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 very adaptable with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into a toddler's bed.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets may be a better option if your house is
small cot beds. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the
best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. It is important to ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards and is free of any hazards that may cause harm to your baby as they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or present dangers of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and use and to regularly check 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 apart to avoid your
Baby Cot falling over or getting their legs trapped between them. You should also be able easily reach and see your baby's crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not as close together.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to think about when choosing the crib. It is important to adjust the levels so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will fall out of the crib as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are other safety features you should look for. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which can be dangerous for your baby. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room with your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be monitored while sleeping alone.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is kept 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 present a choking risk like pillows or blankets. You should also be wary of buying second-hand cribs, since they may not be in compliance with the safety standards of today or been recalled for other reasons.
Design
While cribs may look all the same, it is important to remember that each must meet strict safety guidelines. The majority of cribs we reviewed are designed in a similar way to ensure the structural integrity. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch the baby or squeeze them. We also tested and rated each crib on how easy it was to use and to assemble. We recommend choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It features a chic modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-tone options. It also has 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 alternative. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib is available in a variety of colors and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, without flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you are planning to have more children. Many of these options can transform into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for the money you spend. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of convertible beds. Many of them said that the drop-down side rail made nighttime feedings easier and safer, and that the crib was roomy enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a great choice if you like a more traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with a classic style that is perfect for all nursery. It has three different heights for the mattress however certain parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is an essential. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacteria that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be cleaned with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health problems.
Look for a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've reviewed here are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed.
A firm crib mattress is best for infants, because it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
When looking for a firm crib mattress, check the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could pose risk to infants. You'll also find certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS, which are a good indication that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. If you're unable to lift heavy objects, or don't want to move a heavy object then you might want a lighter mattress. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, which makes it one of the heaviest in this review. It's also made of foam, not inner woven-core, making it easier to maneuver compared with a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is great 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. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts -- these features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits separately. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll aid your child's transition to larger beds more easily.
Convertible
cribs beds are an excellent investment for families with many children. They are designed to last and typically can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in slate or white grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room. It accommodates the majority of twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib to be very simple to put together - it took 23 minutes to put together.