Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It also provides a good variety of versatility by offering three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Bassinets are a better choice for those with a small home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. However, many parents prefer a crib for security reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You want to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to check the crib regularly.
Check the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your baby's crib. If you can't, the slats are too close together and should be wider.
Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the chance of your child getting out of the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress securely, and a stable and sturdy construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. You should also share 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 removed from windows and radiators, and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are not in reach. You should also take away anything that could create a choking risk like blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs since they may not meet the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs may look the same but must still meet the strict safety standards. This is why the majority cribs we examined are of a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural solidity. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or squeeze a baby. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its user-friendliness and assembly. We suggest choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, modern design and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with an all-inclusive 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 another option. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal features that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you're planning to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a bed for a toddler and then a full-size mattress, giving you excellent value for money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib which received excellent marks from our test parents. Many of them said that the side rails that drop down made feeding their baby at night easier and safer and that the crib was roomy enough for the co-sleeping baby to feel comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is an excellent option for those who prefer a more traditional style. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that is perfect for every nursery. It comes with three mattress heights, but it could be a bit shallow for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A washable crib mattress will be useful for infants. Baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that can be wiped down with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner, and select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health problems.
Find mattresses that are rated to last up to 10 years, meaning it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides which will let you use them right from birth until your child is ready to move on to the full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is the best choice for infants because it provides the greatest support for their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is due to the fact that a soft mattress increases the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
Look over the label on the mattress to confirm that it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that could pose a hazard to babies. You can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can harm babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the mattress. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to lift and move the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or aren't able to carry a heavy item, consider choosing a crib mattress that is lighter. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, which makes it one of the heaviest in this review. It's also made of foam rather than woven-core inners, which makes it much easier to move around in comparison to the heavier coil mattress.
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 that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These items aren't in compliance with the safety standards of today.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're usually cheap, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Convertible cribs can be a great option for families with multiple children. They've 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 white or slate grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to place and accommodates the majority of standard twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib to be very simple to put together, taking 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, in addition to the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a minimalist and stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is among the lightest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
A runner-up in our testing the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without rail. It's easy to assemble and has lots of appeal. However, the slender finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.