated crib is the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch, and it is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a sleek, minimalist design that won't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the lightest cribs 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 runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed with no rail. It is easy to assemble, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the surface can be scratched by normal use.