Choosing the best crib newborn (understanding)
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It is also very flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights and can be transformed into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are the best option if you have a small house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You want to make sure that it is in line with the current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create a choking risk. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to regularly inspect the crib.
Check the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/cots 4 tots inches to prevent your baby from being able to get their head or legs trapped between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If not see, the slats need to be wider 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 lower the chance that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are additional security features you should look for. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended to share a room with your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them to their own room when they are old enough to be monitored when they are sleeping on their own.
Finally, you should ensure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also remove objects that could pose the risk of choking, such as pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs since they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
Although cribs may appear the same, it is crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety standards. For this reason, most of the cribs we reviewed are of a similar design to ensure consistency of structural solidity. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or squeeze babies. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its user-friendliness and assembly. We suggest selecting one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It is stylish contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-toned options. It also has a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. This crib is sleek, modern cots and tots minimalist in appearance. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib is available in various finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be very solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you are planning to have more children. They can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a larger mattress, giving you excellent value for price. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib which received high marks from our test parents. The side rails that slide down were highly praised by parents for making nighttime feedings safer and easier. They also noted that the crib offered enough space for their baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom slept.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a great option for those who prefer a more traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features an elegant style that is perfect for any nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it could be a bit shallow for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will come in handy for newborns. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty which can lead to mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned using mild cleaner or cloth. Also, select a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Look for a mattress rated for up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses that we have reviewed are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This allows you to use them from birth up until your child is ready for their own bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it supports their spines as they are developing. A super-firm sleep surface also helps to reduce the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a mattress that is soft.
Check the label on the mattress to confirm that it is in compliance with 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 risk to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may affect infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another consideration is the weight of the mattress. If you're unable to lift heavy objects, or don't want to move a heavy item then you might want a lighter 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 in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of inners with woven-core that makes it easier to maneuver when compared to the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is great for parents with young children. You want to find the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with the current safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're usually affordable, and will help your child transition into a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families who have several children. They are designed to last and typically can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in slate or white grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room. It fits the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that is highly rated, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch that conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic minimalist design that doesn't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the lightest cribs we tested, weighing just 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 from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has won numerous prizes from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed with rail, or to a daybed with no rail. It's easy to assemble and has a lot of appeal. However, the slender finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.