Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in a Scandi nursery. It also provides a good deal of flexibility with three mattress support levels and the possibility of transforming into an infant bed.
Bassinets are a better choice for those with a small house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn; advice here, is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You want to make sure that it meets the current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to check the crib regularly.
The first thing to look at is the space between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your Baby Cot's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You should also be able to easily see and reach your baby in the crib. If not, the slats should be wider and not as close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable to different heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce the risk of your baby leaving the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features to look for. You should also select a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. It's also better to share a room with your baby cots on sale for the first six months or so, and then transfer them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be monitored when they are sleeping on their own.
Also, ensure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that might pose a choking hazard like pillows or blankets. Be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs since they may not meet current safety standards or have been recalled for other reasons.
Design
While cribs may look all similar, it's important to remember that each must meet strict safety regulations. The majority of cribs we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure structural integrity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or squeeze the baby. We also evaluated and rated each crib on how easily it was to use and assemble. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has simple instructions to avoid frustration.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in several 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 could release gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal features that make it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different colors and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. This crib was very sturdy and stable. It did not move or creak when a large child climbed into it.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you plan to have more children. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money you spend. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. Many of them said that the side rails that drop down made feeding at night 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 sleeping.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a great option if you prefer traditional design. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless style that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It comes with three mattress heights, but it might be a little too small for toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a clean crib mattress is essential. Baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner, and pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to help prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress that is rated to last 10 years, so it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products reviewed here are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is old enough to be their full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is the best cot bed choice for infants since it will provide the most support to their growing spines. A firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
When looking for a mattress for your crib that is firm be sure to examine the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could be danger to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a great sign that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to consider. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move an item that weighs a lot it is possible to choose a lighter mattress. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 lbs, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to put together. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held with without sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Beware of cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts as they aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're typically cheap, and they'll help your child transition into larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families who have many 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 has a traditional style and is available in white or slate grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room. It accommodates the majority of standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that has been rated highly one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch and conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a minimalist, stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the tiniest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
A runner-up in 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 transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without rail. It's simple to put together and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.