Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery cots. It also comes with a variety of versatility with three mattress support height levels and the ability to transform into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs consume a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better option for homes with small spaces. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards, and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to regularly inspect the crib.
Examine the distance between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep your baby's head or limbs being trapped between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your baby's crib. If not reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not as close together.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It must be adjustable to various levels so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk of your baby climbing out of the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and solid and sturdy 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 can be dangerous for your child. It is also recommended cribs to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be watched while sleeping alone.
Not least, make sure the crib is kept away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that could be the risk of choking, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs may appear identical, but they must meet the strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar way to ensure the structural stability. The majority of cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could trap a baby or pinch them. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on the ease of use and to assemble. We suggest selecting one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It is stylish, contemporary design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in various finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. The crib was solid and stable. It did not flex or creak when a large child climbed in.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you plan to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed and then a full-size mattress, providing the best value for price. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned praise from our parents who tested it. The side rails that slide down were highly praised by parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also said that the crib had enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while mom and dad slept.
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 has a timeless style that is compatible with most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit small for some children and parents with small cot beds bodies.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a crib mattress that is washable is an essential. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Look for a product that can be cleaned with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner, and select a mattress cover that is waterproof to help prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for mattresses that are rated to last for 10 years, meaning it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible and have infant and toddler sides, which allows you to use them right from birth until your child is ready for an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, because it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
If you are looking for a mattress for your crib that is firm 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 flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that could pose risk to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a great indication that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is another thing to take into consideration. Sheet changes at night require that you lift and move the mattress, so if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want 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 in this review. It is also made from foam, not 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 the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Beware of cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards -- these features aren't in line with current safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. These kits are usually inexpensive and will aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that comes with convertible cribs, Small Cot Beds and they're a good choice for families with several children. These cribs have been made to last and can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds, 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 a classic design and is available in slate or white grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and comes with locking wheels. It fits the majority of 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 an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch that conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a simple elegant design that can go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the tiniest cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has an excellent travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests The Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without rail. It's easy to assemble and has a lot of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.