Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport
cot for sale Bed (
linked resource site) is a minimalist crib that can look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It also provides a good deal of flexibility by offering three mattress support levels and the ability to transform into a toddler bed.
Cribs take up a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better option for homes with small spaces. However, many parents choose a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you choose. You want to make sure that the crib meets current safety standards and is free of dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or create a choking hazard. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to regularly inspect the crib.
The first thing to check is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or legs from getting trapped in between them. You should be able to see and reach your baby's crib. If you can't then the slats are close together and need to be a bit larger.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to take into consideration when selecting the crib. It should be adjustable to different levels so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your child will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and solid and sturdy construction are other safety features you should be looking for. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides which can be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room as your baby for six months or so, and only move them to their own room when they are old enough to be supervised while sleeping alone.
The last thing to do is make sure the crib is kept away from windows and radiators, and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also take away anything that could create the risk of choking such as pillows or blankets. Be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs because they may not be in compliance with current safety standards or have been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs may look identical, but they must meet the strict safety standards. For this reason, most cribs we examined have a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural integrity. For instance, the majority of
cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag the baby. We also assessed and rated each crib based on how easily it was to use and assemble. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. It also has an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details that make it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of designs and four mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you might think about a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a bed for a toddler and then into a full-size mattress, providing excellent value for price. Our test parents gave the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. The drop-down side rail was praised by many parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and easy. They also said that the crib offered enough room for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad slept.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is an excellent option for those who prefer the traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that is compatible with the majority of nursery decors. It has three different heights for the mattress however some parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can come in handy for newborns. Spitting up from diapers,
Baby beds spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and other bacteria that can affect infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, select a waterproof cover to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Choose a mattress that has been that is rated for up to 10 years so that it can be used for toddlers. A lot of the mattresses in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides which allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be a full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is due to the fact that mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
When looking for a mattress for your crib that is firm, examine the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability, lead and other chemicals that might pose risk to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can harm babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the mattress is another thing to consider. The regular changes to sheets at night require you to move and lift the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want handle a heavy product you should consider a lighter crib mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds,
Mini cotbed while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners, which makes it easier to maneuver in comparison to the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to put together. Choose a crib equipped with hardware that is securely held, without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts -- these features aren't in line with current safety standards.
When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll aid your child's transition to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Convertible
cribs beds are a great investment for families with multiple children. They are designed to last, and are typically able to be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in white or slate grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to place and fits most standard twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib very easy to assemble - it took 23 minutes to complete.