Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in the Scandi nursery. It also offers a great amount of flexibility by offering three mattress support levels and the ability to transform into an infant bed.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets could be a better option if your house is small. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it is in line with current safety standards, and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose dangers of choking. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to check the crib regularly.
Examine the distance between slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from falling over or getting their limbs trapped between them. You should be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you're not reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and need to be a bit larger.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable so you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the possibility of your baby leaving the crib, which is a common event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features you should be looking for. You should also choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides which can be hazardous for your baby. It is also advisable to sleep in the same room as your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them into their own room when they are old enough to be watched while sleeping alone.
The last thing to do is make sure the crib is placed away from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are not in reach. Also, you should remove any items that could be a choking hazard like pillows or blankets. Be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs because they may not meet the current safety standards or been recalled for other reasons.
Design
Although cribs may appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must meet strict safety guidelines. For this reason, most cribs we examined have a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural solidity. Most cribs feature circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle the baby or squeeze them. Baby Crib cots4tots.co.uk evaluated 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 selecting a crib with simple instructions to avoid frustration.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, modern design and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. Additionally, it features a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Another alternative 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 a variety of finishes and comes with four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was solid and stable. It didn't flex or creak when a heavy child climbed into it.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you're planning to have more children. They can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then a full-size mattress, giving you an excellent value for your price. Our test parents have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rail that can be removed was highly praised by parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also stated that the crib was spacious enough room for the baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom were asleep.
If you are 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 it has a timeless style that is compatible with most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights however certain parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a crib mattress that is washable is essential. Baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacteria that may affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned using mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Look for a mattress that is rated to last 10 years, meaning it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. A majority of the mattresses that we have reviewed are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for their own bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is best, as it will support their spines as they are developing. A firm sleeping surface reduces the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
If you are in search of a firm crib mattress be sure to examine the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could pose a hazard to babies. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good indicator that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you move and lift the mattress, so if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want carry a heavy item you should consider a mattress that is lighter for your crib. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is 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 from foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around compared to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is ideal for parents with young children. You want to find the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Beware of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard as they aren't in line with current safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are usually affordable and can assist your child to make the transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs are a great option for families with several children. These cribs have been built to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib 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 fit with almost every nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and has locking wheels. It fits most twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also has a stylish, minimalist design that won't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with an ideal travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from different parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.