Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery. It also comes with a deal of flexibility with three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets could be a better choice in case your home is small. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you select. You must ensure that it meets current safety standards and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or present the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for signs of wear or damage.
Examine the distance between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby getting their head or limbs trapped between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you cannot, the slats should be broader and not as close together.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to think about when choosing a crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the chance of your child leaving the crib which is a frequent event as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress with ease, and an enduring and solid construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. You should also sleep in the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to go off on their own.
The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is placed away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could present the risk of choking, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalled.
Design
While cribs might appear similar, it's important to keep in mind that all must adhere to strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure structural stability. Most cribs feature circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch babies or pinch them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also comes with an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different finishes and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be very solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing 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 transform into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for the money. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. Several of them commented that the side rails that drop down made feeding their baby at night easier and safer and that the crib was spacious enough for the co-sleeping baby to be at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.
If you prefer a traditional style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and comes with an elegant design that will complement most all nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit too small for toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a crib mattress that is washable is a must. Baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easy to clean with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.
Look for mattresses that are rated to last for 10 years, meaning it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides, which will let you use them right from birth until your child is ready for an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm is the best choice for infants because it will provide the most support to their growing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also helps to reduce the risk of SIDS which is more likely to occur 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 flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that could pose risk to infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good 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 mattress is a further factor to consider. If you're not able to lift heavy objects, or don't want to move a heavy object then you might want a lighter 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 featured in this review. It's also made of foam rather than inners with woven-core that makes it more maneuverable in comparison to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to assemble is great for parents with young children. Find one with hardware that is securely secured, no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with today's safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll aid your child's transition to larger beds more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that can be found in convertible cribs, and they're a good option for families with multiple children. These cribs have been made to last and can be transformed 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 comes with four mattress-level heights. It's available in slate grey or white to match any nursery decor. top ranked cribs comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and can fit most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that has been rated highly is the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch, and it conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic minimalist design that will not interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is among the tiniest cribs we've 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 constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from different parenting publications such as 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 set up and has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.