Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It also comes with a variety of versatility with three mattress support levels and the possibility of transforming into an infant bed.
Cribs can take up a lot room, so bassinets might be a better choice for homes with small spaces. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib for security reasons.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you choose. You should ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is important to follow the instructions 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 apart to prevent your baby's head or limbs getting trapped in between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child in the crib. If not see, the slats need to be wider and not as close together.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable to different levels so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the possibility of your baby leaving the crib as is a common event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and a solid and stable structure are other safety features you should look for. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides rather than ones with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them to their own room when they are old enough to be supervised while sleeping alone.
Also, 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 remove items that might pose danger to your child's health like blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalled.
Design
It is crucial to remember that cribs may appear similar, but must meet the strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we examined have a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural solidity. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag babies. We also evaluated and rated each crib for how easy it was to use and to assemble. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various finishes and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be very solid and stable, without flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you're planning to have more children. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then a full-size mattress, giving you excellent value for money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received praise from our test parents. Several of them commented that the side rails with a drop-down feature made feeding their baby at night easier and safer and that the crib was roomy enough for the baby to feel at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.
If you are looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good option. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it is a classic design that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it may be a bit small for some toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is a must. cots 4 tots spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to stop fluids from entering the mattress.
Find a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years so that it can be used for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses discussed here are reversible with toddler and infant sides. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be their own bed size.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleep surface also helps reduce the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
When looking for a mattress for your crib that is firm be sure to examine the label to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a threat to babies. You can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may affect infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or don't want to move an item that weighs a lot it is possible to choose 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 made of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it easier to move around in comparison to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to build. You want to find an item that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet today's safety standards.
When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by most manufacturers. They're typically cheap, and they'll help your child transition into larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option for families with several children. These cribs are designed to last and generally can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It's a classic design and is available in slate or white grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and has locking wheels. It can be used with the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
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 features a chic minimalist design that will not clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
The runner-up of our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to an adult bed with rail, or to a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is simple to put together and also has a lot of visual appeal. However the surface can be scratched during normal use.