Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be transformed into an infant's bed.
Cribs can take up a lot room, so bassinets might be a better choice in case your home is small. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you select. You want to make sure that the crib meets the current safety standards, and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that could catch on clothing or create a choking hazard. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to regularly inspect the crib.
Baby beds need to check is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or limbs getting trapped in between them. You must also be able to easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you cannot reach your baby, the slats must be broader and not as close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress securely, and an enduring and solid construction. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides rather than ones with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also be in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough for them to sleep alone.
In the end, you must make sure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are not within reach. Also, you should remove any items that might pose a choking hazard like blankets or pillows. Be cautious of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, as they may not meet the current safety standards or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
It is crucial to remember that cribs can look identical, but they must comply with strict safety standards. This is why the majority cribs we looked at have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural quality. Most cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could catch the baby or squeeze them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its user-friendliness and assembly. We recommend choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be very solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you plan to have more children. Many of these options transform into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for your money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that earned excellent marks from our test parents. The drop-down side rail was loved by a lot of parents for making feeding at night more secure and less stressful. They also stated that the crib was spacious enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom slept.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a great option for those who prefer the traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a classic design that will complement most any nursery. It has three different mattress heights, but certain parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be a great option for babies. Baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty that can cause mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be wiped down with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner, and pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress rated for up to 10 years so that it can be used for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses discussed here are reversible with a toddler and infant side. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed size.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is best because it supports their spines as they are developing. A mattress that is firm and sturdy can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Look over the label of the mattress to confirm that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a threat for infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a great indication that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to take into consideration. If you're 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 pounds. 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 much easier to move around when compared to the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to build. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured and has without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to the current safety standards.
If Baby Cot decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically affordable and can assist your child to make the transition from a smaller bed more easily.
Convertible cribs can be a great option for families with many children. They've been designed to last and can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold 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 is suitable for most twin beds. Our testers found this crib to be very simple to put together, taking 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Canada, Australia, and Europe. It is a minimalist and stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we tested, weighing just 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 made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has rail or a daybed that doesn't have rail. It's simple to put together and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.