Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also comes with a amount of flexibility by offering three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into an infant bed.
Bassinets are the best option if you have a small home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you select. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from hazards that may harm your baby during their sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the space between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to keep your baby's head or limbs from getting caught between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you're not, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit wider.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to think about when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable so you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your child will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are additional security features to be looking for. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. You should also be in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough to be able to go off on their own.
Also, ensure that the crib is away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that could be a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, because they may not be in compliance with current safety standards or have been recalled for other reasons.
Design
While cribs might appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must adhere to strict safety standards. For this reason, most of the cribs we reviewed have a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural integrity. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag a baby. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on how easily it was to put together and use. infant cot bed suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It has a stylish, contemporary design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. mini cotbed is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in various colors and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be very sturdy and stable, without flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you're planning to have more children. They can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a larger mattress, offering excellent value for money. Our test parents gave the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. The side rails that slide down were loved by a lot of parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and easy. They also stated that the crib was spacious enough space for their baby to be comfortable while mom and dad slept.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic choice if you like a more traditional style. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features an elegant design that will complement most every nursery. It has three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit small for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a washable crib mattress is an essential. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy which can lead to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be cleaned with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner, and pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Choose a mattress that has been that is rated up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the mattresses featured in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides which will let you use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be 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 firm sleeping surface reduces the chance of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
Check the label of a firm mattress to ensure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a threat to infants. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS, which are a good sign that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the mattress. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot then you might want an easier 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 the heaviest in this review. It's also made of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it much easier to move around compared with the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is ideal for parents with young children. Choose a crib with hardware that's firmly secured and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Beware of cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard -- these features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll need to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. These kits are often affordable and can aid your child in making the transition to a bigger bed more easily.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families with many children. These cribs are designed to last, and typically can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in slate or white grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and has locking wheels. It fits most twin beds. Our testers found this crib was very easy to assemble - it took 23 minutes to complete.
Another crib that is highly rated, the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch, and it meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a sleek minimalist design that will not be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among 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 during our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from different parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib to an adult bed with rail or a daybed that doesn't have rail. It's easy to set up and has a lot of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches during normal use.