Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also comes with a deal of flexibility, with three different mattress support heights and the capability to convert into an infant bed.
Cribs consume a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better option for homes with small spaces. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib due to safety reasons.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of any hazards that may harm your baby as they sleep. It should be well-constructed and strong, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or create a choking risk. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to check the crib regularly.
Check the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby falling over or getting their limbs caught between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you cannot see, the slats need to be wider and not so close together.
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 baby grows. This will decrease the chance of your child getting out of the crib, which is a common event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and a solid and stable structure are other security features you should look for. You should also select a crib with fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. It's also better to share a room as your baby for six months or so, and only move them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be watched when they are sleeping on their own.
The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is removed from radiators and windows, and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. You should also take away any items that could present danger of choking, such as pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
While cribs might appear identical, it is important to remember that each must meet strict safety guidelines. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar fashion to ensure structural integrity. The majority of cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could trap babies or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib based on how easily it was to use and to assemble. More parts can mean more confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has simple instructions to reduce frustration.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, modern design and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various colors and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. The crib was stable and sturdy. It didn't flex or creak when a heavy child was seated.
If you're thinking of having more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a larger mattress, providing the best value for money. Our test parents have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of a convertible bed. The drop-down side rail was praised by many parents for making feeding at night more secure and easy. They also said that the crib offered enough space for their baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom slept.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a fantastic choice if you like the traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has an elegant style that is perfect for cots4tots.Co.Uk any nursery. It has three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit small for some toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
A washable crib mattress will be a great option for babies. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacteria that could affect infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress.
Find a mattress that is rated to last for 10 years, meaning it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products reviewed here are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is old enough to be their full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines as they are developing. A mattress that is extremely firm helps to reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
Check the label on the mattress to confirm that it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a danger to babies. You'll also see certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS, which are a good indicator that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of the mattress. Sheet changes at night require you to move and lift the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want carry a heavy item you should consider 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 lbs, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around as compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to assemble is great for parents with young children. You should choose 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 safety standards of today.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. These kits are often cheap and can aid your child in making the transition to a bigger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that can be found in convertible cribs, and they're a good option for families with multiple children. The cribs are made to last and can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's a classic design and is available in slate or white grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and features locking wheels. It fits most twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects only 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that is highly rated, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch, and it conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a stylish minimalist design that will not interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout crib is one of the lightest cribs we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient travel bag.
The runner-up of our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It's easy to assemble and has plenty of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches during normal use.