Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful 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 can take up a lot space, so bassinets may be a better option if your house is small. However, a lot of parents choose a crib for security reasons.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from dangers that could harm your baby as they sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby being able to get their head or legs trapped between them. You should also be able to easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you cannot see, the slats need to be broader and not as close to each other.
The mattress support system is another aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It is important to adjust the levels so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the risk of your baby leaving the crib as is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way and an enduring and solid construction. You should also choose a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also share the same room with your baby until they are old enough to sleep alone.
The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is kept away from radiators and windows and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are not in reach. Also, you should remove any items that could be danger to your child's health, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may appear similar, but must adhere to strict safety standards. This is why the majority cribs we looked at are of a similar design 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 trap a baby or pinch them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. We recommend choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It is stylish, contemporary design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. Additionally, it features a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
cots offers in 1 is another alternative. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of colors and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be very solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. These options can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, providing the best value for money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received excellent marks from our test parents. cots and tots of them mentioned that the drop-down side rail made nighttime feedings more secure and easier, and the crib was big enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to be at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a great choice if you like traditional design. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has an elegant style that is perfect for all nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights however, some parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will come in handy for newborns. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be cleaned with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner, and choose a waterproof mattress cover to help prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Choose a mattress that is rated to last for 10 years, meaning it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides, which allows you to use them right from birth until your child is ready to move on to an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they are developing. A firm sleeping surface reduces the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
If you are in search of a firm crib mattress make sure you check the label to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, and other chemicals that could pose danger to infants. You can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can cause harm to infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to take into consideration. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you move and lift the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product then consider getting a lighter crib mattress. For example 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's also made of foam, not inners with woven-core that makes it much easier to move around when compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to assemble. You want to find an item that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are often inexpensive and will assist your child to make the transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that comes with convertible cribs, and they're a good option for families with multiple children. These cribs have been built to last and can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's a classic design and is available in slate or white grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib comes with locks that let you easily move it from room to room and accommodates the majority of standard twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib to be very simple to put together, taking 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that is highly rated is the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch and conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It is a minimalist, stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and 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 won numerous prizes from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without a rail. It's easy to assemble and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.