Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in a Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a better choice if you have a small home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your baby during their sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or limbs getting caught between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you cannot see, the slats need to be broader and not as close together.
The mattress support system is another aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable to different heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will decrease the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress securely, and a stable and sturdy construction. You should also select a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides which can be dangerous for your baby. You should also share the same room with your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to go off on their own.
Not least, ensure that the crib is removed from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also remove items that could be a choking hazard like pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs, as they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs can look similar, but must meet the strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we examined are of a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural quality. The majority of cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could trap babies or pinch them. We also tested and rated each crib for how easy it was to put together and use. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It is stylish, contemporary design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also has an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of colors and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you're planning to have more children. They can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then into a larger mattress, providing the best value for price. Our test parents have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rail that can be removed was loved by a lot of parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also noted that the crib had enough room for the baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom were asleep.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless style that will fit in with most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit too small for toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A washable crib mattress will come in handy for newborns. Spitting up from diapers, baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be wiped down with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner, and choose a waterproof mattress cover to help prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for mattresses that are rated to last up to 10 years, meaning it's ready for toddlers and beyond. A majority of the mattresses discussed here are reversible with toddler and infant sides. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is old enough to be their full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, because it provides the greatest support for their growing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm helps reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
Check the label on the mattress to make sure 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 threat for infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good sign that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to consider. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to lift and move the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want carry a heavy item then consider getting a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs, making it the largest in this review. It is also made from foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to put together is ideal for parents with young children. Find one equipped with hardware that is securely held with without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet today's safety standards.
When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by most manufacturers. They're usually inexpensive, and they'll aid your child's transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that is offered by the convertible crib and are a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs have been made to last and can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds, 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 slate or white grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and comes with locking wheels. It fits the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a simple and stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is among the lighter cribs that we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has a rail or into a daybed without the rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches during normal use.