Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also comes with a amount of flexibility with three mattress support levels and the ability to transform into a toddler bed.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better option in case your home is small. mini cot beds prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you choose. You should ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from dangers that could cause harm to your baby during their 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 essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
mini cot beds need to check is the space between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or limbs from getting caught between them. You should be able to see and reach your baby's crib. If you're not then the slats are close together and should be larger.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk that your baby will fall out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress with ease and an enduring and solid construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. You should also sleep in the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to sleep alone.
Also, ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects like blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also remove anything that could create danger of choking such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious of purchasing second-hand cribs as they may not have met the current safety standards or been recalled for other reasons.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may look similar, but must comply with strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we reviewed are designed in a similar fashion to ensure structural stability. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag a baby. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its user-friendliness and assembly. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with a few easy-to-follow directions to reduce frustration.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. The crib was stable and sturdy. It didn't flex or creak when a heavy child climbed in.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you're planning to have more children. Many of these options can be converted into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed providing a long-lasting product for the money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that received excellent marks from our test parents. Many of them said that the side rails that drop down made feeding at night easier and safer, and that the crib was big enough for the co-sleeping baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic option for those who prefer a more traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless design that can be incorporated into the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however some parents and toddlers might feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a crib mattress that is washable is an essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that can be washed with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to help prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress rated for up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides, which will let you use them from birth until your child is old enough to be a full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is ideal for infants, because it provides the greatest support for their growing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
If you are looking for a mattress for your crib that is firm make sure you look over the label to be sure 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 to babies. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that could cause harm to infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to take into consideration. Sheet changes at night require you to lift and move the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want take on a heavy product then consider getting a crib 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 constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around compared to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to assemble. Choose a crib with hardware that's firmly secured with no sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the safety standards of today.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are typically inexpensive and will help your child make the transition to a bigger bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that is offered by the convertible crib and they're a great investment for families with multiple children. The cribs are designed to last and can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's a classic design and is available in white or slate grey to fit with almost any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room and accommodates the majority of twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib was very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to complete.
Another crib that is highly rated is the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch, and it meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic minimalist design that doesn't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with an excellent travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without rail. It's easy to set up and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.