Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery. It also offers a great variety of versatility with three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into an infant bed.
Bassinets are a better choice if you have a small home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you select. most recommended cribs must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm to your baby during their sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions regarding assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for signs of wear or damage.
Check the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or limbs being trapped between them. You should also be able easily see and reach your baby in the crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats must be broader and not as close together.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the chance of your child getting out of the crib, which is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress securely as well as solid and stable construction. You should also select a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides which could be hazardous for your baby. You should also be in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
Also, ensure that the crib is away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also take away anything that could create the risk of choking like pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs since they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
While cribs may look all the same, it is crucial to remember that every crib must comply with strict safety guidelines. Most of the cribs that we looked at were designed in a similar way to ensure the structural integrity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or squeeze the baby. We also tested and rated each crib based on the ease of use and to assemble. More components can cause confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has simple instructions to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It is stylish, contemporary design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned options. It also has a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of designs and four mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. The crib was extremely solid and stable. It did not move or creak when a large 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 bed for toddlers and then into a larger mattress, providing an excellent value for your price. Our test parents gave the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of a convertible bed. The side rail that can be removed was praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also said that the crib had enough space for their baby to be comfortable while dad and mom were asleep.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a great option if you prefer traditional design. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with a classic style that is perfect for any nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights however, certain parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is essential. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and bacterial infections that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, choose an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.
Look for a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years, so that it is suitable for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses that we have reviewed are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is best because it supports their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is due to the fact that a soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Check the label of the mattress to confirm that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a threat for infants. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can cause harm to infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you move and lift the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to carry a heavy item then consider getting a crib mattress that is lighter. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, which makes it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around as compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
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 irritate the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features don't meet the current safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers sell these kits separately. They're typically cheap, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs are an excellent investment for families who have multiple children. They've been built to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It is available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to place and fits the majority of standard twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to put together.
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 has a minimalist elegant design that can fit in with any bedroom decor. 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 ideal travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without a rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.