Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in the Scandi nursery. It's also very adaptable because it comes with three different mattress support heights and can be transformed into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better option if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best baby cots crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from dangers that could harm your baby during their sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create danger of choking. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to check the crib regularly.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or legs from being trapped between them. You must also be able to easily see and reach your baby in the crib. If you can't, the slats are too close to each other and should be larger.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable to different heights so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are other safety features you should look for. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. It is also advisable to share a room with your baby for six months or so, and then transfer them to their own room when they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are not within reach. Also, you should remove any items that could be the risk of choking like pillows or blankets. Be cautious of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, since they may not meet current safety standards or have been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
While cribs may look all the same, it is important to keep in mind that all must comply with strict safety guidelines. To this end, the majority cribs we looked at have a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. For instance, many have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag a baby. We also examined each crib and evaluated it based on its ease of use and assembly. We suggest choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It has a stylish contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-toned options. It also has a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The best crib for newborn comes in different colors and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested this crib and found it to be solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you are planning to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed and then a full-size mattress, giving you excellent value for price. Our test parents gave the 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 feeding at night safer and easier. They also said that the crib was spacious enough space for their baby to be comfortable while dad and mom were asleep.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a fantastic choice if you like a more traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a timeless design that is suitable for any nursery. It has three different mattress heights, however it might be a little small for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a crib mattress that is washable is essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner, and select a mattress cover that is waterproof to help prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Find a mattress that is that is rated up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides that allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to a full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they're developing. A mattress that is firm and sturdy can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is due to the fact that an extremely soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Check the label on the mattress to confirm that it meets 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 which could pose a threat to infants. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can affect infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to consider. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you lift and move the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to carry a heavy item then consider getting a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, making it the heaviest in this review. It is also made from foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to put together. Choose a crib equipped with hardware that is securely held and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby cots on sale's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with the current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. 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 typically can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's available in white or slate grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and features locking wheels. It can be used with the majority of twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib to be very simple to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.
Another top-rated crib, the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch, and it meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a simple and stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing The Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without a rail. It's easy to set up and has lots of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches in normal use.