Three Reasons Why You're Best Crib Newborn Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in the Scandi nursery. It also comes with a variety of versatility, with three different mattress support heights and the ability to transform into an infant bed.
Bassinets are a better choice for those with a small house. Cribs can take up more space. However, a lot of parents choose a crib for security reasons.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You want to make sure that it meets the current safety standards, and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could catch on clothing or pose a choking hazard. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.
Check the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby falling over or getting their limbs caught between them. You should also be able to easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you can't then the slats are close to each other and should be wider.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance 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 solid and sturdy construction are additional security features you should look for. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. It is also advisable to sleep in the same room with your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom when they are old enough to be monitored when they are sleeping on their own.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is kept away from windows and radiators, and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that might pose a choking hazard like blankets or pillows. Be cautious of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not have met the safety standards of today or been recalled for other reasons.
Design
Although cribs may appear similar, it's important to remember that each must adhere to strict safety regulations. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure structural solidity. The majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle a baby or pinch them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It has a stylish contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-toned. 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, modern and minimal in appearance. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in different finishes and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be solid and stable, without flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If Baby beds of having more children, you might want to consider a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then into a full-size mattress, offering excellent value for money. Our test parents gave the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of a convertible bed. The side rail that can be removed was praised by many parents for making feeding their children at night safer and easier. They also noted that the crib had enough space for their baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid choice. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with an elegant style that is perfect for every nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it may be a bit small for some toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a crib mattress that is washable is an essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or bacteria that could affect infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Choose mattresses that are rated to last up to 10 years, meaning it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides that allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be the full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is ideal for infants, because it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A mattress that is firm and sturdy can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Check the label of the mattress to make sure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a risk to babies. You'll also see certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a good indication that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
Another consideration 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 struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want take on a heavy product then consider getting 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 as compared to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is great for parents with young children. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured and has without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Also, avoid any cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard -- these features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're often affordable, and will aid your child's transition to larger beds more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that can be found in a convertible crib, and they're a good option for families with multiple children. These cribs are designed to last and are typically able to be transformed into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's a classic design and is available in white or slate grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib comes with locks that let you easily move it from room to place and fits the majority of standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects only 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that is highly rated one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch that is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a minimalist, stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the lighter cribs that we've tested, with a weight of 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 been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design and can be converted from an infant crib to an adult bed with rail, or to a daybed with no rail. It is simple to put together and also has a lot of visual appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched during normal use.