Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in a Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets could be a better choice in case your home is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you select. You should ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of any hazards that may harm your baby while they sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or create danger of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the spacing between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby getting their head or legs trapped between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you can't then the slats are close together and need to be a bit larger.
Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. top ranked cribs will decrease the possibility of your baby getting out of the crib, which is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and a solid and stable structure are additional security features to look for. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than 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 supervised when they are sleeping on their own.
In the end, you must make sure that the crib is away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also remove items that could be the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may look the same but must still adhere to strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we examined have a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural quality. Most cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle babies or pinch them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest choosing a crib that comes with clear instructions that are easy to follow to minimize frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from birth to toddler. This crib was very sturdy and stable. It did not flex or squeak when a big child was seated.
If you're planning to have more children, you might think about a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, providing the best value for money. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. Many of them said that the side rails that drop down made feeding their baby at night easier and safer, and that the crib was roomy enough for the baby to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good option. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that can be incorporated into the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three mattress heights, but it might be a little small for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will come in handy for newborns. Baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty which can lead to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned using mild cleaner or cloth. Also, select a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.
Choose mattresses that are rated to last 10 years, which means it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. A majority of the mattresses reviewed here are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is best, as it will support their spines as they are developing. A mattress that is extremely firm reduces the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
When looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib be sure to look over the label to be sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, as well as other chemicals that might pose a hazard to babies. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a good indication that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. If you are unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't wish to move a heavy object then you might want an easier mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. You should look for the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Also, stay clear of cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for the headboard and footboard -- these features aren't in line with current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. These kits are often cheap and can assist your child to make the transition to a bigger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that comes with the convertible crib, and they're a good option for families with multiple children. They've been made to last and can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's a classic design and is available in white or slate grey to fit with almost any nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and features locking wheels. It can be used with most twin beds. Our test subjects found that this crib very easy to assemble - it took 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that is highly rated is the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable 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 be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
A runner-up in our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design, and it converts from an infant crib to a toddler bed with rail, or to a daybed without the rail. It is easy to assemble, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched during normal use.