Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in the Scandi nursery. Baby Crib comes with a deal of flexibility, with three different mattress support heights and the ability to transform into an infant bed.
Bassinets are a better choice if you have a small house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. However, many parents prefer a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of any hazards that may harm your baby during their sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the spacing between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby falling over or getting their legs trapped between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If not see, Baby Crib need to be wider and not so close together.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way, and an enduring and solid construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. It is also recommended to share a room with your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is kept away from windows and radiators, and that dangling items like curtains or blind cords are not in reach. It is also recommended to remove any objects that could pose a choking hazard like blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalled.
Design
While cribs might appear the same, it is important to remember that each must adhere to strict safety guidelines. Most of the cribs that we looked at were designed in a similar way to ensure structural integrity. The majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could trap the baby or squeeze them. We also evaluated and rated each crib on how easy it was to use and to assemble. We suggest choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in several colors, including two-toned. Additionally, it features a universal 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 another option. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. This crib was very solid and stable. It didn't flex or creak when a large child climbed into it.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you plan to have more children. They can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then a full-size mattress, giving you the best value for money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned high 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 the co-sleeping baby to feel at ease while dad and mom were asleep.
If you're looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and features an elegant style that is perfect for all nursery. It has three different mattress heights, however it might be a little too small for toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a washable crib mattress is an essential. Spitting up from diapers, baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacteria that may affect infants. Choose a mattress that is easy to clean with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, select a waterproof cover to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Look for mattresses that are designed to last for 10 years, meaning it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. A majority of the mattresses that we have reviewed are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for their own bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines as they are developing. A mattress that is firm and sturdy can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Look over the label of the mattress to confirm that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission 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 risk for infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a good indication that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or don't want to move an item that weighs a lot then you might want a mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example is 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 instead of woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around as compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to assemble is great for new parents. Find one with hardware that is securely secured and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to the safety standards of today.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll require a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. These kits are sold separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are often inexpensive and will assist your child to make the transition to a bigger bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that is offered by convertible cribs, and they're a good option for families with multiple children. These cribs have been made 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 is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It is available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room. It can fit the majority of standard twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that has been rated highly is the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch that meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic minimalist design that will not interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout crib is among the lighter cribs that we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for transport.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from different parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without rail. It's easy to assemble and has plenty of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches in normal use.