Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It also provides a good deal of flexibility by offering three different mattress support heights and the capability to convert into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better choice if your house is small. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby is dependent on the crib you select. It is important to ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your baby while they sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.
Examine the distance 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 also be able to easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you can't then the slats are close to each other and should be more spacious.
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 decrease the chance of your child climbing out of the crib which is a frequent occurrence as they learn to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way, and a stable and sturdy construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended to share a room with your baby for six months or so, and only transfer them to their own room when they are old enough to be supervised while sleeping alone.
In the end, you must make sure that the crib is away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects like curtains or blind cords are out of their reach. Also, you should remove any objects that could pose the risk of choking, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs, as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been removed from the market.
Design
Although cribs may appear similar, it's crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety guidelines. This is why the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar layout to ensure consistency in terms of structural integrity. The majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also tested and rated each crib based on how easily it was to use and to assemble. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with simple instructions to minimize frustration.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal features that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tested this crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, without flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
If you're planning to have more children, you may be interested in a convertible crib. Many of these options convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib which received high marks from our test parents. cot sets of them said that the drop-down side rail made feeding at night more secure and easier, and the crib was spacious enough for the co-sleeping baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is an excellent option for those who prefer the traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and features a classic design that will complement most every nursery. It has three different mattress heights however some parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a washable crib mattress is essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty, resulting in mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that can be wiped down with a cloth 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 mattresses that are rated to last up to 10 years, so it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from birth up until your child is ready for their own bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is best because it supports their spines as they are developing. A firm sleeping surface helps to reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.
When looking for a firm crib mattress, check 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. There are also certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US, which are a good sign that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to take into consideration. If you are unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot then you might want 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 the heaviest in this review. It is also made of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it easier to maneuver compared with the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to assemble. Look for one with hardware that's firmly secured with no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features aren't up to the safety standards of today.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll require a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. They're usually affordable, and will aid your child's transition to larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option for families with many children. They've been designed to last and can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to match any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to place and can fit the majority of standard twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib to be very simple to put together - it took 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that is highly rated is the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch and is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a simple, stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the tiniest cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has an excellent travel bag.
The runner-up of our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design and can be converted from an infant crib to an adult bed with rail or a daybed with no rail. It is easy to assemble and also is aesthetically pleasing. appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.