Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It also offers a great variety of versatility, with three mattress support levels and the ability to transform into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better option if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib due to security reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm to your baby during their sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's directions regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing you need to check is the space between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby falling over or getting their limbs trapped between them. You should also be able easily reach and observe your baby in the crib. If you're not, the slats are too close to each other and should be more spacious.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress in a secure way and solid and stable construction. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. You should also share the same room with your Baby Cot Bed until they are old enough to sleep alone.
The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is removed from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are out of reach. You should also remove items that might pose danger to your child's health, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs can look the same but must still meet the strict safety standards. This is why the majority of the cribs we reviewed are of a similar design to ensure consistency of structural quality. Most cribs feature circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle the baby or squeeze them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. We recommend choosing the crib sets with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorite cribs beds is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. Additionally, it features an all-inclusive mattress fit 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 option. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. This crib was very sturdy and stable. It did not move or creak when a large child climbed into it.
If you're planning to have more children, you might think about a convertible crib. A lot of these cribs can be converted into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed providing a long-lasting product for the money you spend. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of a convertible bed. The side rails that slide down were highly praised by parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and less stressful. They also said that the crib had enough space for their baby to be comfortable while dad and mom were asleep.
If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a solid choice. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has an elegant design that will complement most any nursery. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however some parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a washable crib mattress is a must. Diaper leaks, baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Choose a product that is easy to clean with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, choose an 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 products in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides that allows you to use them from birth until your child is ready for a full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they're developing. A firm sleeping surface can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is due to the fact that mattresses that are soft increase the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Examine the label of the mattress to confirm that it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a danger to babies. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good sign that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. Sheet changes at night require that you move and lift the mattress. If you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want to carry a heavy item then consider getting 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, which makes it the largest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held, without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet today's safety standards.
When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably 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. They're often cheap, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families who have multiple children. These cribs are built to last, and are typically able to be converted into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's a classic design and is available in slate or white grey to fit with almost every nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and features locking wheels. It can be used with most twin beds. The crib took our test subjects only 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is among the tiniest cribs we've tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around and has a handy travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without rail. It is easy to set up, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.