Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in a Scandi nursery. It's also very adaptable, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are a better choice when you live in a smaller house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you select. You want to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards, and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
The first thing you need to check is the space between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or legs from getting trapped in between them. You should also be able easily reach and see your baby's crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats must be broader and not as close together.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to think about when choosing a crib. It must be adjustable to various heights so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and a solid and stable structure are additional security features you should be looking for. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. It's also better to share a room with your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom when they are old enough to be monitored while sleeping alone.
Finally, you should ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of their reach. It is also recommended to remove any objects that could pose danger to your child's health, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs since they may not meet the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.
Design
It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs may look similar, but must adhere to strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we looked at were designed in a similar way to ensure the structural solidity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag 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 selecting a crib with simple instructions to minimize 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 options. It also comes with an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. 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. We tested this crib and found it to be very sturdy and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you are planning to have more children. Many of these options can be converted into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed providing a long-lasting product for your money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received high marks from our parents who tested it. The side rails that slide down were loved by a lot of parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also noted that the crib had enough space for their baby to be comfortable while dad and mom lay down.
If you're looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good choice. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that will fit in with most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit shallow for some toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can come in handy for newborns. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that is easy to clean with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Look for mattresses that are designed to last 10 years, which means it's ready for toddlers and beyond. A majority of the mattresses reviewed here are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This lets you use them from birth up until your child is ready for their own bed size.
A firm mattress for the crib is best because it can support their spines as they are developing. A super-firm sleep surface also helps reduce the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a soft mattress.
Look over similar web page on the mattress to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could pose danger to infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that could cause harm to infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another consideration is the weight of the mattress. Sheet changes at night require that you move and lift the mattress. If you struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to take on a heavy product then consider getting a lighter crib mattress. 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 made of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it much easier to move around in comparison to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to assemble. Find one with hardware that is securely secured with no sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to the current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll aid your child's transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families who have several children. These cribs are built to last, and generally can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to fit with almost any nursery decor. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to room. It can fit most standard twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that is highly rated is the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch that is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a stylish, minimalist design that won't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with an excellent travel bag.
The runner-up of our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from different parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches in normal use.