Choosing the Best Crib For Newborn Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in a Scandi nursery. It also offers a great amount of flexibility by offering three different mattress support heights and the ability to transform into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are the best cot newborn option if you have a small home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it is in line with current safety standards, and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions regarding assembly and use, and regularly inspect the best crib for indications of wear or damage.
Examine the distance between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby getting their head or limbs caught between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your baby's crib. If you're not reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and need to be a bit more spacious.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk that your baby will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are additional security features you should look for. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. It is also recommended cribs to sleep in the same room with your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.
In the end, you must ensure that the crib is away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are out of their reach. Also, you should remove any items that might pose a choking hazard, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious of purchasing second-hand cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards or have been recalled for different reasons.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may look similar, but must meet the strict safety standards. To this end, the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle the baby or squeeze them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend choosing a crib that comes with clear instructions that are easy to follow to minimize frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal features that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of colors and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you're planning to have more children. Many of these options can be converted 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 Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. Many of them said that the side rails with a drop-down feature made feeding their baby at night more secure and easier, and the crib was big enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel at ease while dad and mom were asleep.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a fantastic option for those who prefer traditional design. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features an elegant design that will complement most every nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it might be a little too small for Mini Cot Bed children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be a great option for babies. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp which can lead to mildew or other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Find a mattress cover that can be cleaned with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.
Choose mattresses that are rated to last for 10 years, meaning it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides, which allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to the full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal, as it will support their spines while they are developing. A mattress that is extremely firm helps to reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
If you are in search of a mattress for your crib that is firm, look over the label to be sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, as well as other chemicals that could be a hazard to babies. You'll also see certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good sign that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to consider. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to move and lift the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to handle a heavy product you should consider 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 pounds, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also made of foam, not inners with woven-core that makes it much easier to move around when compared to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. Find one equipped with hardware that is securely held with without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Also, avoid any cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards as they aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. These kits are sold separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are often cheap and can help your child make the transition from a smaller bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that comes with convertible cribs, and they're a good choice for families with several children. These cribs are built to last and typically can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's available in slate grey or white to match any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and features locking wheels. It can be used with the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Canada, Australia, and Europe. It also has a sleek, minimalist design that won't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the tiniest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
A runner-up in our testing, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has won several 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 that has rail or a daybed without the rail. It is simple to put together, and it has a lot of visual appeal. However the surface can be scratched in normal use.