Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in a Scandi nursery. It's also very adaptable, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a better choice for those with a small home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents choose a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it is in line with current safety standards and is free from any dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or present dangers of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions for 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 be in a position to be able to see and reach your baby's crib. If you're not 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 decrease the risk of your baby climbing out of the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress with ease as well as a stable and sturdy construction. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended to sleep in the same 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.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is removed from windows and radiators, and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also remove anything that could create a choking risk like blankets or pillows. Be cautious of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or been recalled for different reasons.
Design
It is crucial to remember that cribs may look similar, but must meet the strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure structural integrity. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could trap a baby or pinch them. We also tested and rated each crib on how easy it was to use and to assemble. We recommend choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also comes with a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in various designs and four mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested this crib and found it to be very solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. Many of these options transform into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for your money. Our test parents gave the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. Many of them said that the side rails with a drop-down feature made nighttime feedings more secure and easier, and the crib was spacious enough for the baby to feel at ease while dad and mom were asleep.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a great option for those who prefer the traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that will complement most all nursery. It comes with three mattress heights, but it may be a bit too small for children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a crib mattress that is washable is an essential. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp which can lead to mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.
Find a mattress that is rated to last 10 years, which means it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've that we have reviewed are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is best because it can support their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleep surface also helps to reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when an infant's head sinks 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 requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, as well as other chemicals that could pose danger to infants. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a good indication that the mattress has been tested cot beds for sale the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to consider. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot it is possible to choose an easier mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also made of foam, not inners with woven-core that makes it more maneuverable when compared to the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to assemble. You should choose 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 headboards and footboards -- these features aren't in line with current safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll likely require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by most recommended cribs manufacturers. They're usually affordable, and will assist your child in transitioning to a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that is offered by convertible cribs and are a great choice for families with several children. They are designed to last, and are typically able to be transformed into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's 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 room and can fit most standard twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to complete.
Another top-rated crib is the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch and meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a stylish minimalist design that will not interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout crib is among the lightest cribs we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It is easy to set up and also has a lot of visual appeal. However the surface can be scratched during normal use.