Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It's also extremely flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be transformed into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are a better choice if you have a small home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents choose a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of any dangers that could cause harm to your child during their sleep. It should be well-constructed and strong, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the spacing between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or legs from being trapped between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child's crib. If not reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not as close together.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting the crib. It should be adjustable to different heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will fall out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are additional safety features you should be looking for. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides which could be hazardous for your baby. You should also share the same room 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 positioned away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects like curtains or blind cords are out of their reach. You should also remove items that might pose a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. Be website when buying used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.
Design
Although cribs may appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must comply with strict safety regulations. For this reason, most cribs we examined have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural solidity. Most cribs feature circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could catch the baby or squeeze them. We also evaluated and rated each crib for the ease of put together and use. We suggest selecting the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It is stylish contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also has 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.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in different finishes and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. This crib was very solid and stable. It didn't flex or creak when a large child climbed in.
If you're planning on having more children, you might think about a convertible crib. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, offering excellent longevity for your money. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. Many of them said that the drop-down side rail made feeding at night easier and safer, and that the crib was roomy enough for the co-sleeping baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a great option if you prefer traditional design. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that is perfect for every 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 a great option for babies. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned using mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose 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 can be used for toddlers. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides which will let you use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm is ideal for infants, because it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also reduces the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a baby's head sinks into a soft mattress.
If you are in search of a mattress that is firm for your crib, check 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 might pose a hazard to babies. There are also certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a good indicator that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to consider. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you move and lift the mattress. If you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want carry a heavy item, consider choosing a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, which makes it the largest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it easier to move around as compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is ideal for parents who are new. 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 that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features don't meet today's safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are often cheap and can aid your child in making the transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that can be found in the convertible crib, and they're a good option for families with multiple children. They are designed to last, and generally can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and features locking wheels. It is suitable for the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that is highly rated, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch and is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a simple elegant design that can fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the lightest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without rail. It's easy to assemble and has a lot of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.