Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport mini cot beds Bed is a minimalist crib that can look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that the crib meets current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.
Examine the distance between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or limbs from being trapped between them. You should also be able to easily reach and observe your baby in the crib. If you can't, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit larger.
The mattress support system is another aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It must be adjustable to various levels so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will decrease the risk of your baby climbing out of the crib which is a frequent situation as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are other safety features you should be looking for. Choose a crib with fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room with your baby for six months or so, and then transfer them to their own room when they are old enough to be monitored when they are sleeping on their own.
The last thing to do is make sure the crib is placed away from radiators and windows, and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. You should also take away any items that could pose the risk of choking such as pillows or blankets. You should also be wary of buying second-hand cribs, as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards or have been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
Although cribs may appear similar, it's crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety guidelines. For this reason, most of the cribs we reviewed have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural integrity. Most cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could trap the Baby Crib or squeeze them. We also assessed and rated each crib for the ease of use and to assemble. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It has a stylish modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. Additionally, it features a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in various finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be very sturdy and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you are planning to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, offering an excellent value for your price. Our test parents gave the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. The drop-down side rail was highly praised by parents for making feeding at night more secure and less stressful. They also said that the crib had enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while mom and dad lay down.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is an excellent option if you prefer a more traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless style that can be incorporated into the majority of nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit shallow for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be a great option for babies. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that is easy to clean with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Find a mattress that is that is rated up to 10 years so that it can be used for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses that we have reviewed are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for their full-size Mini Cot Bed.
A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants because it will provide the most support to their growing spines. A firm sleeping surface helps reduce the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
Look over 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 danger to babies. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a great indication that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another consideration is the weight of a crib mattress. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you lift and move the mattress. If you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want carry a heavy item you should consider a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, making it the largest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around compared to a heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is great for parents who are new. You want to find the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your Baby Cot Bed. Also, avoid any cribs with drop-sides, or headboard/footboard cutouts as they aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're typically cheap, and they'll aid your child's transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families with multiple children. These cribs have been designed to last and can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to match any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room. It can fit most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to put together.
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 will not be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the lightest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without rail. It's easy to assemble and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.