Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It's also very adaptable, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be transformed into an infant's bed.
Cribs take up a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better option in case your home is small. However, many parents prefer a crib for security reasons.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you select. You should ensure that it meets current safety standards and is free from any dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that could catch on clothing or pose a choking hazard. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use and to regularly check the crib for signs of wear or damage.
Check the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, 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 in the crib. If you aren't, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit wider.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk of your baby leaving the crib which is a frequent event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are additional security features you should be looking for. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop cot sale Cots For Tots UK can be dangerous for your child. It is also recommended to share a room with your baby for six months or so, and then transfer them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be monitored while sleeping alone.
In the end, you must ensure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects like blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also remove items that could be a choking hazard like blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
While cribs may look all identical, it is important to remember that each must comply with strict safety regulations. To this end, the majority cribs we examined have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural quality. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle babies or pinch them. We also evaluated and rated each crib on how easy it was to put together and use. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with clear instructions that are easy to follow to avoid frustration.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, modern design and comes in a variety of 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).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in different finishes and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, without creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you are planning to have more children. These options can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a larger mattress, providing the best value for price. Our test parents loved the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. A few of them mentioned that the side rails with a drop-down feature made feeding at night easier and safer, and that the crib was big enough for the co-sleeping baby to feel at ease while dad and mom were asleep.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a great choice if you like a more traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It has three different heights for the mattress, but certain parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is a must. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp which can lead to mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be wiped down with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner, and choose a waterproof mattress cover to prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health problems.
Find a mattress that is that is rated for up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses discussed here are reversible with a toddler and infant side. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is old enough to be their full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal because it supports their spines as they are developing. A mattress that is firm and sturdy can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is due to the fact that mattresses that are soft increase the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Examine the label on a firm mattress to ensure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that might pose danger to infants. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may affect infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the mattress is another factor to consider. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you move and lift the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to carry a heavy item you should consider a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, which makes it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it much easier to move around when compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. Find one with hardware that is securely secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to the safety standards of today.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that comes with a convertible crib and they're a great choice for families with several children. These cribs have been made to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib has locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to place and accommodates most standard twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib to be very simple to assemble - it took 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that has been rated highly is the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch, and it is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a simple and stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has rail or a daybed with no rail. It's easy to set up and has a lot of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.