Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also provides a good amount of flexibility with three mattress support height levels and the capability to convert into an infant bed.
Cribs can take up a lot room, so bassinets might be a better option for homes with small spaces. Many parents choose a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you select. You must ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of dangers that could harm your baby while they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or create a choking hazard. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to regularly inspect the crib.
Examine the distance between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from getting their head or limbs trapped between them. You must also be able to easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you can't reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and need to be a bit more spacious.
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. This will reduce the risk that your child will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are other security features you should be looking for. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides rather than ones with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same room with your baby until they are old enough to sleep alone.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is removed from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any objects that could pose danger to your child's health like pillows or blankets. Be cautious of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, because they may not meet the current safety standards or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
Although cribs may appear similar, it's crucial to remember that every crib must comply with strict safety guidelines. To this end, the majority cribs we examined have a similar layout to ensure consistency in terms of structural solidity. For instance, many have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or squeeze the baby. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its user-friendliness and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has clear instructions that are easy to follow to avoid frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It features a chic modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of designs and four mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you're planning to have more children. These options can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then into a full-size mattress, providing excellent value for price. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received high marks from our test parents. best cots -down side rail was loved by a lot of parents for making nighttime feedings safer and easier. They also noted that the crib had enough room for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad lay down.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic option for those who prefer traditional design. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that is suitable for any nursery. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however some parents and toddlers might find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a crib mattress that is washable is essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned using an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress.
Look for a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years, so that it is suitable for toddlers. 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 old enough to be the full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants because it provides the most support to their growing spines. A firm sleeping surface will also lower the risk of SIDS. recommended cribs is due to the fact that an extremely soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Look over the label on the mattress to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, as well as other chemicals that could be risk to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that may affect infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. The regular changes to sheets at night require you to move and lift the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want to handle a heavy product you should consider a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 lbs, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to assemble. You should look for the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Also, avoid any cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard as they aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. These kits are often affordable and can aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more easily.
Convertible cribs are a great option for families with multiple children. The cribs are designed to last, and they can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's a classic design and is available in slate or white grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and has locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib to be very simple to assemble - it took 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that is highly rated one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch, and it meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a stylish minimalist design that doesn't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the lightest cribs we test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.
The runner-up of our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received several prizes from parenting magazines such as 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 simple to put together and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.