9 Signs You're The Best Crib Newborn Expert
Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also offers a great variety of versatility with three mattress support levels and the ability to transform into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby is dependent on the crib you choose. You should ensure that it meets current safety standards, and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or create danger of choking. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby falling over or getting their limbs trapped between them. You should be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and should be larger.
The mattress support system is another aspect to consider when choosing a crib. It should be adjustable to different levels so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk that your baby will fall out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress with ease and a stable and sturdy construction. You should also select a crib with fixed sides rather than ones with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
Also, ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of their reach. You should also take away any items that could pose the risk of choking such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.
Design
It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs may look identical, but they must comply with strict safety standards. For this reason, most of the cribs we reviewed have a similar layout to ensure consistency in terms of structural integrity. The majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have 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. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has a few easy-to-follow directions to minimize frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It features a chic modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned. It also has a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of designs and four mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. recommended cribs was extremely stable and sturdy. It did not move or creak when a heavy child climbed into it.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you plan to have more children. Many of these options convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that earned praise from our test parents. Many of them said that the drop-down side rail made nighttime feedings more secure and easier, and the crib was big enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to be at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a great option if you prefer a more traditional style. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless style that will fit in with most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it might be a little shallow for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a washable crib mattress is an essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be washed with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner, and pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Find a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides that allows you to use them right from birth until your child is ready to move on to a full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, since it will provide the greatest support for their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
If you are in search of a mattress for your crib that is firm be sure to check the label to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a danger for infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can cause harm to babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you lift and move the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to handle a heavy product, consider choosing a crib mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also made of foam, not inner woven-core, making it more maneuverable compared with traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is ideal for parents with young children. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured with no sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards -- these features aren't in line with current safety standards.
When looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll probably require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. These kits are often cheap and can aid your child in making the transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families who have multiple children. These cribs are built to last, and they typically can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to match any nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to place and fits the majority of twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib was very easy to assemble - it took 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia and Europe. It also has a stylish minimalist design that doesn't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the lightest cribs we tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing the Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from various parenting magazines like 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 with no rail. It's simple to put together and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.