Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It also offers a great deal of flexibility, with three different mattress support heights and the capability to convert into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a better choice if you have a small cot beds home. Cribs can take up more space. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib due to security reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of any hazards that may harm your baby during their sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs 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 keep your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You must also be able to easily reach and see your baby's crib. If you aren't then the slats are close together and should be more spacious.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your baby will fall out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress with ease as well as an enduring and solid construction. You should also choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same room with your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is kept away from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also remove objects that could pose the risk of choking like pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs as they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
Although cribs may appear the same, it is crucial to remember that every crib must comply with strict safety regulations. For this reason, most cribs we examined have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural solidity. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could trap the baby or squeeze them. We also tested and rated each crib for the ease of use and assemble. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It has a stylish modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in various finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be very sturdy and stable, without creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you plan to have more children. They can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then into a full-size mattress, giving you the best value for price. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that 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 less stressful. They also noted that the crib was spacious enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom slept.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic option for those who prefer a more traditional style. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it is a classic design that will fit in with the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it might be a little shallow for some toddlers and small cot beds parents.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a crib mattress that is washable is an essential. Diaper leaks, baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and bacteria that may affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be cleaned with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also choose a waterproof mattress cover to help prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Choose mattresses that are designed to last 10 years, meaning it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides, that allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to a full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal because it supports their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is due to the fact that an extremely soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
When looking for a firm crib mattress be sure to look over the label to be 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 that could pose a risk to babies. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good 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 mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you lift and move the mattress, so if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want carry a heavy item then consider getting a crib mattress that is lighter. 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, not woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around as compared to a heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to put together is ideal for parents with young children. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features aren't up to the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll need to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. most recommended cribs manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll help your child transition into a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families who have multiple children. They are designed to last and are typically able to be converted into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It is available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is easy to move around and features locking wheels. It can be used with most twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib to be very simple to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also has a stylish minimalist design that doesn't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout crib is one of the tiniest cribs we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, Cots and Tots is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from various parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed with rail, or to a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is easy to set up, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched during normal use.