Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport cot beds Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It is also very flexible with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into an infant's bed.
Bassinets are a better choice if you have a small home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free from dangers that could cause harm to your baby during their sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could get caught on clothing or present a choking hazard. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's directions regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or limbs getting caught between them. You should be able to see and reach your baby's crib. If you aren't, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit wider.
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 crib mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the chance of your child leaving the crib as is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features you should look for. It is also recommended to choose a crib with fixed sides rather than one 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 when they sleep on their own.
Not least, ensure that the crib is removed from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are out of reach. You should also remove objects that could pose a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs as they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
Although good cribs may appear similar, it's crucial to remember that every crib must meet strict safety guidelines. Most of the cribs that we looked at were designed in a similar way to ensure the structural solidity. Most cribs feature circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on the ease of use and assemble. We suggest selecting a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. It also has an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal features that make it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various colors and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be very solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a bed for toddlers and then into a larger mattress, giving you an excellent value for your price. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. Several of them commented that the side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings easier and safer, and that the crib was spacious enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a great option if you prefer the traditional style. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has an elegant design that is suitable for every nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights however some parents and toddlers might feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can come in handy for newborns. Diaper leaks, baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty which can lead to mildew and Baby Cot Bed bacterial infections that could affect infants. Look for a product that can be washed with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, choose a waterproof mattress cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress that is rated up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the products in this review can be reversible, with infant and toddler sides, that allows you to use them from birth until your child is old enough to be the full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, because it provides the most support to their developing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm reduces the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a mattress that is soft.
Examine the label of the mattress to confirm that it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that might pose danger to infants. You can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can cause harm to infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another consideration is the weight of a mattress for a crib. The regular changes to sheets at night require you to move and lift the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product you should consider a lighter crib 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, making it the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around compared to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is ideal for new parents. You want to find the crib that has hardware that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Beware of cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for headboards and footboards These features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll likely require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by most manufacturers. They're usually inexpensive, and they'll aid your child's transition to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families with multiple children. They've been built to last and can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib comes with locks that let you easily move it from room to place and accommodates the majority of twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib very easy to assemble - it took 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia, and Europe. It has a minimalist and stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the lighter cribs that we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It's simple to put together and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches when used regularly.