Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It also comes with a variety of versatility, with three mattress support height levels and the capability to convert into an infant bed.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets could be a better option in case your home is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby is dependent on the crib you choose. You should ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free of dangers that could harm your baby as they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that might catch on clothing or pose a choking hazard. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
The first thing to look at is the spacing between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby falling over or getting their legs trapped 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 so close together.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to consider when choosing a crib. It is important to adjust the levels so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress securely and solid and stable construction. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. It is also recommended to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them into their own bedroom once they are old enough to be monitored while sleeping alone.
Not least, make sure the crib is placed away from radiators and windows and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that could be danger to your child's health like pillows or blankets. You should also be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, because they may not meet the current safety standards or been recalled for other reasons.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may appear the same but must still adhere to strict safety standards. This is why the majority cribs we looked at are of a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural quality. Most cribs feature circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could trap babies or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib for how easily it was to put together and use. More components can cause confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has simple instructions to avoid frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It has a stylish modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in different finishes and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. This crib was very sturdy and stable. It did not flex or creak when a heavy child climbed in.
If you're planning on having more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. Many of these options convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed providing a long-lasting product for the money you spend. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that earned high marks from our parents who tested it. The side rails that slide down were highly praised by parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and less stressful. They also stated that the crib was spacious enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom slept.
If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great choice. This crib is more affordable 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 toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be a great option for babies. Baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy which can lead to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Select a mattress that can be easy to clean with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, select an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.
Choose go now that has been that is rated for up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses featured 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 the full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, since it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also reduces the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when an infant's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
If you are looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib be sure to look over the label to be sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that could pose danger to infants. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a great indicator that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to lift and move the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or aren't able to carry a heavy item, consider choosing a crib 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 made of foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around as compared to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to put together is great for new parents. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured, no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to today's safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that can be found in a convertible crib, and they're a good investment for families with multiple children. These cribs have been built to last and can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
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 white or slate grey to fit with almost any nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and fits most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also has a stylish minimalist design that doesn't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is among the most lightweight cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with an ideal 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 such as 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 is easy to set up, and it is aesthetically pleasing. appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched during normal use.