Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in the Scandi nursery. It also comes with a deal of flexibility, with three mattress support height levels and the possibility of transforming into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are the best option if you have a small house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents choose a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you choose. You must ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.
Check the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby getting their head or limbs caught between them. You should also be able easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you're not then the slats are close together and should be larger.
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 possibility of your baby leaving the crib which is a frequent event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other security features to be looking for. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended to share a room with your baby for six months or so, and only move them into their own bedroom when they are old enough to be monitored when they are sleeping on their own.
The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is placed away from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could pose the risk of choking, such as blankets or pillows. Be best cot newborn when buying used cribs, as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
It is crucial to remember that cribs may appear identical, but they must meet the strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar manner to ensure structural solidity. Most cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could catch babies or pinch them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it based on its ease of use and assembly. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has clear instructions that are easy to follow to reduce frustration.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. Additionally, it features a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Another option 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 various colors and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. The crib was extremely sturdy and stable. It did not move or creak when a large child climbed in.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you plan to have more children. These options can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, giving you excellent value for price. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib which received excellent marks from our parents who tested it. The drop-down side rail was loved by a lot of parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also said that the crib offered enough room for the baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom lay down.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a fantastic option for those who prefer a more traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features an elegant design that will complement most any nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it may be a bit small for some toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a washable crib mattress is essential. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner, and select a mattress cover that is waterproof to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.
Choose a mattress that has been that is rated up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses reviewed here are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from birth up until your child is old enough to be their full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants because it will provide the greatest support for their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface reduces the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.
Examine the label of a firm mattress to ensure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a risk to babies. There are also certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a good sign that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move a heavy object it is possible to choose a mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of inners with woven-core that makes it easier to maneuver compared with a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to put together. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with the current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're often affordable, and will aid your child's transition to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that comes with the convertible crib and are a great investment for families with multiple children. The cribs are designed to last and can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It is available in slate grey or white to match any nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and features locking wheels. It fits most twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that is highly rated is the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch, and it is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic minimalist design that doesn't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with a handy travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches when used regularly.