Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in the Scandi nursery. It also provides a good amount of flexibility, with three mattress support height levels and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Cribs can take up a lot room, so bassinets might be a better option 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 wellbeing. You want to make sure that the crib meets current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or pose a choking hazard. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to prevent your baby from falling over or getting their limbs caught between them. You should also be able easily reach and see your baby's crib. If not see, the slats need to be wider and not as close together.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable to different levels so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress with ease as well as a stable and sturdy construction. You should also choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides which can be dangerous for your baby. It is also advisable to share a room as your baby for six months or so, and only move them to their own room when they are old enough to be supervised while sleeping alone.
Not least, make sure the crib is kept away from radiators and windows, and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could pose the risk of choking such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, because they may not be in compliance with current safety standards or have been recalled for different reasons.
Design
It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs may look the same but must still comply with strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we examined are constructed in a similar way to ensure structural solidity. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or squeeze babies. We also tested and rated each crib for the ease of put together and use. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, modern design and comes in several 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. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in various designs and four mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. The crib was sturdy and stable. It did not move or creak when a large child was seated.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you plan to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, providing an excellent value for your price. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib which received high marks from our test parents. Many of them said that the side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings easier and safer, and that the crib was big enough for the co-sleeping baby to be at ease while dad and mom were asleep.
If you're looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good choice. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that will complement most any nursery. It comes with three mattress heights, but it may be a bit too small for toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a crib mattress that is washable is a must. Diaper leaks, Baby Crib spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty which can lead to mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned with an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Look for 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 can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides which allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to an adult-sized bed.
A firm crib mattress is ideal for infants, because it provides the most support to their growing spines. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is due to the fact that mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
Look over the label of the mattress to confirm that it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a risk to babies. You'll also see certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a great sign that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another consideration is the weight of a crib mattress. The regular changes to sheets at night require you to lift and move the mattress. If you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want take on a heavy product then consider getting a crib mattress that is lighter. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, making it the largest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it easier to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to put together. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held with without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the safety standards of today.
If you're looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. These kits are often cheap cot beds and can assist your child to make the transition to a larger bed more easily.
Convertible cribs are an excellent investment for families with several children. The cribs are designed to last and can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It is available in white or slate grey to match any nursery decor. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to room. It can fit the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also has a sleek minimalist design that doesn't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed without the rail. It is easy to set up and has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched in normal use.