Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also provides a good deal of flexibility by offering three mattress support height levels and the capability to convert into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a better choice if you have a small house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to safety reasons.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm to your baby while they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose dangers of choking. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
Examine the distance between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to keep your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your baby's crib. If you aren't, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit wider.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable to different levels so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk of your baby climbing out of the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way as well as an enduring and solid construction. You should also choose a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also advisable to sleep in the same room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom when they are old enough to be watched when they are sleeping on their own.
Also, make sure that the crib is away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also take away any items that could pose a choking risk such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs since they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalled.
Design
It is crucial to remember that cribs may look similar, but must comply with strict safety standards. For this reason, most cribs we looked at have a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural quality. Most cribs feature circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could trap a baby or pinch them. We also tested and rated each crib on how easy it was to use and assemble. We suggest selecting a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal details that make it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was solid and stable. It did not flex or squeak when a big child climbed in.
If you're planning on having more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then a full-size mattress, offering the best value for money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that earned praise from our test parents. The side rails that slide down were highly praised by parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and less stressful. They also noted that the crib had enough space for their baby to rest comfortably 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 solid choice. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with an elegant design that is suitable for any nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, but some parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be useful for infants. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy which can lead to mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that can be cleaned with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, choose a waterproof mattress cover to stop fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress rated for up to 10 years, so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the products that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from birth up until your child is ready for their full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants because it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is due to the fact that a soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
If you are in search of a firm crib mattress make sure you look over the label to be sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, and other chemicals that might pose danger to infants. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good sign that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the mattress. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or don't want to move a heavy item it is possible to choose 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 featured in this review. It is also made of foam, not inner woven-core, making it more maneuverable when compared to the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to put together. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held and has without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet 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. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option for families with several children. These cribs are built to last and are typically able to be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in white or slate grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and has locking wheels. It fits most twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia and Europe. It also has a stylish, minimalist design that won't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the lightest cribs we tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with an excellent travel bag.
top rated cots , which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without rail. It's simple to put together and has a lot of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches during normal use.