Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in the Scandi nursery. It's also very adaptable because it comes with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are the best option when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. However, a lot of parents choose a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you select. You should ensure that it is in line with current safety standards and is free of dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing to look at is the spacing between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or limbs getting trapped in between them. You should also be able to easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you're not then the slats are close together and need to be a bit larger.
The mattress support system is an additional 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 help to reduce the possibility of your baby climbing out of the crib as is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress with ease as well as a stable and sturdy construction. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also share the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to go off on their own.
The last thing to do is make sure the crib is removed from radiators and windows and that hanging items such as curtains or blind cords are not in reach. You should also remove objects that could pose the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. Be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs since they may not be in compliance with current safety standards or have been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may look similar, but must comply with strict safety standards. For this reason, most of the cribs we reviewed are of a similar design to ensure consistency of structural quality. For example, most have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag a baby. We also tested each crib and rated it for its ease of use and assembly. We recommend choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It has a stylish modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also has a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be solid and stable, without flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you're planning to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a bed for toddlers and then a full-size mattress, giving you excellent value for money. Our test parents have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. The side rail that can be removed was loved by a lot of parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also noted that the crib was spacious enough space for their baby to be comfortable while dad and mom lay down.
If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and features a classic style that is perfect for every nursery. It comes with three different heights for the mattress, but some parents and toddlers might find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be a great option for babies. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner, and choose a waterproof mattress cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.
Choose mattresses that are designed to last for 10 years, meaning it will be ready 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 birth up until your child is ready for their own bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they're developing. A firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance 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 firm crib mattress be sure to check the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a danger 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 harm infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you lift and move the mattress. If you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want take on a heavy product, consider choosing a lighter crib mattress. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 lbs, making it the heaviest in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it much easier to move around as compared to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is ideal for parents with young children. Find one equipped with hardware that is securely held, without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Also, avoid any cribs that have 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 a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically cheap and can help your child make the transition to a larger bed more easily.
Convertible cribs are a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs have been built to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds 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 available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib comes with locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room. It can fit most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. cots offers is compliant 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 clash 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 bag for transport.
A runner-up in our testing The Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has a rail or into a daybed without the rail. online cots to set up and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches in normal use.