Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in the Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets could be a better option in case your home is small. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it is in line with current safety standards and is free from any dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
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 limbs getting caught between them. You should also be able to easily reach and see your baby's crib. If you can't reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and need to be a bit larger.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce the risk of your baby getting out of the crib as is a common event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and a solid and stable structure are additional security features you should be looking for. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides which can be dangerous for your baby. You should also be in the same bedroom as your cheap baby cots until they are old enough for them to be able to go off on their own.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is placed away from radiators and windows and that hanging items such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also take away any items that could pose danger of choking like blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs, as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs may look the same but must still adhere to strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar manner to ensure the structural integrity. For example, Best Rated Cribs most have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or pinch a baby. We also evaluated and rated each crib for how easy it was to use and to assemble. We suggest selecting the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It has a stylish contemporary design and is available in a range of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in a variety of finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're planning to have more children, you might be interested in a convertible crib. Many of these options transform into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, offering excellent longevity for the money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned 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 easy. They also said that the crib offered enough space for their baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom lay down.
If you prefer a traditional style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft, cots and tots it has a timeless style that is compatible with most nursery decors. It comes with three mattress heights, however it may be a bit too small for children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A washable crib mattress will come in handy for newborns. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty, resulting in mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be wiped down with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.
Choose a mattress that has been that is rated for up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides which allows you to use them from birth until your child is ready to move on to an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is best, as it will support their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleep surface also helps to reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
If you are looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib make sure you examine the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a threat to babies. There are also certifications like Greenguard, 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 factor to take into consideration. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to move and lift the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want carry a heavy item, consider choosing a crib mattress that is lighter. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 lbs, making it the heaviest in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is ideal for parents with young children. Choose a crib with hardware that's firmly secured and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the safety standards of today.
If you're looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're typically affordable, and will aid your child's transition to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that is offered by the convertible crib and they're a great choice for families with several children. These cribs have been built to last and can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It is available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to room and accommodates the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 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 those of Canada, Australia and Europe. It also features a chic minimalist design that doesn't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an excellent travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed with a rail or into a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is simple to put together and also has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.