Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It is also very flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into an infant's bed.
Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better option in case your home is small. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of hazards that may cause harm to your child while they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could get caught on clothing or present dangers of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use and regularly inspect the crib for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the space between slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to prevent your baby from being able to get their head or limbs caught between them. You must also be able to easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you aren't, the slats are too close to each other and should be larger.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to think about when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will reduce the risk of your baby leaving the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way and solid and stable construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. You should also be in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to go off on their own.
The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is placed away from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also remove any items that could pose a choking risk, such as pillows or blankets. You should also be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, since they may not have met current safety standards or have been recalled for other reasons.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs can look the same but must still comply with strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we examined are constructed in a similar way to ensure the structural integrity. Most cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle the baby or squeeze them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it based on its user-friendliness and assembly. We recommend choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It has a stylish, contemporary design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-tone options. nursery cots comes with a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib is available in a variety of colors and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a full-size mattress, offering the best value for money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned high marks from our test parents. Several of them commented that the drop-down side rail made nighttime feedings easier and safer, and that the crib was big enough for the baby to be at ease while dad and mom were asleep.
If you prefer a traditional style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that will fit in with the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it might be a little small for some toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a crib mattress that is washable is an essential. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty that can cause mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to help prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress that is rated up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides, which will let you use them from birth until your child is ready to move on to the full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is best, as it will support their spines as they are developing. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is due to the fact that mattresses that are soft increase the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
If you are in search of a mattress for your crib that is firm be sure to examine the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that might pose a hazard to babies. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can harm babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the mattress is another thing to consider. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to move an item that weighs a lot, you may want a lighter mattress. 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 featured in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. You should choose an item that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with the safety standards of today.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're usually inexpensive, and they'll help your child transition into a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that comes with convertible cribs and are a great option for families with multiple children. They've been made to last and can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It is available in slate grey or white to match the decor of any nursery. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to place and fits most standard twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib very easy to assemble - it took 23 minutes to put together.
Another top-rated crib is the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch, and it conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a sleek minimalist design that will not interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is one of the tiniest cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has a handy travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without a rail. It's easy to assemble and has lots of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches during normal use.