Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in a Scandi nursery. It also comes with a variety of versatility by offering three mattress support levels and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Bassinets are a good option when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up more space. However, many parents choose a crib for security reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your baby during their sleep. It should be well-constructed and strong, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the spacing between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from getting their head or legs trapped between them. You should also be able easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you aren't, the slats should be broader and not as close together.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to consider when choosing a crib. It is important to adjust the levels so that you can lower the mattress 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 secure enough to fit over the bed and solid and sturdy construction are other security features to look for. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. You should also be in the same room with your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to sleep on their own.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is removed from windows and radiators, and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are not in reach. You should also remove items that could be the risk of choking, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs since they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
While cribs may look all identical, it is important to remember that each must comply with strict safety standards. To this end, the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar layout to ensure consistency of structural integrity. Most cribs feature circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could catch the baby or squeeze them. We also tested and rated each crib on the ease of put together and use. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has simple instructions to minimize frustration.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various finishes and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. The crib was extremely sturdy and stable. It didn't flex 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 be converted into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed providing a long-lasting product for the money you spend. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received praise from our test parents. Many of them said that the side rails with a drop-down feature made feeding at night more secure and easier, and the crib was big enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a solid choice. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a classic design that is suitable for all nursery. It has three different heights for the mattress however certain parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be useful for infants. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress.
Find a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the products in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides which allows you to use them from birth until your child is old enough to be a full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is best because it supports their spines while they are developing. A firm sleeping surface helps to reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
If you are looking for a firm crib mattress, examine the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that might pose risk to infants. You'll also find certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good sign that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. Sheet changes at night require that you lift and move the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or aren't able to take on a heavy product then consider getting a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, making it the largest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it much easier to move around as compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to assemble is great for new parents. You should look for a crib with firmly-secured hardware, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Beware of cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for headboards and footboards -- these features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
When looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're typically cheap, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that is offered by convertible cribs, and they're a good option for families with multiple children. They are designed to last, and they generally can be converted into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It is available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is easily moved around and features locking wheels. It fits most twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib to be very simple to put together, taking 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also features a chic minimalist design that will not be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the lighter cribs that we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
A runner-up in our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into an adult bed with rail or a daybed without the rail. It is easy to set up and has a lot of visual appeal. However the surface can be scratched by normal use.