Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in a Scandi nursery. It also offers a great variety of versatility by offering three mattress support levels and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better choice if your house is small. However, many parents prefer a crib for security reasons.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards, and is free from any 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 present dangers of choking. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to regularly inspect the crib.
Check the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby being able to get their head or limbs trapped between them. You should be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you aren't, the slats should be broader and not as close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will reduce the risk 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 a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features to be looking for. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also advisable to share a room with your baby for six months or so, and only move them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be monitored when they are sleeping on their own.
The last thing to do is 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. You should also remove any items that could present the risk of choking such as pillows or blankets. Be best cot newborn when purchasing used cribs since they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
While cribs might appear identical, it is crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety guidelines. For this reason, most of the cribs we reviewed have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural quality. Most cribs feature circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could trap the baby or squeeze them. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its user-friendliness and assembly. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It has a stylish, contemporary 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).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. This crib was very solid and stable. It did not move or creak when a heavy child was seated.
If you're planning on having more children, you may be interested in a convertible crib. A lot of these cribs can transform into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed, giving you a long-lasting investment for your money. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of convertible beds. Many of them said that the side rails with a drop-down feature made feeding their baby at night more secure and easier, and the crib was roomy enough for the baby to be at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.
If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a great choice. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that will fit in with most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, however it may be a bit small for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a washable crib mattress is essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty which can lead to mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be wiped down with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health problems.
Look for a mattress that is rated up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. A lot of the mattresses in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides, that allows you to use them from birth until your child is ready to move on to an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm is ideal for infants, because it will provide the most support to their growing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Look over the label of a firm mattress to ensure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a risk for infants. You'll also see certifications such as 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) which can harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is another factor to consider. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you lift and move the mattress. If best cots for newborns struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to handle a heavy product, consider choosing a lighter crib 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, making it the largest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around as compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to put together. You want to find an item that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Beware of cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard -- these features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. These kits are typically cheap and can aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more easily.
Convertible cribs are a great option for families with many children. These cribs are designed to last and generally can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It is available in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib comes with locks that let you easily move it from room to room. It fits the majority of standard twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib to be very simple to assemble - it took 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that is highly rated one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch that conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a sleek minimalist design that will not be a problem 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 convenient travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests The Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib into an adult bed with rail, or to a daybed with no rail. It is easy to assemble, and it has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched in normal use.