Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport mini cot beds Bed is a minimalist crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It's also extremely flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a good cribs option if you have a small house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. It is important to ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm to your baby while they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose dangers of choking. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to check the crib regularly.
The first thing to check is the spacing between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or limbs from being trapped between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you aren't then the slats are close together and should be larger.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to consider when choosing a crib. It must be adjustable to various heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk that your child will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other safety features you should look for. You should also select a crib with fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also be in the same room as your baby until they are old enough to be able to go off on their own.
Also, ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects like curtains or blind cords are not within reach. Also, you should remove any items that might pose the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs, as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
Although cribs may appear the same, it is important to remember that each must meet strict safety guidelines. To this end, the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural quality. The majority of cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest selecting a crib with a few easy-to-follow directions to avoid frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It is stylish contemporary design and is available in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also has a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib is available in a variety of designs and four mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be very sturdy and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you may think about a convertible crib. Many of these options transform into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for your money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received excellent marks from our test parents. The drop-down side rail was highly praised by parents for making feeding their children at night safer and easier. They also noted that the crib was spacious enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom slept.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a fantastic option if you prefer a more traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a classic design that is suitable for all nursery. It has three different mattress heights however some parents and toddlers might find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a clean crib mattress is a must. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and other bacteria that can affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, consider an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Look for mattresses that are rated to last up to 10 years, which means it's ready for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides that allows you to use them right from birth until your child is ready to move on to a full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is the best choice for infants because it provides the most support to their growing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm helps reduce the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
Check the label of a firm mattress to ensure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a danger to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can affect infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to consider. Sheet changes at night require you to lift and move the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to take on a heavy product then consider getting a lighter crib mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts. These features aren't up to today's safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, keep in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. They're often affordable, and will help your child transition into a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families who have multiple children. These cribs are built to last, and they are typically able to be transformed 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 has four mattress-level heights. It's available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery cots decor. The crib is easily moved around and has locking wheels. It fits most twin beds. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that has been rated highly one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch, and it meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic minimalist design that will not clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the tiniest cribs we've tested, weighing just 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 won several awards from different parenting publications such as 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's simple to put together and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches when used regularly.