Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in the Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into a toddler's bed.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets may be a better option in case your home is small. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that the crib meets current safety standards and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could catch on clothing or create a choking hazard. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
Examine the distance between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or limbs being trapped between them. You should also be able easily reach and see your baby's crib. If you aren't, the slats are too close to each other and should be wider.
The mattress support system is another aspect to take into consideration when selecting the crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your child will climb out of the crib as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and solid and sturdy construction are other security features you should look for. You should also choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same room with your baby until they are old enough to sleep alone.
Also, ensure that the crib is away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects like blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also take away any items that could present danger of choking, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, as they may not meet current safety standards or have been recalled for different reasons.
Design
Although cribs may appear similar, it's crucial to remember that every crib must meet strict safety guidelines. For this reason, most cribs we examined have a similar layout to ensure consistency of structural quality. Most cribs feature circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could trap a baby or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib on how easily it was to put together and use. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. It also has a mattress that is universal 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 another alternative. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal features that make it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're planning to have more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then a full-size mattress, providing an excellent value for your price. Our test parents have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of convertible beds. Several of them commented that the side rails that drop down made feeding at night easier and safer, and that the crib was spacious enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel at ease while dad and mom were asleep.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is an excellent option if you prefer a more traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and comes with a timeless design that is suitable for all nursery. It has three different heights for the mattress, but some parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be useful for infants. Baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty which can lead to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be washed with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner, and pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health problems.
Choose mattresses that are rated to last for 10 years, which means it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products reviewed here are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants because it will provide the most support to their growing spines. A firm sleeping surface reduces the risk of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.
Examine the label of the mattress to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could pose risk to infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may cause harm to babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. If you're unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot, you may want a lighter mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not inner woven-core, making it more maneuverable compared with traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to put together is ideal for parents with young children. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts. These features aren't up to the current safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically cheap and can assist your child to make the transition to a larger bed more easily.
Convertible cribs can be a great option for families with many children. They've been built to last and can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to match every nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and features locking wheels. It fits most twin beds. Our testers found this crib very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, in addition to the standards of Australia, Canada and Europe. It is a minimalist, stylish design that will go 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 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 several awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has rail or a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is easy to set up and has a lot of visual appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched in normal use.