Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in a Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are a good option if you have a small home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you choose. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of dangers that could harm your baby during their sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or legs from getting caught between them. You must also be able to easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you can't, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit larger.
The mattress support system is another aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable to different levels so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will lower the chance that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and solid and sturdy construction are additional security features to be looking for. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides rather than ones with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to sleep alone.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is kept away from radiators and windows, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are out of reach. You should also remove items that could be a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs since they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been removed from the market.
Design
It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs may look similar, but must meet the strict safety standards. For cots4tots.co.uk , most cribs we looked at have a similar layout to ensure consistency in terms of structural integrity. Most cribs feature circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also tested each crib and rated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various colors and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. The crib was extremely sturdy and stable. It didn't flex or squeak when a big child was seated.
If you're planning to have more children, you might think about a convertible crib. Many of these options convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that earned praise 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 stated that the crib offered enough room for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad slept.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft, and it is a classic design that is compatible with most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit small for some toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be a great option for babies. Baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and other bacteria that can affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned using mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Find mattresses that are rated to last for 10 years, meaning it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've discussed here are reversible with toddler and infant sides. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be their own bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, since it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm reduces the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a soft mattress.
Check the label on 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 and other chemicals that could be risk to infants. You'll also find certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a great indication that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. Sheet changes at night require you to move and lift the mattress, so if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want to carry a heavy item then consider getting a crib 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 featured in this review. It is also made of foam, not inner woven-core, making it more maneuverable compared with traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to assemble is great for parents with young children. You want to find a crib with firmly-secured hardware and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. These kits are sold separately by most manufacturers. These kits are usually cheap and can aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that comes with a convertible crib, and they're a good investment for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last and are typically able to be transformed into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It is available in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and can fit most standard twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib to be very simple to put together, taking 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that is highly rated is the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch, and it is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a simple elegant design that can go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the most lightweight cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing The Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting magazines 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 is simple to put together and also has a lot of visual appeal. However the surface can be scratched in normal use.