Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It's also very adaptable, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be transformed into an infant's bed.
Bassinets are a good option if you have a small home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free from dangers that could harm your baby while they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could catch on clothing or present a choking hazard. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to check the crib regularly.
Examine the distance between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or legs from getting caught between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child's crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not as close together.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable so you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce the possibility of your baby leaving the crib, which is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress securely and a stable and sturdy construction. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room with your baby for six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom once they are old enough to be monitored when they sleep on their own.
The last thing to do is make sure the crib is removed from windows and radiators, and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are not in reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that might pose a choking hazard like pillows or blankets. Be cautious of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not have met the current safety standards or been recalled for other reasons.
Design
While cribs might appear identical, it is important to remember that each must meet strict safety guidelines. This is why the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural solidity. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag babies. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on how easily it was to use and to assemble. We recommend choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in various colors and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, without creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you plan to have more children. These options can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then into a full-size mattress, giving you the best value for price. best cot bed is an example of a convertible crib that earned praise 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 noted that the crib offered enough space for their 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 for those who prefer traditional design. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that is compatible with most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights however certain parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be useful for infants. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty, resulting in mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, select an waterproof cover to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress.
Choose mattresses that are rated to last for 10 years, so it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is old enough to be their own bed.
A mattress that is firm is ideal for infants, because it provides the greatest support for their growing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also reduces the chance of SIDS which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
If you are in search of a mattress for your crib that is firm, check the label to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a risk for infants. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a great 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 mattress is another thing to take into consideration. If you're unable to lift heavy objects, or don't want to move an item that weighs a lot then you might want a mattress that is lighter. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, which makes it one of the heaviest 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 heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is great for parents with young children. You want to find an item that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with the current safety standards.
When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll help your child transition into larger beds more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that comes with the convertible crib and are a great investment for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last and are typically able to be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It is available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and accommodates the majority of standard twin mattresses. 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 compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the most lightweight cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with an excellent travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design and can be converted from an infant crib to an adult bed with a rail or into a daybed without the rail. It's easy to set up and has plenty of appeal. However, the slender finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.