Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport cot beds Bed is a minimalist crib that can look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It also comes with a variety of versatility with three different mattress support heights and the capability to convert into an infant bed.
Bassinets are a better choice if you have a small house. Cribs can take up more space. However, many parents choose a crib for security reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it is in line with current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing to look at is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or limbs from getting caught between them. You should also be able to easily see and reach your baby in the crib. If not see, the slats need to be broader and not as close together.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features you should look for. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. It is also advisable to sleep in the same room as your Baby Crib for the first six months or so, and then transfer them to their own room when they are old enough to be watched when they sleep on their own.
The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is placed away from windows and radiators, and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. You should also remove objects that could pose danger to your child's health like pillows or blankets. You should also be wary of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not have met the current safety standards or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
While cribs might appear the same, it is important to keep in mind that all must comply with strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we looked at were designed in a similar way to ensure structural solidity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag a baby. We also evaluated and rated each crib for the ease of put together and use. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest choosing a crib that comes with simple instructions to minimize frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, modern design and comes in several colors, including two-toned. Additionally, it features a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. The crib was solid and stable. It did not flex or squeak when a big child was seated.
If you're planning to have more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed and then into a full-size mattress, offering the best infant cribs value for money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned high marks from our parents who tested it. A few of them mentioned that the drop-down side rail made feeding their baby at night easier and safer, and that the crib was big enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a great option if you prefer traditional design. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it is a classic design that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit small for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be useful for infants. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easy to clean with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, select a waterproof cover to stop fluids from entering the mattress.
Look for a mattress rated for up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the products in this review are reversible with infant and toddler sides, which will let you use them right from birth until your child is ready for a full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is the best choice for infants since it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface reduces the risk of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a child's head is lowered into a mattress that is soft.
Check the label of the mattress to make sure 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 a hazard to babies. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that could affect infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. If you are unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't wish to move a heavy object it is possible to choose an easier mattress. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around in comparison to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to put together. Look for one with hardware that is securely secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Also, stay clear of cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for headboards and footboards -- these features aren't in line with current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're often affordable, and will assist your child in transitioning to a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that is offered by convertible cribs, and they're a good option for families with multiple children. They are designed to last, and typically can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's traditional in design and is available in slate or white grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for the majority of twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib was very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that is highly rated, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch, and it meets 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 is among the most lightweight cribs we've tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with 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 different parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It's easy to set up and has lots of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.