Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also provides a good amount of flexibility, with three different mattress support heights and the capability to convert into a toddler bed.
Bassinets are a good option when you live in a smaller house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents choose a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You want to make sure that the crib meets the current safety standards, and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
Check the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or legs from getting caught between them. You must also be able to easily reach and observe your baby in the crib. If you aren't see, the slats need to be wider and not so close together.
The mattress support system is another aspect to think about when choosing a crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress with ease, and a stable and sturdy construction. You should also select a crib with fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. It's also better to share a room with your baby for six months or so, and only move them to their own room when 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 such as blind cords or curtains are not within reach. Also, you should remove anything that could create danger of choking like blankets or pillows. Be wary of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not meet the current safety standards or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
While cribs may look all similar, it's crucial to remember that every crib must meet strict safety guidelines. Most of the cribs that we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure the structural solidity. Baby Cot have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could trap a baby or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib based on the ease of use and assemble. We suggest selecting the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It features a chic contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in a variety of colors and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're planning to have more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. They can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, providing the best value for price. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned praise from our parents who tested it. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also said that the crib offered enough room for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad lay down.
If you are looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a timeless style that is perfect for every nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit shallow for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A washable crib mattress will be useful for infants. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty, resulting in mildew or bacterial growth that could 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 prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health problems.
Look for mattresses that are designed to last 10 years, meaning it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be their full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, because it provides the greatest support for their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is due to the fact that a soft mattress increases the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
Look over 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 the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could pose danger to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that could harm babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. If you're unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't wish to move a heavy object, you may want a 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 featured in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is ideal for new parents. You should look for an item that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Also, avoid any cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts -- these features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
When looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll probably require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are usually cheap and can aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs are a great option for families with several children. They've been built 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 is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and has locking wheels. It can be used with the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that is highly rated one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch that meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a stylish minimalist design that will not be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the lightest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from different parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has rail or a daybed with no rail. It's easy to assemble and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches during normal use.