Are You Getting The Most Value The Use Of Your Best Crib Newborn?
Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It's also very adaptable because it comes with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs take up a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you select. You should ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards, and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
The first thing to check is the spacing between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You should be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you aren't then the slats are close together and need to be a bit more spacious.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are other security features you should look for. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. Cots 4 Tots 's also better to sleep in the same room as your baby for six months or so, and then move them into their own room when they are old enough to be watched while sleeping alone.
In the end, you must make sure that the crib is away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects like curtains or blind cords are out of their reach. You should also take away anything that could create danger of choking, such as blankets or pillows. Be wary of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not meet the safety standards of today or been recalled for other reasons.
Design
While cribs might appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must meet strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we looked at are of a similar design to ensure consistency of structural solidity. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or pinch babies. We also tested and rated each crib based on how easily it was to put together and use. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend choosing a crib that comes with clear instructions that are easy to follow to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It features a chic modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with 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. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in different colors and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you plan to have more children. A lot of these cribs can convert into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed, offering excellent longevity for your money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib which received praise from our parents who tested it. Several of them commented that the side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings easier and safer and that the crib was big enough for the baby to feel comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that will complement most any nursery. It has three different heights for the mattress however certain parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a clean crib mattress is essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or bacteria that could be harmful to infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Choose a mattress that is rated to last for 10 years, which means it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products that we have reviewed are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed size.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, because it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also helps reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.
Check the label of the mattress to make sure 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 threat for infants. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard, 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.
Another thing to consider is the weight of the mattress. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to move and lift the mattress. If you struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to handle a heavy product, consider choosing a mattress that is lighter for your crib. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to put together. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held with no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts. These items aren't in compliance with the safety standards of today.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're often affordable, and will aid your child's transition to larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs are an excellent investment for families who have several children. They are designed to last, and they generally can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and has locking wheels. It can be used with most twin beds. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia and Europe. It has a minimalist, stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is among the lighter cribs that we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for transport.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous prizes from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has a rail or into a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is easy to set up and has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.