Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery. It also offers a great deal of flexibility with three mattress support levels and the capability to convert into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a good option if you have a small home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib due to security reasons.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you choose. You want to make sure that the crib meets current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could get caught on clothing or present a choking hazard. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's directions regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing you need to check is the spacing between slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby being able to get their head or limbs trapped between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child's crib. If you aren't then the slats are close together and should be wider.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your baby will fall out of the crib as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress with ease, and solid and stable construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. You should also sleep in the same room with 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 removed from radiators and windows and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are out of reach. Also, you should remove anything that could create a choking risk such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs as 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 appear similar, but must adhere to strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure structural solidity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or snag the baby. We also examined each crib and evaluated it based on its user-friendliness and assembly. More components can cause confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has a few easy-to-follow directions to minimize frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of 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 appearance. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. The crib was extremely solid and stable. It didn't flex or creak when a heavy child climbed in.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you're planning to have more children. Many of these options can be converted into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed providing a long-lasting product for the money you spend. affordable cots is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned high marks from our parents who tested it. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also said that the crib offered enough room for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
If you are looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that will complement most all nursery. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however, some parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can come in handy for newborns. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Find a mattress cover that can be cleaned with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to help prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress that is rated up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've that we have reviewed are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is ideal for infants, because it provides the most support to their growing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also helps reduce the risk of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.
When looking for a mattress for your crib that is firm be sure to check the label to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that could pose a hazard to babies. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can cause harm to infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to take into consideration. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move a heavy item, you may want a mattress that is lighter. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around as compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. You should choose a crib with firmly-secured hardware, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These items aren't in compliance with today's safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll need to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically inexpensive and will aid your child in making the transition to a bigger bed more smoothly.
best crib appreciate the longevity that can be found in convertible cribs and are a great investment 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 is a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to match almost every 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 test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a minimalist elegant design that can be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is one of the lighter cribs that we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient 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 various parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without a rail. It's easy to assemble and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches when used regularly.