Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in a Scandi nursery. It also comes with a variety of versatility, with three mattress support levels and the ability to transform into an infant bed.
Bassinets are a better choice if you have a small house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of any dangers that could harm your baby while they sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or pose dangers of choking. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to regularly inspect the crib.
Check the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby falling over or getting their limbs trapped between them. You should also be able easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you cannot 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 should be adjustable to different 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 which is a frequent occurrence as they learn to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are other safety features you should be looking for. Choose a crib with fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. It's also better to sleep in the same room as your baby for six months or so, and then move them to their own room when they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.
Not least, make sure the crib is kept away from radiators and windows, and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are not in reach. Also, you should remove any items that could present danger of choking such as blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not meet current safety standards, or have been removed from the market.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may look similar, but must comply with strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure structural integrity. cribs beds of cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle a baby or pinch them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its ease of use and assembly. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has simple instructions to reduce frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, modern design and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also has an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in various colors and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, without flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you plan to have more children. A lot of these cribs can convert into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for your money. Our test parents gave the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of convertible beds. A few of them mentioned that the side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings more secure and easier, and the crib was spacious enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to be at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.
If you're looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a timeless style that is perfect for all nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it could be a bit shallow for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a washable crib mattress is essential. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty, resulting in mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to stop fluids from entering the mattress.
Look for a mattress that is rated to last for 10 years, so it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products discussed here are reversible with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from birth up until your child is ready for their own bed.
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 likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
Examine the label of the mattress to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a threat to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US, which are a good indicator that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to consider. Sheet changes at night require that you lift and move the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to take on a heavy product then consider getting a mattress that is lighter for your crib. Newton Wovenaire, for example is only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it much easier to move around as compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to put together. You should look for a crib with firmly-secured hardware, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with the safety standards of today.
If you're looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by most manufacturers. These kits are typically inexpensive and will assist your child to make the transition from a smaller bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that can be found in the convertible crib and they're a great option for families with multiple children. They are designed to last, and they typically can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in white or slate grey to match every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and can fit the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that has been rated highly one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch that is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It is a minimalist and stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has a handy 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 parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed with no rail. It is easy to set up and also has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched in normal use.