Choosing the best crib newborn (full report)
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better choice in case your home is small. However, many parents prefer a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You want to make sure that it 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 could catch on clothing or create dangers of choking. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
Examine the distance between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or limbs from being trapped between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you cannot see, the slats need to be wider and not as close to each other.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to think about when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will help to reduce the risk of your baby leaving the crib which is a frequent occurrence as they learn to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are additional security features to be looking for. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. You should also sleep in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough to be able to go off on their own.
In the end, you must ensure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects like blind cords or curtains are not within reach. Also, you should remove any items that could present danger of choking like pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used recommended cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs may look the same but must still meet the strict safety standards. To this end, the majority of the cribs we reviewed are of a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural integrity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or squeeze the baby. We also tested each crib and rated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It has a stylish modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-tone options. It also has a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib is available in various colors and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're planning on having more children, you may be interested in a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, providing an excellent value for your money. Our test parents loved the Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of convertible beds. Several of them commented that the side rails that drop down made feeding at night more secure and easier, and the crib was roomy enough for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is an excellent option for those who prefer the traditional style. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a timeless design that will complement most all nursery. It has three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit too small for children and parents with small bodies.
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 and result in mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Look for a mattress that is rated up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've reviewed here are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is best because it can support their spines as they are developing. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Check the label of a firm mattress to ensure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a threat for infants. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may cause harm to infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib sets. If you're not able to lift heavy objects, or don't want to move a heavy item it is possible to choose a mattress that is lighter. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 lbs, making it the largest in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it easier to move around as compared to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to build. Find one equipped with hardware that is securely held with without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the current safety standards.
When looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically inexpensive and will assist your child to make the transition to a bigger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that comes with convertible cribs and they're a great option for families with multiple children. The cribs are built to last, tots and cots they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
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 available in slate grey or white to match the decor of any nursery. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to place and can fit the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that is highly rated, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch and meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a simple elegant design that can be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout is among the tiniest cribs we've tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an excellent travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous prizes from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has a rail or into a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is easy to assemble and is aesthetically pleasing. appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.