Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also provides a good amount of flexibility, with three mattress support height levels and the possibility of transforming into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a good option for those with a small home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of hazards that may cause harm to your child as they sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
Check the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or limbs getting trapped in between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your baby's crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats may be too close to each other and should be more spacious.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable to different heights so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the chance of your child getting out of 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. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. It's also better to share a room as your baby for six months or so, and only move them into their own room when they are old enough to be monitored when they sleep on their own.
Also, make sure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also remove any items that could present a choking risk such as pillows or blankets. Be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs because they may not meet current safety standards or have been recalled for other reasons.
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While cribs might appear similar, it's important to keep in mind that all must adhere to strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we examined have a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. Most cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle the baby or squeeze them. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on how easy it was to use and to assemble. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has clear instructions that are easy to follow to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It features a chic, contemporary design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned options. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various finishes and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. The crib was extremely solid and stable. It did not flex or creak when a large child was seated.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you plan to have more children. Many of these options can transform into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for your money. Our test parents have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. The drop-down side rail was praised by many parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also said that the crib had enough space for their baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom lay down.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a great choice. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that will fit in with most nursery decors. It comes with three mattress heights, but it might be a little too small for toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a crib mattress that is washable is a must. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be wiped down with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner, and select a mattress cover that is waterproof to prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health problems.
Choose a mattress that has been rated for up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. A lot of the mattresses in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides, which will let you use them 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 mattress that is extremely firm reduces the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a mattress that is soft.
Look over the label on the mattress to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that could be danger to infants. You can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that may cause harm to infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of the mattress. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move a heavy item then you might want a lighter mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also made of foam rather than woven-core inners, which makes 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 who are new. You want to find a crib with firmly-secured hardware and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts These features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. These kits are sold separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are usually inexpensive and will aid your child in making the transition to a larger bed more easily.
Convertible cribs are an excellent investment for families with many children. The cribs are designed to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It is available in slate grey or white to match any nursery decor. The crib comes with locks that let you easily move it from room to room and fits most standard twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib to be very simple to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a minimalist elegant design that can fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the tiniest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous prizes from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is easy to assemble and also has a lot of visual appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched by normal use.