Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into a toddler's bed.
Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better choice in case your home is small. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your 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 of any dangers that could cause harm to your baby while they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for signs of wear or damage.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to keep your baby's head or limbs getting caught between them. You should be able to see and reach your baby's crib. If not reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not so close to each other.
The mattress support system is another aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable to different heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the chance of your child leaving the crib, which is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress with ease, and solid and stable construction. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. You should also be in the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to sleep alone.
The last thing to do is make sure the crib is kept away from radiators and windows, and that dangling items like curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also remove items that might pose a choking hazard, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs since they may not meet current safety standards, or have been removed from the market.
Design
While cribs may look all similar, it's crucial to remember that every crib must meet strict safety regulations. Most of the cribs that we looked at were designed in a similar fashion to ensure the structural stability. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag the baby. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest selecting one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It features a chic, contemporary design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also has an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of colors and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're planning on having more children, you might want to consider a convertible crib. They can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then a full-size mattress, giving you an excellent value for your price. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received excellent marks from our parents who tested it. The drop-down side rail was highly praised by parents for making feeding at night more secure and easy. They also stated that the crib offered enough room for the baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom slept.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic option if you prefer the traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit too small for toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a clean crib mattress is essential. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Look for a product that can be washed with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner, and choose a waterproof mattress cover to help prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health problems.
Find a mattress that is that is rated up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. 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 for the full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is best because it supports their spines while they're developing. A firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Examine the label on a firm mattress to ensure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be 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 like Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a good sign that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the mattress is another thing to take into consideration. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you move and lift the mattress, so if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want to carry a heavy item then consider getting a mattress that is lighter for your crib. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also made of foam instead of inners with woven-core that makes it easier to maneuver in comparison to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. You should choose a crib with firmly-secured hardware, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. best cots don't meet the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll require a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that is offered by a convertible crib, and they're a good choice for families with several children. These cribs are built to last, and typically can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's available in slate grey or white to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is easy to move around and comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin beds. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Canada, Australia and Europe. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the most lightweight cribs we've tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around. best cots comes with an excellent travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed that doesn't have rail. It's simple to put together and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.