Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It's also very adaptable because it comes with three different mattress support heights and can be converted into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets could be a better choice if your house is small. Many parents choose a crib for security reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. It is important to ensure that the crib is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of any hazards that may cause harm to your baby during their 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 directions for assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing you need to check is the spacing between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby falling over or getting their legs trapped between them. You should also be able to easily reach and see your baby's crib. If you can't then the slats are close to each other and should be wider.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk of your baby climbing out of the crib which is a frequent occurrence as they learn 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 choose a crib with fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which can be dangerous for your baby. You should also be in the same room as your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is kept away from windows and radiators, and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also remove any items that could present a choking risk like blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs may look identical, but they must adhere to strict safety standards. For this reason, most cribs we examined have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural integrity. Most cribs feature circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could catch the Baby Crib or squeeze them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has clear instructions that are easy to follow to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It has a stylish, contemporary design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also has an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in a variety of colors and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're planning on having more children, you might want to consider 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 the money you spend. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received excellent marks from our parents who tested it. The drop-down side rail was loved by a lot of parents for making feeding at night more secure and easy. They also said that the crib offered enough space for their cheap baby cots to rest comfortably while mom and dad slept.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is an excellent choice if you like the traditional style. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it is a classic design that can be incorporated into the majority of nursery decors. It has three different heights for the mattress however, some parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
A washable crib mattress will be useful for infants. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty, resulting in mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned using mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider an waterproof cover to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress.
Find a mattress that is rated to last for 10 years, Baby Beds meaning it's ready for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides, which allows you to use them from birth until your child is old enough to be an adult-sized bed.
A firm crib mattress is the Best cot for newborn choice for infants because it provides the most support to their growing spines. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
Examine the label on a firm mattress to ensure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a risk to babies. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good indication that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to move and lift the mattress. If you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want to carry a heavy item then consider getting a mattress that is lighter for your crib. 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 in this review. It is also made of foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around in comparison to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to assemble. Find one with hardware that is securely secured and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Also, avoid any cribs with drop-sides, or headboard/footboard cutouts as they aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll help your child transition into a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that is offered by the convertible crib and they're a great choice for families with several children. They are designed to last, and typically can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to fit with almost every nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin beds. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia, and Europe. It has a minimalist, stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has a handy travel bag.
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 publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design and can be converted from an infant crib into an adult bed with rail or a daybed without the rail. It's easy to set up and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches during normal use.