Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also provides a good deal of flexibility with three mattress support levels and the capability to convert into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets could be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best cots crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that the crib meets current safety standards and is free of dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or pose a choking hazard. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the space between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or limbs being trapped between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your baby's crib. If you're not, the slats are too close to each other and should be wider.
The mattress support system is another aspect to consider when choosing a crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and a solid and stable structure are other safety features you should be looking for. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. It is also advisable to share a room as your baby for six months or so, and only move them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be monitored when they are sleeping on their own.
Not least, ensure that the crib is placed away from radiators and windows and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that could be the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs since they may not meet the current safety standards or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
Although cribs may appear identical, it is crucial to remember that every crib must meet strict safety guidelines. The majority of cribs we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure structural stability. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag a baby. We also tested each crib and rated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest selecting the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, modern design and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in various finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was extremely sturdy and stable. It did not move or squeak when a big child climbed into it.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you are planning to have more children. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a full-size mattress, offering an excellent value for your money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib which received praise from our test parents. The drop-down side rail was highly praised by parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and less stressful. They also stated that the crib had enough room for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad slept.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good choice. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a timeless design that is suitable for any nursery. It has three different mattress heights, however it may be a bit shallow for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a crib mattress that is washable is an essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or bacteria that could be harmful to infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned using an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, select a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.
Look for mattresses that are designed to last 10 years, which means it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides which allows you to use them right from birth until your child is old enough to be a full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants because it will provide the greatest support for their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface helps to reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to happen when an infant cot bed's head sinks into a soft mattress.
Look over the label on the mattress to confirm that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, as well as other chemicals that could pose a hazard to babies. There are also 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 can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to consider. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move a heavy item, you may want an easier mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it easier to move around as compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is great for parents who are new. You should look for the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your Baby Crib. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the safety standards of today.
If you're looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're often cheap, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs can be a great option for families with many children. They've been made 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 Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It is available in slate grey or white to match any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and comes with locking wheels. It can be used with the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects only 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that has been rated highly, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch and conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a simple, stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an excellent travel bag.
The runner-up of our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib to an adult bed with a rail or into a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is easy to assemble and has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.