Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It also comes with a amount of flexibility with three mattress support height levels and the capability to convert into an infant bed.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better option for homes with small spaces. Many parents choose a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your Baby Crib's health and well-being. You want to make sure that the crib meets current safety standards and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to regularly inspect the crib.
The first thing to check is the spacing between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to prevent your baby from falling over or getting their legs trapped between them. You should also be able to easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you can't then the slats are close together and need to be a bit more spacious.
The mattress support system is another aspect to take into consideration when selecting the crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your baby will fall out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are additional security features to be looking for. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. You should also share the same room with your baby cots online until they are old enough to sleep alone.
Also, make sure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects such as curtains or blind cords are not within reach. Also, you should remove any items that could present a choking risk, such as blankets or pillows. Be wary of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or been recalled for different reasons.
Design
While cribs may look all similar, it's important to remember that each must meet strict safety regulations. Most of the cribs that we looked at were designed in a similar manner to ensure structural stability. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could trap a baby or pinch them. We also tested each crib and rated it for its user-friendliness and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with a few easy-to-follow directions to minimize frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It features a chic contemporary design and is available in a range of colors, including two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in various colors and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be very sturdy and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. Many of these options can transform 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 earned excellent marks from our test parents. The side rails that slide down were loved by a lot of parents for making feeding at night more secure and less stressful. They also stated that the crib was spacious enough room for the baby to be comfortable while dad and mom were asleep.
If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a great choice. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that is compatible with most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, but some parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will come in handy for newborns. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty, resulting in mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, select a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Choose a mattress that has been rated for up to 10 years so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've discussed here are reversible with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for their full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is the best choice for infants because it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Look over the label on the mattress to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability, lead and other chemicals that could pose risk to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can cause harm to infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another consideration is the weight of the mattress. Sheet changes at night require you to move and lift the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want handle a heavy product you should consider a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, making it the largest in this review. It's also made of foam rather than woven-core inners, which makes it much easier to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to assemble. You should choose a crib with firmly-secured hardware and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Also, stay clear of cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards -- these features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically cheap and can help your child make the transition to a larger bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that comes with the convertible crib and they're a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last and typically can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or 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 every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room and can fit most standard twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to put together.
Another top-rated crib is the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch that conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It is a minimalist, stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is one of the lighter cribs that we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
A runner-up in our testing The Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from different parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant cot bed crib into a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It's easy to set up and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches during normal use.