Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport cot sets Bed is a minimalist crib that can look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible with three different mattress support heights and can be transformed into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a good option if you have a small house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for 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 harm your child during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking. 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.
Check the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or limbs getting caught between them. You should also be able to easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you aren't, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit wider.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the mattress of your crib 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 is able to fit the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are other security features to be looking for. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. You should also sleep in the same room 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 away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also remove any items that could present danger of choking like pillows or blankets. Be cautious of purchasing second-hand cribs because they may not have met the current safety standards or been recalled for other reasons.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may appear similar, but must adhere to strict safety standards. This is why the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar layout to ensure consistency in terms of structural solidity. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or snag the baby. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its user-friendliness and assembly. More components can cause confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has a few easy-to-follow directions to minimize frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It is stylish modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned options. 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 a different alternative. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in various designs and four mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
If you're planning on having more children, you may be interested in a convertible crib. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed providing a long-lasting product for your money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib which received high marks from our parents who tested it. Many of them said that the side rails that drop down made feeding at night easier and safer, and that the crib was roomy 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 option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and features a timeless design that is suitable for all nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, but certain parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is essential. Baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty which can lead to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Choose a product that is easy to clean with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting 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 are reversible with toddler and infant sides which will let you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, because it will provide the greatest support for their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is due to the fact that an extremely soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Look over the label on the mattress to confirm that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could pose danger to infants. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a good indicator that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot, you may want a lighter mattress. Newton Wovenaire, Infant cot Bed for example, is only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also constructed of foam rather than inners with woven-core that makes it more maneuverable in comparison to the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to assemble is great for new parents. You want to find a crib with firmly-secured hardware, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts. These features don't meet the safety standards of today.
When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically affordable cots and can assist your child to make the transition to a bigger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families with many children. These cribs are designed to last, and they typically can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that's 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 and accommodates most standard twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that is highly rated one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch, and it is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a stylish, minimalist design that won't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the tiniest cribs we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received several prizes from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without rail. It's simple to put together and Cot Sale has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.