Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also offers a great deal of flexibility, with three mattress support height levels and the ability to transform into a toddler bed.
Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better option in case your home is small. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib due to safety reasons.
Safety
The health and well-being 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 dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could catch on clothing or create dangers of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and use and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from getting their head or legs trapped between them. You should be able to see and reach your child's crib. If you aren't see, the slats need to be wider and not as close to each other.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce the chance of your child leaving the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other security features to look for. It is also recommended to choose a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to sleep on their own.
In the end, you must ensure that the crib is away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are out of their reach. Also, you should remove any items that could present danger of choking like pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs, as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs can look similar, but must meet the strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar fashion to ensure structural integrity. Most cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle the baby or squeeze them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it based on its user-friendliness and assembly. More components can cause confusion, so we suggest selecting a crib with clear instructions that are easy to follow to avoid frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. Additionally, it features an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in various finishes and comes with four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you're planning to have more children. Many of these options can transform into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed providing a long-lasting product for the money. Our test parents loved the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. A few of them mentioned that the drop-down side rail made feeding their baby at night more secure and easier, and the crib was spacious enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great choice. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with an elegant style that is perfect for any nursery. It has three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit small for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a clean crib mattress is an essential. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be cleaned with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to stop fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health issues.
Choose a mattress that has been that is rated up to 10 years, so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses featured in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides, which allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to an adult-sized bed.
A firm crib mattress is ideal for infants, because it provides the greatest support for their developing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is due to the fact that a soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
If you are looking for a firm crib mattress be sure to examine the label to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, and other chemicals that could be a hazard to babies. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can cause harm to infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is a further factor to consider. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you lift and move the mattress. If you are unable to lift 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. Baby Cot Bed Cots For Tots UK makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around compared to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to assemble is great for parents with young children. You want to find the crib that has hardware that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Beware of cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for the headboard and footboard -- these features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are typically inexpensive and will assist your child to make the transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that can be found in convertible cribs and they're a great choice for families with several children. The cribs are made to last, and they can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It is available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and has locking wheels. It can be used with most twin beds. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia and Europe. It is a minimalist, stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the lightest cribs we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous prizes from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without rail. It is easy to assemble and has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the surface can be scratched by normal use.