Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It also provides a good amount of flexibility with three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Bassinets are a better choice when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it meets current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or create danger of choking. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to regularly inspect the crib.
Check the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from being able to get their head or limbs caught between them. You should also be able to easily reach and observe your baby in the crib. If not reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not so close to each other.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to think about when choosing a crib. It should be adjustable to different heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce the possibility of your baby leaving the crib which is a frequent event as they begin to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way and a stable and sturdy construction. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same room with your baby until they are old enough to be able to go off on their own.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is kept away from radiators and windows, and that hanging items such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also take away any items that could present danger of choking such as blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs since they may not have met the safety standards of today or been recalled for other reasons.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs may appear the same but must still adhere to strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure structural stability. Most cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could catch babies or pinch them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest selecting a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It features a chic contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-tone options. It also has a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of colors and four different mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested this crib and found it to be very sturdy and stable, without creaking or flexing when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
If you're planning on having more children, you may be interested in a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then a full-size mattress, giving you excellent value for money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received praise from our test parents. The side rail that can be removed was praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings safer and easier. They also said that the crib offered enough room for the baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom slept.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a great option for those who prefer a more traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has an elegant design that is suitable for every nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it might be a little shallow for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A washable crib mattress will come in handy for newborns. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty which can lead to mildew or bacteria that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be cleaned with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner, and choose a waterproof mattress cover to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Find a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years, so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the products reviewed here are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This allows you to use them from birth up until your child is ready to move on to their full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is ideal for infants, since it will provide the most support to their growing spines. A mattress that is firm and sturdy can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Check the label on the mattress to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could pose danger to infants. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can harm infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you move and lift the mattress, so 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 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is great for parents with young children. You want to find an item that is securely secured and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features don't meet the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. They're usually affordable, and will aid your child's transition to larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs are an excellent investment for families who have multiple children. These cribs are built to last and typically can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It is available in slate grey or white to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is simple to move around and comes with locking wheels. It fits the majority of twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib very easy to put together, taking 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 also features a chic minimalist design that will not interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an excellent travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous prizes from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of appeal. However, the slender finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.