Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It's also extremely flexible with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed.
Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better choice in case your home is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn (cots4tots.co.uk) is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free from dangers that could harm your baby while they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use and to regularly check the crib for signs of wear or damage.
Examine the distance between slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby falling over or getting their limbs trapped between them. You should also be able easily reach and see your baby's crib. If you aren't, the slats are too close together and should be wider.
The mattress support system is another aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It must be adjustable to various heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress in a secure way as well as a stable and sturdy construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with 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 sleep alone.
Also, ensure that the crib is away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects like curtains or blind cords are not within reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that could be the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. Be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, as they may not meet the safety standards of today or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
Although cribs may appear similar, it's important to keep in mind that all must meet strict safety guidelines. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar way to ensure the structural solidity. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or pinch the baby. We also tested each crib and rated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with simple instructions to reduce frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary design and comes in several 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).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in various colors and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. This crib was very stable and sturdy. It didn't flex or creak when a heavy child climbed in.
If you're thinking of having more children, you may think about a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a bed for a toddler and then a full-size mattress, offering an excellent value for your price. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that received high marks from our test parents. The drop-down side rail was highly praised by parents for making feeding their children at night safer and easier. They also noted that the crib had enough space for their baby to be comfortable while mom and dad lay down.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is an excellent option for those who prefer a more traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that is compatible with most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit too small for children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a crib mattress that is washable is essential. Diaper leaks, baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and bacteria that may affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be cleaned with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health issues.
Find a mattress that is that is rated up to 10 years, so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the products in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides which will let you use them right from birth until your child is ready for a full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is best because it can support their spines while they're developing. A firm sleeping surface helps reduce the risk of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a child's head is lowered into a mattress that is soft.
Examine the label of the mattress to make sure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that might pose a hazard to babies. There are also certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a great indicator that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. If you're not able to lift heavy objects, or you don't want to move a heavy object it is possible to choose a mattress that is lighter. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs, making it the largest in this review. It is also made from foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around as compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is ideal for parents with young children. You want to find the crib that has hardware that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to today's safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will require a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. These kits are offered separately by most manufacturers. These kits are usually cheap and can help your child make the transition to a larger bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that can be found in the convertible crib and they're a great investment for families with multiple children. These cribs are designed to last, and they generally can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It is available in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin beds. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that has been rated highly is 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 simple and stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for transport.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has rail or a daybed with no rail. It is easy to set up and has a lot of visual appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched in normal use.