Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It is also very flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are a better choice when you live in a smaller house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. However, many parents choose a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You want to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. cots to tots should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.
Check the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep your baby's head or limbs getting trapped in between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your baby's crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not so close together.
The mattress support system is another aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable to different heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk that your child will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are additional security features you should look for. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. You should also sleep in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is removed from radiators and windows, and that dangling items like curtains or blind cords are out of reach. You should also remove items that might pose danger to your child's health, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs since they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
Although cribs may appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must comply with strict safety guidelines. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure the structural stability. Most cribs feature circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could trap babies or pinch them. We also evaluated and rated each crib on how easy it was to put together and use. We recommend choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It features a chic contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also has a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. The crib was extremely stable and sturdy. It did not move or squeak when a big child climbed into it.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you're planning to have more children. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, giving you the best value for money. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of convertible beds. A few of them mentioned that the side rails that drop down made feeding at night easier and safer and that the crib was roomy enough for the baby to feel at ease while dad and mom were asleep.
If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with a timeless design that is suitable for all nursery. It has three different mattress heights however, certain parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is a must. Spitting up from diapers, baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Look for a product that can be wiped down with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. Also, select a mattress cover that is waterproof to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Find a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've reviewed here are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for their own bed size.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, because it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A firm sleeping surface reduces the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
If you are looking for a mattress for your crib that is firm, look over the label to be sure it meets 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 show that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can cause harm to babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another consideration is the weight of the mattress. If you're unable to lift heavy objects, or don't want to move an item that weighs a lot then you might want a lighter 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 one of the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around in comparison to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to put together is great for parents with young children. Choose a crib equipped with hardware that is securely held and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Also, stay clear of cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard These features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're usually affordable, and will assist your child in transitioning to larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families with many children. best cots for newborns 've been built to last and can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in white or slate grey to match every nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and features locking wheels. It can be used with the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects only 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also features a chic minimalist design that will not interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout crib is one of the lightest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without rail. It is simple to put together and also has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched during normal use.