Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It is also very flexible with three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better option if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. 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 might catch on clothing or present dangers of choking. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to check the crib regularly.
Check the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to prevent your baby from getting their head or legs trapped between them. You must also be able to easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you aren't, the slats should be wider and not as close together.
Another aspect of the crib to consider 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 decrease the chance of your child climbing out of the crib as is a common event as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress with ease and solid and stable construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. You should also be in the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to go off on their own.
Also, ensure that the crib is away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects such as curtains or blind cords are not within reach. You should also take away anything that could create danger of choking like pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been removed from the market.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs can look similar, but must comply with strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we looked at have a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural quality. For instance, many have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or snag a baby. We also tested and rated each crib for how easy it was to use and to assemble. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among 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).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in various finishes and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you plan to have more children. These options can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then into a larger mattress, offering excellent value for price. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rail that can be removed was praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also stated that the crib had enough space for their baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is an excellent choice if you like a more traditional style. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with a timeless style that is perfect for every nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit small for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be useful for infants. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacteria that could be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be cleaned with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health problems.
Look for mattresses that are rated to last up to 10 years, meaning it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've reviewed here are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. cheap cot beds lets you use them from birth up until your child is ready for their full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants because it provides the most support to their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface helps to reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
Check the label of the mattress to confirm that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a risk to babies. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may cause harm to infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move a heavy object then you might want a mattress that is lighter. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 lbs, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not inners with woven-core that makes it more maneuverable compared with traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to assemble is great for parents with young children. You should choose a crib with firmly-secured hardware, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Also, avoid any cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard These features aren't in line with current safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll likely require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers sell these kits separately. These kits are typically affordable and can aid your child in making the transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that is offered by convertible cribs and are a great investment for families with multiple children. These cribs have been made to last and can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's available in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and has locking wheels. It fits most twin beds. Our testers found this crib was very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.
Another top-rated crib is the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch, and it meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a sleek minimalist design that will not interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an excellent travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous prizes from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has a rail or into a daybed that doesn't have rail. It's easy to set up and has a lot of appeal. However, the slender finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.