Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in a Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be converted into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are the best option when you live in a smaller house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you choose. You must ensure that the crib meets current safety standards and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could catch on clothing or present the risk of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for 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 trapped between them. You should also be able to easily reach and see your baby's crib. If you're not, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit wider.
The mattress support system is another aspect to think about when choosing the crib. It must be adjustable to various heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will decrease the chance of your child leaving the crib as is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other security features you should be looking for. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough to sleep alone.
The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is kept away from radiators and windows and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that might pose a choking hazard, such as pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
While cribs might appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must comply with strict safety guidelines. Most of the cribs that we looked at were designed in a similar manner to ensure the structural integrity. Most cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its user-friendliness and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has a few easy-to-follow directions to minimize frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be very solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you plan to have more children. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then a full-size mattress, offering excellent value for price. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. A few of them mentioned that the side rails that drop down made feeding at night easier and safer, and that the crib was spacious enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.
If you are looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that is suitable for every nursery. It has three different mattress heights, however it might be a little too small for children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a crib mattress that is washable is an essential. Diaper leaks, baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacterial infections that could be harmful to infants. Choose a product that is easy to clean with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into 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 that we have reviewed are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from birth up until your child is ready for their own bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal, as it will support their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
When looking for a mattress for your crib that is firm make sure you look over the label to be sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a threat to babies. You can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that could harm infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or don't want to move a heavy object, you may want 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 in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven-core inners, which makes it more maneuverable when compared to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to build. Choose a crib with hardware that's firmly secured, without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with today's safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are usually inexpensive and will help your child make the transition from a smaller bed more easily.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families who have multiple children. The cribs are made 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 is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's a classic design and is available in white or slate grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to place and can fit the majority of standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
Another top-rated crib is the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch that conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a simple elegant design that can go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the lighter cribs that we tested, weighing only 6kg. cheap cot beds to move and comes with a handy travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from different parenting publications 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 a rail. It's easy to assemble and has lots of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches when used regularly.