Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in a Scandi nursery. It's also very adaptable with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into an infant's bed.
Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you choose. 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 sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions regarding assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing you need to check is the space between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby falling over or getting their legs trapped between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child's crib. If not reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not as close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the possibility of your baby leaving the crib as is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are additional security features to look for. It is also recommended to choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. It is also advisable to sleep in the same room as your baby for six months or so, and only move them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be supervised when they sleep on their own.
Finally, you should ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects like curtains or blind cords are not within reach. You should also remove items that might pose the risk of choking like pillows or blankets. Be cautious of buying second-hand cribs, as they may not be in compliance with the safety standards of today or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs may look identical, but they must adhere to strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure the structural solidity. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle the baby or squeeze them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it based on its ease of use and assembly. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It has a stylish, contemporary design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. Additionally, it features a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. This crib was very sturdy and stable. It did not flex or creak when a large child climbed in.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you plan to have more children. They can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a full-size mattress, providing excellent value for money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received high marks from our parents who tested it. A few of them mentioned that the side rails that drop down made feeding their baby at night more secure and easier, and the crib was roomy enough for the co-sleeping baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless design that will fit in with the majority of nursery decors. It has three different heights for the mattress however some parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is an essential. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and other bacteria that can affect infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned using mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress.
Find mattresses that are rated to last 10 years, which means it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides that allows you to use them right from birth until your child is ready for an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is best because it can support their spines as they are developing. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Examine the label of a firm mattress to ensure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, as well as other chemicals that could pose risk to infants. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a great indication that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is another factor to take into consideration. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot it is possible to choose a mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to put together. You should look for the crib that has hardware 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 headboard/footboard cutouts These features aren't in line with current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. These kits are sold separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're often inexpensive, and they'll help your child transition into a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that is offered by the convertible crib, and they're a good choice for families with several children. The cribs are made to last, and they can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. see more in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room. It can fit the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that is highly rated, the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch and conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a stylish, minimalist design that won't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the lighter cribs that we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from different parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.