Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in a Scandi nursery. It also provides a good deal of flexibility, with three mattress support height levels and the ability to transform into a toddler bed.
Bassinets are a better choice for those with a small house. Cribs can take up more space. However, many parents choose a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that the crib meets current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. best cot beds should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create 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.
The first thing to check is the spacing between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from being able to get their head or limbs caught between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you aren't then the slats are close together and should be more spacious.
The mattress support system is another aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable to different heights so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the risk 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 sturdy and stable construction are additional security features you should be looking for. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also be in the same room with your baby until they are old enough to sleep alone.
Finally, you should ensure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are not within reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that could be a choking hazard like pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs since they may not meet current safety standards, or have been removed from the market.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs can look identical, but they must adhere to strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure structural integrity. Most cribs feature circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could trap the baby or squeeze them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its ease of use and assembly. More components can cause confusion, so we suggest selecting a crib with clear instructions that are easy to follow to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It is stylish modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in various designs and four mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. The crib was extremely sturdy and stable. It did not move or creak when a large child climbed in.
If you're planning to have more children, you might want to consider a convertible crib. Many of these options can be converted into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received praise from our parents who tested it. The drop-down side rail was praised by many parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and easy. They also noted that the crib offered enough room for the baby to be comfortable while dad and mom were asleep.
If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a timeless design that is suitable for any nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights however, certain parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will come in handy for newborns. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or other bacteria that can 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 issues.
Look for a mattress that is rated to last up to 10 years, so it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products in this review are reversible with infant and toddler sides, which will let you use them from birth until your child is old enough to be a full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is the best choice for infants because it provides the most support to their growing spines. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower 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 on the mattress to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that might pose risk to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a great sign that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is another factor to take into consideration. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move a heavy object it is possible to choose a lighter mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs 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 instead of woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to build. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held, no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Also, avoid any cribs with drop-sides, or headboard/footboard cutouts -- these features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will require an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are often inexpensive and will assist your child to make the transition to a bigger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that can be found in the convertible crib and they're a great investment for families with multiple children. best cot bed are designed to last, and typically can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or 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's a classic design and is available in slate or white grey to fit with almost any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room and fits the majority of standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also features a chic minimalist design that doesn't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. best cot beds comes with an excellent travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib into a toddler bed with a rail or into a daybed without the rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.