Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also offers a great variety of versatility with three different mattress support heights and the capability to convert into an infant bed.
Bassinets are a good option if you have a small house. Cribs can take up more space. However, many parents prefer a crib due to security reasons.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby is dependent on the crib you choose. You should ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from dangers that could harm your baby as they sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create danger of choking. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for indications of wear or damage.
Check the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to prevent your baby from falling over or getting their limbs caught between them. You must also be able to easily reach and observe your baby in the crib. If you're not, the slats are too close to each other and should be wider.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the levels so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress in a secure way, and solid and stable construction. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. You should also share the same room as your baby until they are old enough to sleep alone.
Not least, make sure the crib is removed from radiators and windows, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. Also, you should remove any objects that could pose a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. Be wary of buying second-hand cribs, since they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
Although cribs may appear similar, it's crucial to remember that every crib must comply with strict safety regulations. This is why the majority cribs we examined have a similar layout to ensure consistency of structural solidity. For example, most have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or squeeze a baby. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on the ease of use and to assemble. We suggest selecting a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It is stylish modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-tone options. It also has a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. cheap cot bed is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you might think about a convertible crib. A lot of these cribs can transform into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for your money. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of convertible beds. Several of them commented that the side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings easier and safer, and that the crib was roomy enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.
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 has a classic design that is suitable for every nursery. It has three different heights for the mattress however some parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a crib mattress that is washable is an essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned with an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to stop fluids from entering the mattress.
Look for a mattress that is rated to last 10 years, so it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've discussed here are reversible with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their own bed size.
A mattress that is firm is the best choice for infants because it provides the most support to their growing spines. A firm sleeping surface helps reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a mattress that is soft.
Check the label of 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, as well as other chemicals that could pose danger to infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can affect infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is another thing to take into consideration. Sheet changes at night require that you lift and move the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to carry a heavy item then consider getting a mattress that is lighter for your crib. 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 constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around in comparison to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is ideal for parents with young children. You want to find a crib with firmly-secured hardware and without sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Beware of cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for headboards and footboards -- these features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers sell these kits separately. They're usually cheap, and they'll aid your child's transition to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that can be found in convertible cribs and they're a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last and typically can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It is available in white or slate grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and has locking wheels. It can be used with most twin beds. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
Another top-rated crib one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch and meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a minimalist, stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with an excellent travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has received 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 easy to set up and has plenty of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.