Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in a Scandi nursery. It also comes with a variety of versatility, with three mattress support height levels and the possibility of transforming into an infant bed.
Cribs take up a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better choice in case your home is small. However, many parents choose a crib for security reasons.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of hazards that may harm your baby as they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose dangers of choking. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to check the crib regularly.
Check the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to keep your baby's head or legs from getting trapped in between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child's crib. If you're not then the slats are close together and need to be a bit wider.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting the crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way, and a stable and sturdy construction. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides which could be hazardous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same room with your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is kept away from radiators and windows and that hanging items such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also take away any items that could pose danger of choking, such as blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been removed from the market.
Design
While cribs may look all identical, it is important to remember that each must comply with strict safety standards. This is why the majority cribs we examined have a similar layout to ensure consistency of structural solidity. For example, most have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or pinch a baby. We also tested and rated each crib on how easy it was to put together and use. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we suggest choosing a crib that comes with clear instructions that are easy to follow to minimize frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It is stylish contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-toned options. It also has a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different finishes and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. The crib was extremely sturdy and stable. It did not flex or creak when a heavy child climbed into it.
If you're thinking of having more children, you may be interested in a convertible crib. Many of these options transform into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for the money. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. A few of them mentioned that the side rails with a drop-down feature made feeding their baby at night easier and safer, and that the crib was spacious enough for the co-sleeping baby to feel at ease while dad and mom were asleep.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a fantastic choice if you like traditional design. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights however some parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a clean 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 bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned using mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress.
Look for mattresses that are rated to last 10 years, which means it's ready for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible and have infant and toddler sides, which allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for the full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal, as it will support their spines while they're developing. A firm sleeping surface helps reduce the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.
Check the label on the mattress to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that could pose a hazard to babies. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may cause harm to infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
full report of the mattress is a further factor to consider. If you are unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't wish to move a heavy object it is possible to choose a mattress that is lighter. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, which makes it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also made of foam, not inner woven-core, making it easier to maneuver compared with a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is great for parents who are new. You should look for the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Beware of cribs with drop-sides, or headboard/footboard cutouts These features aren't in line with current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're typically cheap, and they'll help your child transition into larger beds more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that can be found in the convertible crib, and they're a good investment for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last and are typically able to be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. best cot bed comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room. It accommodates the majority of twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib to be very simple to put together, taking 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the lightest cribs we tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with a handy travel bag.
The runner-up of our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received several prizes from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed with a rail or into a daybed with no rail. It's simple to put together and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.