The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It's also very adaptable with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets could be a better option for homes with small spaces. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib due to security reasons.
SafetyChoosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that the crib meets current safety standards and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that might catch on clothing or pose dangers of choking. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to regularly inspect the crib.
The first thing to look at is the space between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby being able to get their head or limbs trapped between them. You should also be able to easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you can't reach your baby, the slats may be too close to each other and should be more spacious.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It is important to adjust the heights so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress in a secure way as well as solid and stable construction. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also share the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough to be able to go off on their own.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also take away any items that could present danger of choking such as blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs since they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
Although cribs may appear the same, it is important to keep in mind that all must meet strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we looked at were designed in a similar way to ensure the structural integrity. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch babies or pinch them. We also tested and rated each crib on the ease of use and assemble. We suggest selecting a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It has a stylish contemporary design and is available in a range of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal features that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of colors and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was sturdy and stable. It did not move or creak when a large child was seated.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you plan to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a bed for a toddler and then into a full-size mattress, providing an excellent value for your price. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. A few of them mentioned that the side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings easier and safer and that the crib was roomy enough for the co-sleeping baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
If you're looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great choice. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless style that will fit in with the majority of nursery decors. It has three different heights for the mattress, but some parents and toddlers might find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a clean crib mattress is essential. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Choose a mattress that has been that is rated up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the products in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides, that allows you to use them right from birth until your child is ready for the full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines as they are developing. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is due to the fact that an extremely soft mattress increases the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
If you are looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib be sure to look over the label to be sure it is in compliance with 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 be a hazard to babies. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can affect babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you lift and move the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or aren't able to handle a heavy product you should consider a lighter crib mattress. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It's also made of foam rather than inners with woven-core that makes it more maneuverable in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is great 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 headboard/footboard cutouts -- these features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will need to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are often affordable and can assist your child to make the transition to a bigger bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that can be found in a convertible crib and are a great investment for families with multiple children. They are designed to last, and they are typically able to be converted into an infant 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's available in white or slate grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and has locking wheels. It is suitable for the majority of twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib was very easy to assemble - it took 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also has a stylish minimalist design that will not interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making 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 using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from various parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed with no rail. It's simple to put together and has plenty of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches during normal use.
