Choosing the best crib for newborn Crib Newborn
The Westport cot sale Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It's also very adaptable because it comes with three different mattress support heights and can be transformed into an infant's bed.
Cribs consume a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your child as they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or create a choking hazard. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby being able to get their head or limbs caught between them. You should be able to see and reach your child's crib. If you cannot see, the slats need to be broader and not as close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress securely and an enduring and solid construction. Choose a crib with fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. It is also advisable to sleep in the same room as your baby for six months or so, and then move them into their own room when they are old enough to be watched while sleeping alone.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects like curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that might pose a choking hazard like pillows or blankets. Be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs as they may not have met current safety standards or have 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 do not have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or squeeze a baby. We also evaluated each crib and best rated cribs it for its simplicity of use and assembly. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has a few easy-to-follow directions to reduce frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of color options, including some 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 a different option. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in a variety of colors and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, without flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you're planning to have more children. They can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then a full-size mattress, providing an excellent value for your money. Our test parents gave the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. Many of them said that the side rails that drop down made feeding their baby at night 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.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic option for those who prefer a more traditional style. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that is compatible with most nursery decors. It has three different heights for the mattress however, some parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is an essential. Spitting up from diapers, baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty which can lead to mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Look for a mattress rated for up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've reviewed here are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready to move on to their full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal, as it will support their spines as they are developing. A super-firm sleep surface also reduces the chance of SIDS which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
If you are in search of a firm crib mattress be sure to check the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a danger to babies. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you move and lift the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want to handle a heavy product then consider getting a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs, making it the heaviest in this review. It is also made of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it more maneuverable compared with traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to put together. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured, no sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Beware of cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts These features aren't in line with current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. They're typically cheap cots, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families who have many children. These cribs are built to last, and they are typically able to be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It is available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is easily moved around and features locking wheels. It can be used with most twin beds. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that is highly rated is the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch and meets 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 among the lighter cribs that we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for transport.
A runner-up in our testing the Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from different parenting publications like 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 assemble and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.