Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in a Scandi nursery. It also provides a good variety of versatility with three different mattress support heights and the ability to transform into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs can take up a lot room, so bassinets might be a better option if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby is dependent on the crib you select. You want to make sure that it meets the current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to check the crib regularly.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby getting their head or limbs trapped between them. You must also be able to easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you cannot reach your baby, the slats must be broader and not as close together.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to think about when choosing a crib. It is important to adjust the heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will help to reduce the risk of your baby getting out of the crib which is a frequent situation as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress securely, and a stable and sturdy construction. You should also select a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended to share a room with your baby for the first six months or so, and then move 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 items that might pose a choking hazard, such as pillows or blankets. You should also be wary of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not meet the current safety standards or been recalled for different reasons.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may appear similar, but must comply with strict safety standards. For this reason, most cribs we examined are of a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural solidity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or squeeze a baby. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its ease of use and assembly. More components can cause confusion, so we suggest choosing a crib that comes with clear instructions that are easy to follow to avoid frustration.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of designs and four mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. Many of these options transform into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, offering excellent longevity for the money you spend. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of a convertible bed. The drop-down side rail was loved by a lot of parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also said that the crib offered enough space for their baby to sleep comfortably while mom and dad lay down.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is an excellent choice if you like traditional design. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft, and it is a classic design that will fit in with the majority of nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights however, some parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be useful for infants. 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 is easy to clean with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, select a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Find a mattress that is that is rated for up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible with infant and toddler sides, which will let you use them from birth until your child is ready for the full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, because it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also helps to reduce the risk of SIDS which is more likely to occur when a baby's head sinks into a soft mattress.
Check the label on the mattress to confirm that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, and other chemicals that could pose risk to infants. There are also sale cot as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can affect infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the mattress is a further factor to consider. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move a heavy object it is possible to choose a mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also constructed of foam rather than inners with woven-core that makes it more maneuverable compared with traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is great for parents with young children. Look for one with hardware that's firmly secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. 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 buy a convertible crib, you'll require a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're typically cheap, and they'll aid your child's transition to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that comes with the convertible crib and are a great choice for families with several children. The cribs are built to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's a classic design and is available in white or slate grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room and fits the majority of standard twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the most lightweight cribs we've tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with an ideal travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from different parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without rail. It's easy to assemble and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.
