Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in the Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are a good option for those with a small house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib for security reasons.
great crib and wellbeing of your baby is dependent on the crib you select. You should ensure that it meets current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or create dangers of choking. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to regularly inspect the crib.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or limbs from getting caught between them. You should also be able easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you aren't, the slats are too close together and should be wider.
Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance of your child climbing out of the crib, which is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features to look for. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. You should also sleep in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough to be able to go off on their own.
Finally, you should ensure that the crib is away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects like curtains or blind cords are not within reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that could be the risk of choking, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs, as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
Although cribs may appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must adhere to strict safety guidelines. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure the structural solidity. Most cribs feature circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib on how easy it was to use and assemble. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It has a stylish modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also has an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're planning on having more children, you may be interested in a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, giving you the best value for price. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received excellent marks from our parents who tested it. Many of them said that the drop-down side rail made feeding their baby at night more secure and easier, and the crib was roomy enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.
If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that is compatible with most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, but some parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be useful for infants. Baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy which can lead to mildew and other bacteria that can affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned using mild cleaner or cloth. Also, select a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress.
Find 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 with toddler and infant sides which will let you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to the full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is ideal for infants, since it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm helps to reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.
If you are in search of a mattress that is firm for your crib make sure you check the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a danger to babies. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a great indicator that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another factor to take into consideration. If you're not able to lift heavy objects, or don't want to move a heavy object, you may want a mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is great for parents who are new. Find one with hardware that's firmly secured, without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with the current safety standards.
When looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll probably require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are usually inexpensive and will assist your child to make the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs are a great option for families with many children. These cribs are designed to last, and they are typically able to be transformed into an infant bed, daybed or a 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's available in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and features locking wheels. It fits the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also features a chic minimalist design that will not clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the tiniest cribs we've tested at 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 several awards from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib into a toddler bed with rail or a daybed without the rail. It's simple to put together and has plenty of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches in normal use.