Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also provides a good deal of flexibility with three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are the best cots uk option when you live in a smaller house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents choose a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of dangers that could harm your baby while they sleep. It should be well-constructed and strong, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the spacing between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or legs from being trapped between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you cannot see, the slats need to be wider and not as close together.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to think about when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance of your child leaving the crib, which is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features you should be looking for. It is also recommended to choose a crib with fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also be in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough for them to sleep alone.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could be the risk of choking, such as pillows or blankets. You should also be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, as they may not have met the safety standards of today or been recalled for different reasons.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may appear similar, but must meet the strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we examined are constructed in a similar way to ensure the structural integrity. Most cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle babies or pinch them. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its ease of use and assembly. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has a few easy-to-follow directions to minimize frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal features that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. The crib was solid and stable. It didn't flex or creak when a large child was seated.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a bed for a toddler and then into a full-size mattress, giving you an excellent value for your money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received praise from our parents who tested it. The drop-down side rail was loved by a lot of parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and less stressful. They also stated that the crib had enough room for the baby to rest comfortably while mom and dad slept.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a classic design that will complement most any nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit shallow for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a crib mattress that is washable is essential. Baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to 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.
Look for mattresses that are rated to last 10 years, which means it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products discussed here are reversible with a toddler and infant side. This allows you to use them from birth up until your child is ready to move on to their own bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, because it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface helps to reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a Baby Cot Bed's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
If you are looking for a mattress for your crib that is firm, check the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a risk to infants. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a great sign that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is a further factor to consider. If you're not able to lift heavy objects, or you don't want to move a heavy item, you may want a mattress that is lighter. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of inner woven-core, making it much easier to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. You should choose a crib with firmly-secured hardware, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby cots online. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. These kits are offered separately by most manufacturers. They're typically affordable, and will help your child transition into larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs are a great option for families with many children. These cribs are built to last, and they are typically able to be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's available in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and comes with locking wheels. It can be used with most twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, in addition to the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also has a sleek minimalist design that doesn't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the lightest cribs we test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has an excellent travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines, including 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 is simple to put together and has a lot of visual appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched by normal use.