Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It's also extremely flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are the best option when you live in a smaller house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to safety reasons.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby is dependent on the crib you select. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm to your child during their sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that could catch on clothing or create danger of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use and to regularly check the crib for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing to look at is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or legs from getting trapped in between them. You must also be able to easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you aren't, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit more spacious.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to take into consideration when selecting the crib. It should be adjustable to different levels so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce the risk of your baby climbing out of the crib which is a frequent event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features you should look for. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. You should also be in the same room with your baby until they are old enough to sleep alone.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is kept away from windows and radiators, and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could be the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs can look identical, but they must comply with strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we examined have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. The majority of cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could catch babies or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib for how easily it was to put together and use. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we suggest selecting a crib with a few easy-to-follow directions to avoid frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It has a 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) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal features that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in various finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're planning on having more children, you might be interested in a convertible crib. They can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then a full-size mattress, providing the best value for money. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also noted that the crib had enough space for their baby to be comfortable while mom and dad slept.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a great choice if you like a more traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, but it might be a little too small for children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be a great option for babies. Spitting up from diapers, baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty which can lead to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be washed with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.
Find a mattress that is rated to last up to 10 years, meaning it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. read review of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides, that allows you to use them right from birth until your child is old enough to be the full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is ideal for infants, because it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Look over the label on a firm mattress to ensure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a threat to infants. You'll also find certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS, which are a good sign that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. via to sheets at night require you to move and lift the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to take on a heavy product you should consider a crib mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of inners with woven-core that makes it much easier to move around in comparison to the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is great for new parents. You should choose a crib with firmly-secured hardware and without sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts. These features don't meet the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're often cheap, and they'll aid your child's transition to larger beds more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that can be found in a convertible crib and are a great investment for families with multiple children. These cribs 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 has four mattress-level heights. It is available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and features locking wheels. It can be used with most twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also features a chic minimalist design that doesn't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout crib is one of the lighter cribs that we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable 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 into a toddler bed with or without rail. It's easy to set up and has plenty of appeal. However, the slender finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.