Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport cot beds Bed will look gorgeous in a Scandi nursery. It also provides a good deal of flexibility with three different mattress support heights and the capability to convert into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are the best option for those with a small house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of any dangers that could harm your baby while they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that could catch on clothing or create danger of choking. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to regularly inspect the crib.
The first thing you need to check is the space between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to keep your baby's head or legs from getting caught between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you can't reach your baby, the slats may be too close to each other and should be more spacious.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your baby will climb out of the crib 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 look for. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides rather than ones with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also advisable to sleep in the same room with your baby for six months or so, and then move them into their own room when they are old enough to be watched while sleeping alone.
The last thing to do is make sure the crib is placed away from windows and radiators, and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are out of reach. Also, you should remove anything that could create danger of choking like blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, because they may not meet the safety standards of today or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
While cribs may look all similar, it's important to keep in mind that all must adhere to strict safety guidelines. For this reason, most cribs we looked at have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural quality. Most cribs feature circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle a baby or pinch them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its ease of use and assembly. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, Cots and tots contemporary design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also has a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in various finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you might be interested in 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. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of a convertible bed. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and less stressful. They also stated that the crib offered enough room for the baby to be comfortable while dad and mom lay down.
If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a great choice. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it is a classic design that is compatible with the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however certain parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is a must. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be cleaned with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health problems.
Choose a mattress that is rated to last for 10 years, which means it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides, which allows you to use them from birth until your child is ready for an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm is the best choice for infants since it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also helps reduce the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
When looking for a mattress for your crib that is firm make sure you look over the label to be sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability, lead and other chemicals that could be risk to infants. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a great sign that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the mattress is another thing to consider. Sheet changes at night require you to lift and move the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want carry a heavy item you should consider a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, which makes it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam rather than inners with woven-core that makes it much easier to move around when compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib sets that is easy to put together is ideal for new parents. You should choose an item that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with today's safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll require a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are usually affordable and can aid your child in making the transition to a larger bed more easily.
Convertible cribs can be a great option for families with many children. They are designed to last and generally can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's available in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and fits most standard twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia 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 most lightweight cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received several prizes from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It's simple to put together and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.