Choosing the best crib newborn (Mensvault blog post)
The Westport cheap cot bed cheap cot bed is a minimalist crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It's also extremely flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are the best option when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up more space. However, many parents prefer a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from dangers that could cause harm to your child while they sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for indications of wear or damage.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or legs from being trapped between them. You must also be able to easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you aren't see, the slats need to be wider and not so close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib to consider 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 fall out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features to look for. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which could be hazardous for your baby. It's also better to share a room with your baby for six months or so, and then transfer them to their own room when they are old enough to be watched when they sleep on their own.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is removed from radiators and windows and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also remove items that could be a choking hazard, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalled.
Design
While cribs might appear the same, it is crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety regulations. This is why the majority cribs we looked at are of a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural integrity. Most cribs feature circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its user-friendliness tots and cots assembly. We suggest choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top rated cots picks. It has a stylish modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned options. It also has an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of colors and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. The crib was extremely sturdy and stable. It didn't flex or creak when a large child climbed into it.
If you're planning to have more children, you might think about a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a bed for a toddler and then into a full-size mattress, giving you the best value for price. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and easy. They also noted that the crib offered enough space for their baby to be comfortable while mom and dad slept.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic choice if you like traditional design. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a timeless design that will complement most all nursery. It has three different heights for the mattress, but some parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a washable crib mattress is an essential. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty which can lead to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, select an 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 is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their own bed size.
A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants because it provides the greatest support for their growing spines. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Examine the label of a firm mattress to ensure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability, lead and other chemicals that might pose risk to infants. You can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that could affect infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move a heavy item it is possible to choose a lighter mattress. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 lbs, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around in comparison to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to assemble. You want to find a crib with firmly-secured hardware and without sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Also, stay clear of cribs with drop-sides, or headboard/footboard cutouts as they aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
When looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll probably need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by most manufacturers. These kits are usually affordable and can assist your child to make the transition to a bigger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that is offered by convertible cribs and they're a great investment for families with multiple children. They are designed to last, and typically can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It's available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to place and can fit the majority of standard twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that has been rated highly is the Sprout crib sets is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch that is compliant with 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 is among the most lightweight cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with a handy travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous prizes from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without rail. It's easy to assemble and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches when used regularly.