Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It also offers a great variety of versatility by offering three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets could be a better option for homes with small spaces. Many parents choose 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 meets the current safety standards and is free of hazards that may cause harm to your baby as they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to regularly inspect the crib.
The first thing to check is the spacing between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart 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 in the crib. If you cannot, the slats should be wider and not as close together.
Another aspect of the crib to be considered 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 child will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way, and a stable and sturdy construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room as your baby cots online for six months or so, and only move them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.
In the end, you must ensure that the crib is away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects like blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also take away any items that could present danger of choking like blankets or pillows. Be wary of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not meet the current safety standards or been recalled for different reasons.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs may appear similar, but must comply with strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure the structural solidity. Most cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could trap a baby or pinch them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its user-friendliness and assembly. We recommend choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It features a chic contemporary design and is available in a range of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various finishes and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you plan to have more children. These options can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then a full-size mattress, giving you the best crib for newborn value for money. Our test parents gave the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and less stressful. They also said that the crib had enough room for the baby to be comfortable while dad and mom were asleep.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a great option if you prefer traditional design. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that will fit in with most nursery decors. It comes with three different heights for the mattress, but certain parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a clean crib mattress is essential. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be wiped down with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Choose a mattress that is rated to last up to 10 years, which means it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. A majority of the mattresses reviewed 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 own bed.
A firm crib mattress is the best rated cribs choice for infants because it provides the most support to their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface reduces the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when an infant's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
Examine the label on the mattress to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a danger for infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a good sign that the mattress has been tested for emissions 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 lift and move the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or aren't able to carry a heavy item then consider getting a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For instance 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 instead of woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to put together is great for parents who are new. You should look for 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 with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features aren't up to the safety standards of today.
If you're looking 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 separately. These kits are usually cheap cot bed and can aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that can be found in the convertible crib, and they're a good investment for families with multiple children. The cribs are designed to last, and they can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It has a traditional style and is available in white or slate grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib comes with locks that let you easily move it from room to place and fits the majority of twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib was very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia, and Europe. It has a simple, stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. 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 runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received several prizes from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It's easy to set up and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.