Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in the Scandi nursery. It also comes with a deal of flexibility with three mattress support height levels and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Bassinets are a good option if you have a small house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You want to make sure that it is in line with 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 may catch on clothing or create a choking risk. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to check the crib regularly.
The first thing to look at is the spacing between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or limbs from getting caught between them. You should be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If not reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not as close together.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress securely and an enduring and solid construction. You should also select a crib sets that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to sleep on their own.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also take away any items that could pose the risk of choking, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs, as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
While cribs might appear similar, it's important to remember that each must adhere to strict safety regulations. For this reason, most of the cribs we reviewed are of a similar design to ensure consistency of structural integrity. Most cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could trap the cheap baby cots or squeeze them. We also tested each crib and rated it for its user-friendliness and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest choosing a crib that comes with simple instructions to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It has a stylish contemporary design and is available in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also has a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, Sale Cot modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of colors and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're planning to have more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. Many of these options convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money you spend. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib which received praise from our parents who tested it. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making feeding at night more secure and easy. They also said that the crib had enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom slept.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is an excellent option if you prefer the traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a timeless design that is suitable for all nursery. It has three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit too small for toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
A washable crib mattress will come in handy for newborns. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Find a mattress cover that can be cleaned with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also choose a waterproof mattress cover to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.
Choose mattresses that are designed to last 10 years, so it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses featured in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides that allows you to use them right from birth until your child is ready for an adult-sized bed.
A firm crib mattress is best cot beds for infants, since it will provide the most support to their growing spines. A firm sleeping surface reduces the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when an infant's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
If you are looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib, look over the label to be sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a risk for infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a great indication that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another factor to consider. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move a heavy object, you may want 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 the heaviest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven-core inners, which makes it more maneuverable in comparison to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to assemble. You should look for the crib that has hardware that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards as they aren't in line with current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. These kits are sold separately by most manufacturers. These kits are typically inexpensive and will help your child make the transition to a bigger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that can be found in the convertible crib and are a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs have been made to last and can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It is available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is easily moved around and features locking wheels. It fits the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that has been rated highly, 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 crib is one of the lighter cribs that we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
The runner-up of 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 it converts from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed without the rail. It is easy to set up, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched during normal use.