Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible with three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a good option for those with a small house. Cribs can take up more space. However, many parents prefer a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your baby while they 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 instructions for assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.
Check the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or limbs getting trapped in between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If not see, the slats need to be wider and not as close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will fall out of the crib once 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 to look for. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. You should also sleep in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is placed away from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are out of reach. You should also take away any items that could pose danger 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 recalled.
Design
While cribs might appear similar, it's crucial to remember that every crib must comply with strict safety standards. To this end, the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural integrity. For instance, many have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag a baby. We also tested and rated each crib based on how easily it was to put together and use. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we suggest choosing a crib that comes with simple instructions to avoid frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It features a chic contemporary design and is available in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for infant cot Bed having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various colors and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. This crib was very stable and sturdy. It did not flex or creak when a heavy child climbed into it.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you are planning to have more children. They can be transformed into a Cot Bed for a toddler and then a full-size mattress, offering an excellent value for your price. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned praise from our test parents. Several of them commented that the side rails that drop down made feeding their baby at night more secure and easier, and the crib was big enough for the co-sleeping baby to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a great option if you prefer traditional design. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has an elegant style that is perfect for any nursery. It has three different mattress heights, however it may be a bit too small for children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be useful for infants. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp which can lead to mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Find a mattress that is that is rated for up to 10 years, so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've discussed here are reversible with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for their full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants since 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 occur when an infant's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
Look over the label of the mattress to confirm that it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, and other chemicals that could pose danger to infants. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US, which are a good indication that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another consideration is the weight of the mattress. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you move and lift the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to carry a heavy item then consider getting a lighter crib mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also made of foam rather than woven-core inners, which makes it much easier to move around when compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to put together. Look for one with hardware that is securely secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Also, avoid any cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts as they aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, keep in mind that you'll likely need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're usually cheap, and they'll help your child transition into larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families with several children. They've been built cots to tots last and can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in white or slate grey to match every nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to place and can fit the majority of standard twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib was very easy to put together - it took 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 conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with an ideal travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from various parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to an adult bed with rail or a daybed without the rail. It is easy to assemble, and it has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.