Choosing the Best Crib For Newborn Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It is also very flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights and can be converted into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better choice if your house is small. However, many parents prefer a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. It is important to ensure that the crib is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from hazards that may harm your baby while they sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the spacing between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from getting their head or limbs caught between them. You should be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you aren't, the slats should be broader and not as close together.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to take into consideration when selecting the crib. It should be adjustable to different heights so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance of your child leaving the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn 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 be looking for. Choose a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. It's also better to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom when they are old enough to be monitored when they sleep on their own.
Finally, you should ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects like curtains or blind cords are out of their reach. You should also remove any items that could present a choking risk, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs, as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
It is crucial to remember that cribs may look the same but must still comply with strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure structural stability. Most cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle babies or pinch them. We also evaluated and rated each crib for how easily it was to put together and use. We recommend choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It features a chic modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress heights so that your Baby Cot can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you might want to consider a convertible crib. Many of these options convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, providing a long-lasting product for the money you spend. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received excellent marks from our parents who tested it. Many of them said that the side rails with a drop-down feature made feeding their baby at night easier and safer, and that the crib was big enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to be at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a fantastic option if you prefer a more traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft, and it is a classic design that will fit in with most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it might be a little too small for toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can come in handy for newborns. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty which can lead to mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned using an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress.
Find a mattress that is that is rated for up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've discussed here are reversible with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their own bed size.
A firm crib mattress is ideal for infants, because it provides the most support to their growing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm helps to reduce the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
Check the label on a firm mattress to ensure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a risk for infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a good indicator that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider 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 carry a heavy item, consider choosing a mattress that is lighter for your crib. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is 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 rather than inners with woven-core that makes it more maneuverable when compared to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to assemble is great for parents who are new. Choose a crib equipped with hardware that is securely held, no sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Beware of cribs that have drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts -- these features aren't in line with current safety standards.
When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're often affordable, and will assist your child in transitioning to larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last, and generally can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to fit with almost any nursery cots decor. The crib is simple to move around and baby cot Online comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top ranked cribs-rated crib is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It has a simple and stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is among the lightest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various 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 is simple to put together, and it has a lot of visual appeal. However the surface can be scratched by normal use.