Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in the Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be converted into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs can take up a lot room, so bassinets might be a better option in case your home is small. Many parents prefer a crib due to safety reasons.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you choose. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of any hazards that may cause harm to your baby as they sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or create a choking hazard. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing you need to check is the spacing between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or limbs from getting caught between them. You must also be able to easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not as close to each other.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting the crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the chance of your child climbing out of the crib which is a frequent occurrence as they learn to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are other security features to be looking for. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. It's also better to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then transfer them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.
Not least, ensure that the crib is placed away from radiators and windows and that hanging items such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. You should also remove any items that could pose a choking risk, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs since they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
Although cribs may appear identical, it is important to remember that each must meet strict safety guidelines. The majority of cribs we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure the structural stability. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or squeeze a baby. We also tested and rated each crib based on how easily it was to use and assemble. More components can cause confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has simple instructions to avoid frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. cots and tots has a stylish contemporary design and is available in a range of colors, including two-toned options. 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. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different colors and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. This crib was very sturdy and stable. It didn't flex or squeak when a big child was seated.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you are planning to have more children. Many of these options transform into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed providing a long-lasting product for your money. Our test parents have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. The drop-down side rail was praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings safer and easier. They also noted that the crib was spacious enough room for the baby to sleep comfortably while mom and dad lay down.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is an excellent choice if you like a more traditional style. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features an elegant design that is suitable for every nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it may be a bit small for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will come in handy for newborns. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty, resulting in mildew or other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned using mild cleaner or cloth. Also, select a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress.
Look for mattresses that are designed to last for 10 years, so it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides, which allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be the full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is best because it can support their spines as they are developing. cots 4 tots -firm sleep surface also helps to reduce the risk of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a soft mattress.
If you are looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib make sure you look over the label to be sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 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 for infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a great indicator that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the mattress. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you lift and move the mattress, so if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or aren't able to handle a heavy product then consider getting a lighter crib mattress. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to assemble is great for parents with young children. Find one with hardware that is securely secured, without sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the safety standards of today.
If you're looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're often affordable, and will help your child transition into a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that is offered by the convertible crib and are a great investment for families with multiple children. They've been designed to last and can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It is available in slate grey or white to match any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and can fit most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects only 23 minutes to assemble.
Another top-rated crib, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch and meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It is a minimalist elegant design that can be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout is among the most lightweight cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with a handy travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing The Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without a rail. It is easy to assemble and also has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched during normal use.