Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It's also very adaptable because it comes with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a better choice if you have a small home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. However, many parents prefer a crib due to security reasons.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of any dangers that could cause harm to your child as they sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or create danger 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 check is the space between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or limbs getting caught between them. You should also be able easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you can't, the slats are too close together and should be larger.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to think about when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your baby will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features to look for. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. You should also be in the same room with your baby until they are old enough to sleep alone.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also take away any items that could present the risk of choking such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs, as they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
While cribs may look all similar, it's crucial to remember that every crib must comply with strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar fashion to ensure the structural stability. The majority of cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle a baby or pinch them. We also tested and rated each crib for how easy it was to put together and use. More parts can mean more confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with a few easy-to-follow directions to minimize frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It is stylish modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various colors and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you might be interested in a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a bed for toddlers and then a full-size mattress, giving you the best value for price. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned high marks from our test parents. The side rail that can be removed was highly praised by parents for making nighttime feedings safer and easier. Full File stated that the crib had enough space for their baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom slept.
If you prefer a traditional style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good choice. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with a timeless style that is perfect for every nursery. It has three different mattress heights however some parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is a must. Baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Choose a mattress that has been that is rated up to 10 years, so it is suitable for toddlers. A lot of the mattresses in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides that allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to an adult-sized bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal, as it will support their spines while they're developing. A firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is due to the fact that mattresses that are soft increase the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
If you are in search of a firm crib mattress make sure you examine the label to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a danger for 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' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another consideration is the weight of the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to move a heavy item, you may want a lighter mattress. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is 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 build. You should look for the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards -- these features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll likely require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families with several children. These cribs have been made to last and can be transformed 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 is available in slate grey or white to match any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and accommodates most standard twin mattresses. visit the next website page found that the crib very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to complete.
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 the standards of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also has a stylish minimalist design that will not clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around and has a handy travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing The Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received numerous prizes from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without a rail. It is simple to put together, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched during normal use.