Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in the Scandi nursery. It also comes with a deal of flexibility, with three mattress support height levels and the capability to convert into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better option if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it meets current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing you need to check is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or legs from being trapped between them. You should also be able to easily reach and see your baby's crib. If you cannot reach your baby, the slats must be broader and not as close together.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will fall out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress in a secure way and solid and stable construction. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. It is also advisable to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then transfer them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is placed away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are not in reach. You should also remove items that might pose the risk of choking, such as blankets or pillows. Be Mini Cot Bed of purchasing second-hand cribs since they may not have met current safety standards or have been recalled for other reasons.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs can look the same but must still meet the strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure structural integrity. The majority of cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle a baby or pinch them. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on how easy it was to use and assemble. We recommend choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It features a chic, contemporary design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned options. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. 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 this crib and found it to be very solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you plan to have more children. A lot of these cribs can convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, offering excellent longevity for your money. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making feeding at night more secure and less stressful. They also stated that the crib had enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom lay down.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic choice if you like a more traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft, and it is a classic design that will fit in with most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights however some parents and toddlers might find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a crib mattress that is washable is a must. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy which can lead to mildew and bacterial infections that could be harmful to infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, select a mattress cover that is waterproof to help prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Choose mattresses that are rated to last for 10 years, which means it's prepared 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 right from birth until your child is ready to move on to the full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants because it provides the greatest support for their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface reduces the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.
Examine the label of the mattress to confirm that it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a danger to infants. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US, which are a good sign that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
Another consideration is the weight of a mattress for a crib. Sheet changes at night require you to lift and move the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want take on a heavy product, consider choosing a lighter crib mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example is only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners, which 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 an item that is securely secured and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features don't meet today's safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will require an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are usually inexpensive and will aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families with many children. These cribs are designed to last, and they generally can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's a classic design and is available in slate or white grey to fit with almost any nursery decor. The crib comes with locks that let you easily move it from room to place and accommodates most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects only 23 minutes to assemble.
Another top-rated crib one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch and is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a stylish, minimalist design that won't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is one of the tiniest cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with an excellent travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed 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 is easy to set up and has a lot of visual appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched in normal use.