Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant 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 converted 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. Many parents choose a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you select. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free from dangers that could cause harm to your baby while they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing to look at is the space between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep your baby's head or limbs from getting caught between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you're not, the slats are too close to each other and should be larger.
Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable to different heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will help to reduce the risk of your baby leaving the crib which is a frequent occurrence as they learn to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and solid and sturdy construction are other security features to look for. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room as your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them into their own bedroom once they are old enough to be monitored when they sleep on their own.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects like blind cords or curtains are out of their reach. You should also take away anything that could create a choking risk, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious of purchasing second-hand cribs as they may not meet current safety standards or have been recalled for different reasons.
Design
While cribs might appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must adhere to strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar way to ensure the structural stability. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or pinch the baby. We also examined each crib and evaluated it based on its ease of use and assembly. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has simple instructions to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It features a chic modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned options. It also has a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal features 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 newborn or toddler. nursery cots was very solid and stable. It did not flex or squeak when a big child climbed into it.
If you're planning to have more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for your money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that earned praise from our parents who tested it. Several of them commented that the side rails with a drop-down feature made nighttime feedings easier and safer and that the crib was spacious enough for the baby to feel comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
If you prefer a traditional style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless style that is compatible with most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, but certain parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a crib mattress that is washable is an essential. Baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Look for a product that can be cleaned with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner, and select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Find a mattress that is rated to last for 10 years, which means it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides, which allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to the full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is best for infants, because it provides the greatest support for their growing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
If you are looking for a firm crib mattress be sure to examine the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that might pose danger to infants. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US, which are a good indicator that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to consider. If you are unable to lift heavy objects, or 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 instead of woven-core inners, which makes it more maneuverable in comparison to the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to put together. You want to find an item that is securely secured, and no 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 today's safety standards.
When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are usually inexpensive and will help your child make the transition to a bigger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that comes with a convertible crib and are a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs have been designed to last, and they can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in slate or white grey to match every nursery decor. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to room and accommodates most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that has been rated highly one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch and conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a minimalist, stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the lighter cribs that we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
The runner-up of our tests The Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.