Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It's also very adaptable with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better option for homes with small spaces. Many parents prefer a crib for security reasons.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby is dependent on the crib you select. You must ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free of any hazards that may harm your baby while they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's directions regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the space between slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby being able to get their head or limbs trapped between them. nursery cots should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you can't then the slats are close together and need to be a bit wider.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are additional security features to be looking for. You should also choose a crib with fixed sides, rather than ones with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room as your baby for six months or so, and only transfer them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be supervised while sleeping alone.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is placed away from radiators and windows, and that dangling items like curtains or blind cords are out of reach. You should also remove items that might pose a choking hazard like blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs since they may not meet current safety standards, or have been removed from the market.
Design
It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs may appear similar, but must adhere to strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we looked at are of a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural integrity. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or squeeze the baby. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. More components can cause confusion, so we suggest selecting a crib with simple instructions to minimize frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It features a chic modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of designs and four mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you're planning to have more children. Many of these options convert into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for your money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that received praise from our test parents. The drop-down side rail was praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and less stressful. They also said that the crib had enough space for their baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom were asleep.
If you are looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a great choice. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless design that will fit in with the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit shallow for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be a great option for babies. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, choose an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.
Find mattresses that are rated to last 10 years, which means it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've discussed here are reversible with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed size.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines as they are developing. 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.
When looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib, check the label to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that could be risk to infants. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can cause harm to infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another factor to take into consideration. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to move and lift the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product then consider getting a lighter crib mattress. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 lbs, making it the largest in this review. It's also made of foam, not inners with woven-core that makes it more maneuverable compared with the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to put together. You want to find a crib with firmly-secured hardware and without sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Beware of cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for the headboard and footboard -- these features aren't in line with current safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. These kits are usually inexpensive and will assist your child to make the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that is offered by convertible cribs and they're a great choice for families with several children. These cribs have been built to last, and they can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to match every nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room. It fits the majority of twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib was very easy 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 compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a simple and stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with an ideal travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It's simple to put together and has a lot of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.