Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also provides a good amount of flexibility by offering three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn (you can look here) is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of hazards that may harm your baby as they sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for signs of wear or damage.
Examine the distance between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to keep your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You must also be able to easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you can't then the slats are close to each other and should be larger.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable to different levels so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk that your baby will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are additional security features to look for. Choose a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. You should also share the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to go off on their own.
Not least, make sure the crib is kept away from radiators and windows, and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that could be a choking hazard like blankets or pillows. Be cautious of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or been recalled for other reasons.
Design
Although cribs may appear the same, it is crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety guidelines. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar way to ensure structural integrity. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag a baby. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we recommend choosing a crib that comes with clear instructions that are easy to follow to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It features a chic contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-toned options. It also has a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another option 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 various colors and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. This crib was very sturdy and stable. It did not move or creak when a large child climbed in.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. These options can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then a full-size mattress, providing excellent value for money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that earned high marks from our test parents. The side rails that slide down were loved by a lot of parents for making feeding their children at night more secure cots and tots less stressful. They also said that the crib had enough room for the baby to be comfortable while dad and mom lay down.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a fantastic option if you prefer the traditional style. This crib is more affordable cots than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that is compatible with the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, but some parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a clean crib mattress is a must. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be washed with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner, and pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to help prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress that is rated to last 10 years, which means it's ready for toddlers and beyond. A majority of the mattresses discussed here are reversible with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from birth up until your child is ready to move on to their own bed size.
A firm crib mattress is ideal for infants, because it will provide the most support to their growing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm reduces the risk of SIDS which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
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 be danger to infants. You'll also see certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a good indicator that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to consider. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to move and lift the mattress. If you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product then consider getting a mattress that is lighter for your crib. Newton Wovenaire, for example is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also made of foam instead of inner woven-core, making it easier to maneuver when compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that is 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 rub the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to today's safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. These kits are sold separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically cheap baby cots for sale and can help your child make the transition to a bigger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that can be found in a convertible crib and are a great investment for families with multiple children. These cribs are designed to last and are typically able to be converted into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to room. It accommodates most standard twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib to be very simple to assemble - it took 23 minutes to complete.
Another crib that has been rated highly, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch, and it meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for transport.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without rail. It's easy to assemble and has a lot of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.