Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It's also extremely flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into an infant's bed.
Bassinets are a good option when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up more space. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib for security reasons.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you choose. You must ensure that it is in line with the current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and strong, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. Baby Cot is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing you need to check is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to prevent your baby from getting their head or limbs trapped between them. You should also be able to easily reach and see your baby's crib. If you're not reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and need to be a bit more spacious.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It is important to adjust the heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your baby will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other security features you should look for. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be monitored when they sleep on their own.
Not least, ensure that the crib is placed away from radiators and windows, and that dangling items like curtains or blind cords are not in reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that might pose the risk of choking like pillows or blankets. Be cautious of purchasing second-hand cribs since they may not meet current safety standards or have been recalled for other reasons.
Design
It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs may appear the same but must still comply with strict safety standards. For this reason, most of the cribs we reviewed have a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural quality. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or pinch the baby. We also tested and rated each crib for the ease of use and to assemble. We suggest selecting a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of 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).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of designs and four mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you may think about a convertible crib. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received high marks from our test parents. The drop-down side rail was praised by many parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also stated that the crib offered enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while mom and dad slept.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a great option for those who prefer a more traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a timeless design that will complement most any nursery. It comes with three different heights for the mattress, but certain parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a crib mattress that is washable is essential. Baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty which can lead to mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easy to clean with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Find mattresses that are rated to last 10 years, so it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've discussed here are reversible with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from birth up 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 can support their spines while they are developing. A firm sleeping surface reduces the risk of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.
Check the label of the mattress to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a danger to 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 babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to lift and move the mattress. If you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want to carry a heavy item, consider choosing a lighter crib mattress. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, which makes it the largest in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not woven-core inners, which makes it easier to maneuver compared with traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is ideal for parents who are new. Choose a crib with hardware that's firmly secured, no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Also, avoid any 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 need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're typically affordable, and will aid your child's transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families with several children. The cribs are designed to last and 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 has four mattress-level heights. It's available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to place and accommodates most standard twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib to be very simple to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.
Another crib that is highly rated, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch and meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the lightest cribs we test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with an excellent travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received several prizes from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib into an adult bed with rail or a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is simple to put together and has a lot of visual appeal. However the surface can be scratched by normal use.