Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into an infant's bed.
Bassinets are the best option for those with a small house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you select. You must ensure that the crib meets current safety standards, and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or present the risk of choking. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
Baby beds to look at is the spacing between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby getting their head or limbs caught between them. You should also be able to easily see and reach your baby in the crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats may be too close to each other and should be larger.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to take into consideration when selecting the crib. It should be adjustable so you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will reduce the risk of your baby leaving the crib which is a frequent occurrence as they learn to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are other security features you should look for. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop Baby Crib can be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room with your baby for six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom once they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.
In the end, you must make sure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects like curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could be a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, since they may not meet the safety standards of today or been recalled for different reasons.
Design
While cribs might appear similar, it's important to keep in mind that all must meet strict safety regulations. The majority of cribs we reviewed are designed in a similar way to ensure the structural integrity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or pinch the baby. We also tested and rated each crib based on how easily it was to use and assemble. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we suggest selecting a crib with simple instructions to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It is stylish modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. Additionally, it features 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 a different alternative. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of colors and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, without creaking or flexing when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you're planning to have more children. These options can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, providing an excellent value for your price. Our test parents gave the 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 easier and safer and that the crib was roomy enough for the baby to feel at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.
If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with a classic design that will complement most all nursery. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however certain parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a clean crib mattress is essential. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty which can lead to mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that can be washed with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also choose a waterproof mattress cover to help prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress rated for up to 10 years, so it is suitable for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from birth up until your child is ready for their full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, because it provides the most support to their developing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Check the label on the mattress to make sure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, and other chemicals that might pose risk to infants. There are also certifications like 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 mattress for a crib. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move an item that weighs a lot then you might want an easier 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 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 traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to put together is ideal for parents who are new. You should look for an item that is securely secured, and no 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 as they aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. They're usually affordable, and will help your child transition into a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs are a great option for families with several children. These cribs have been designed to last and 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 available in white or slate grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and has locking wheels. It can be used with most twin beds. The crib took our test subjects only 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also has a stylish minimalist design that will not clash with any bedroom decor. 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.
A runner-up in our testing The Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting publications 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's easy to assemble and has plenty of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.