Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in the Scandi nursery. It’s also very adaptable because it comes with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler’s bed.
Cribs can take up a lot room, so bassinets might be a better option if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby’s health and wellbeing. You should ensure that it is in line with the current safety standards, and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer’s directions for assembly and use and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing to look at is the spacing between the slats. It shouldn’t be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby falling over or getting their limbs trapped between them. You should also be able easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you aren’t, the slats should be wider and not as close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It must be adjustable to various levels so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your Baby Crib will fall out of the crib as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are additional safety features you should be looking for. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended to share a room with your baby for the first six months or so, and then transfer them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be watched when they sleep on their own.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is placed away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are not in reach. You should also remove items that might pose a choking hazard like pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may appear the same but must still adhere to strict safety standards. This is why the majority cribs we looked at have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. For example, most have circular bars that don’t have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or squeeze the baby. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on how easy it was to use and to assemble. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It features a chic modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also has an all-inclusive mattress fit 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, modern and minimalist in design. It’s perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in different colors and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you’re planning to have more children. A lot of these cribs can transform into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for your money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that earned excellent marks from our test parents. The drop-down side rail was loved by a lot of parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also stated that the crib was spacious enough room for the baby to be comfortable while dad and mom slept.
If you’re looking for a classic style DaVinci’s Carter’s Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good option. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with an elegant style that is perfect for any nursery. It has three different mattress heights, however it may be a bit too small for toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is a must. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty which can lead to mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easy to clean with an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, select an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Find mattresses that are rated to last 10 years, meaning it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides, that allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be a full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is best because it supports their spines while they’re developing. A firm sleeping surface helps to reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a baby’s head sinks into a soft mattress.
When looking for a mattress for your crib that is firm, examine the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a risk for infants. You’ll also find certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a great sign that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
Another consideration is the weight of the mattress. Sheet changes at night require you to lift and move the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or don’t want to handle a heavy product then consider getting a crib mattress that is lighter. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, making it the largest in this review. It’s also made of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it much easier to move around compared with traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that’s easy to put together. Find one with hardware that’s firmly secured and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your Baby Cot Bed‘s skin. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards as they aren’t compatible with today’s safety standards.
If you’re looking for a crib, keep in mind that you’ll require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They’re typically affordable, and will aid your child’s transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs are an excellent investment for families who have many 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 a solid-wood crib that’s GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It’s a classic design and is available in white or slate grey to fit with almost every nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to place and accommodates most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects only 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also has a stylish, minimalist design that won’t interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout crib is one of the lightest cribs we’ve tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It’s easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous 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 easy to set up and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches during normal use.