Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in a Scandi nursery. It also comes with a amount of flexibility by offering three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Cribs consume a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better choice for homes with small spaces. However, many parents choose a crib for security reasons.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. It is important to ensure that the crib is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of any dangers that could cause harm to your baby during their sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or create a choking risk. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child in the crib. If you aren't, the slats should be wider and not so close to each other.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It must be adjustable to various heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the chance of your child getting out of the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are additional security features to be looking for. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough to be able to go off on their own.
Not least, ensure that the crib is removed from windows and radiators, and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any objects that could pose the risk of choking, such as blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, as they may not meet the current safety standards or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
While cribs may look all the same, it is important to keep in mind that all must comply with strict safety regulations. Most of the cribs that we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure structural solidity. Most cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has simple instructions to avoid frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It is stylish contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including 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. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in a variety of finishes and comes with four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. The crib was extremely sturdy and stable. It didn't flex or squeak when a big child was seated.
If you're planning to have more children, you might want to consider a convertible crib. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed, offering excellent longevity for your money. Our test parents gave the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. Many of them said that the side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings easier and safer, and that the crib was big enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that can be incorporated into the majority of nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit too small for toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a clean crib mattress is an essential. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty that can cause mildew and bacterial infections that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, select an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Find a mattress that is rated to last 10 years, which means it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible with infant and toddler sides, which will let you use them right from birth until your child is ready to move on to the full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is the best choice for infants because it provides the most support to their growing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
Check the label of the mattress to confirm that it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could be danger to infants. You'll also see certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good indication that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. Sheet changes at night require you to move and lift the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to handle a heavy product, consider choosing a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For instance, 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 in comparison to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is ideal for parents who are new. Find one equipped with hardware that is securely held and has without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the current safety standards.
If see post decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll need to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. These kits are typically affordable and can assist your child to make the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs can be a great option for families with multiple children. They are designed to last, and are typically able to be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It is available in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and has locking wheels. It fits the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a minimalist elegant design that can be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout is one of the lightest cribs we test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with a handy travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into an adult bed with rail or a daybed with no rail. It is easy to assemble and also has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.