Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in the Scandi nursery. It's also very adaptable with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into an infant's bed.
Bassinets are the best option if you have a small house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You want to make sure that it meets current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create a choking risk. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
The first thing you need to check is the space between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or limbs from being trapped between them. You should also be able to easily see and reach your baby in the crib. If not, the slats should be wider and not so close to each other.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting the crib. It should be adjustable so you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will lower 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 solid and sturdy construction are other security features to look for. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. It is also advisable to sleep in the same room with your baby for the first six months or so, and then transfer them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be supervised while sleeping alone.
Also, ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects like blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also remove items that could be a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.
Design
While cribs might appear similar, it's important to keep in mind that all must comply with strict safety guidelines. For this reason, most cribs we examined have a similar layout to ensure consistency of structural quality. The majority of cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could trap the baby or squeeze them. We also evaluated and rated each crib for how easy it was to put together and use. We recommend choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, modern design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also has an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various designs and four mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. The crib was extremely stable and sturdy. It did not move or creak when a large child climbed in.
If you're planning to have more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. A lot of these cribs can convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for the money you spend. Our test parents loved the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rails that slide down were loved by a lot of parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and less stressful. They also noted that the crib offered enough room for the baby to rest comfortably while mom and dad slept.
If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with an elegant design that will complement most any nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it could be a bit small for some toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
A washable crib mattress will be useful for infants. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be wiped down with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, choose a waterproof mattress cover to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress that is rated to last for 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 from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to a full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants because it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm helps reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
If you are looking for a mattress for your crib that is firm, check the label to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a danger for infants. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a great indication that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the mattress is another factor to consider. cheap cots Cots For Tots to sheets at night require you to lift and move the mattress, so if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product, consider choosing a crib mattress that is lighter. 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 made of foam instead of woven-core inners, which makes it much easier to move around compared with a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. You want to find a crib with firmly-secured hardware, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features aren't up to the safety standards of today.
When looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll probably require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are often cheap and can assist your child to make the transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that comes with a convertible crib and they're a great investment for families with multiple children. They are designed to last, and typically can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is 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 has locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to place and fits the majority of standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects only 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia and Europe. It also has a sleek minimalist design that doesn't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with an excellent travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests The Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without a rail. It's easy to assemble and has plenty of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.