Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also comes with a variety of versatility, with three mattress support height levels and the ability to transform into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets could be a better option in case your home is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that it meets current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.
Examine the distance between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or limbs getting caught between them. You must also be able to easily reach and observe your baby in the crib. If you cannot reach your baby, the slats must be broader and not as close together.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the risk of your baby getting out of the crib as is a common event as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress with ease as well as an enduring and solid construction. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended to share a room as your baby for six months or so, and only transfer them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be monitored when they are sleeping on their own.
Finally, you should ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as blind cords or curtains are out of their reach. Also, you should remove any items that could pose danger of choking, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs can look the same but must still adhere to strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we examined have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. For instance, many have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag the baby. We also evaluated and rated each crib for how easily it was to use and assemble. We recommend choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It has a stylish modern design 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).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal features that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of designs and four mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be very solid and stable, without flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, providing the best value for price. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. Several of them commented that the side rails with a drop-down feature made feeding their baby at night easier and safer and that the crib was spacious enough for the co-sleeping baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
If you prefer a traditional 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 style that is compatible with most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights however, certain parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be useful for infants. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp which can lead to mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. You should also choose a waterproof mattress cover to prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress that is rated to last up to 10 years, so it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products reviewed here are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This lets you use them from birth up until your child is old enough to be their own bed.
A firm crib mattress is best for infants, because it provides the greatest support for their developing spines. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
Check the label on a firm mattress to ensure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a risk to babies. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a great sign that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another factor to consider. If you're unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't wish to move a heavy item then you might want a mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs 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 constructed of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it much easier to move around as compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to assemble. You want to find an item that is securely secured and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with today's safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're typically affordable, and will aid your child's transition to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that is offered by convertible cribs, and they're a good investment for families with multiple children. These cribs have been built to last and can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's traditional in design and is available in slate or white grey to match every nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and features locking wheels. It can be used with most twin beds. Our test participants found that the crib was very easy to assemble - it took 23 minutes to put together.
best cots uk Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the most lightweight cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with a handy travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed with no rail. It is simple to put together and also has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.