Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in the Scandi nursery. It also comes with a amount of flexibility, with three mattress support levels and the capability to convert into a toddler bed.
Cribs can take up a lot room, so bassinets might be a better choice if your house is small. However, many parents prefer a crib due to safety reasons.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby is dependent on the crib you choose. It is important to ensure that the crib conforms to current safety standards and is free from dangers that could cause harm to your child as they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no 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 look at is the spacing between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You should also be able easily reach and see your baby's crib. If you aren't then the slats are close to each other and should be larger.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the possibility of your baby climbing out of the crib as is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are other security features to be looking for. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. You should also share the same room as your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
The last thing to do is make sure the crib is placed away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could pose danger of choking like blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may appear identical, but they must adhere to strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar way to ensure the structural integrity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag a baby. We also assessed and rated each crib on how easy it was to put together and use. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with a few easy-to-follow directions to minimize frustration.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib is available in a variety of colors and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're planning to have more children, you may think about a convertible crib. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned excellent marks from our parents who tested it. Several of them commented that the drop-down side rail made feeding 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 sleeping.
If you're looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a classic design that is suitable for every nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights however, some parents and toddlers might feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a washable crib mattress is an essential. Baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and bacteria that may affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be cleaned with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Choose a mattress that is rated to last up to 10 years, which means it's ready for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible and have infant and toddler sides, that allows you to use them right from birth until your child is old enough to be an adult-sized bed.
click hyperlink that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because a 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 requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that might pose risk to infants. You can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that could affect infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. If you are unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't want to move a heavy object, you may want an easier 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 is also made of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around as compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is great for new parents. You want to find an item that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to today's safety standards.
When looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families who have several children. The cribs are designed to last and can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds, 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 is available in slate grey or white to match any nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and can fit the majority of standard twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that is highly rated is the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch, and it meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It is a minimalist and stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout is among the tiniest cribs we've tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around and has a handy travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing The Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium 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 prone to scratches during normal use.