Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be transformed into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents choose a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it meets current safety standards and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that might catch on clothing or pose dangers of choking. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to regularly inspect the crib.
The first thing you need to check is the spacing between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or legs from being trapped between them. You should be in a position to 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 consider is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the levels so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your baby will climb out of the crib as they begin to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress securely, and an enduring and solid construction. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room as your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them into their own room when they are old enough to be watched when they are sleeping on their own.
Also, ensure that the crib is away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also remove items that could be danger to your child's health, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs, as 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 regulations. For this reason, most cribs we looked at have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural solidity. Most cribs feature circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could trap babies or pinch them. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest selecting one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It has a stylish contemporary design and is available in a range of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different finishes and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. This crib was very stable and sturdy. It didn't flex or creak when a heavy child climbed in.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you plan to have more children. They can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then a full-size mattress, giving you excellent value for money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned praise from our test parents. top ranked cribs of them commented that the drop-down side rail made feeding their baby at night easier and safer, and that the crib was big enough for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
If you are looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good choice. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that will fit in with the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights however some parents and toddlers might consider it too shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be a great option for babies. Spitting up from diapers, baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and other bacteria that can affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be washed with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. You should also pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health issues.
Find a mattress that is that is rated for up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses reviewed here are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from birth up until your child is ready for their full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is ideal for infants, because it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is due to the fact that mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
Check the label of the mattress to confirm that it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a threat to infants. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US, which are a good indicator that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move a heavy item then you might want a mattress that is lighter. 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 constructed of foam rather than inners with woven-core that makes it easier to maneuver when compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to assemble is great for new parents. Find one equipped with hardware that is securely held, without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with today's safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically cheap and can help your child make the transition from a smaller bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that is offered by convertible cribs, and they're a good investment for families with multiple children. They are designed to last and are typically able to be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in white or slate grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and features locking wheels. It is suitable for the majority of twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to complete.
Another crib that has been rated highly, the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch, and it is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a simple, stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the tiniest cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing The Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without rail. It is easy to set up, and it has a lot of visual appeal. However the surface can be scratched during normal use.