Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into an infant's bed.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets may be a better option for homes with small spaces. Many parents choose a crib for security reasons.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. It is important to ensure that the crib is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of hazards that may cause harm to your child while they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to regularly inspect the crib.
The first thing to check is the space between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby being able to get their head or limbs trapped between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your baby's crib. If you aren't, the slats should be wider and not as close to each other.
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 lower the chance that your child will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress with ease as well as a stable and sturdy construction. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. It's also better to share a room with your baby for six months or so, and only move them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be watched while sleeping alone.
Also, make sure that the crib is away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects like curtains or blind cords are not within reach. You should also take away any items that could pose danger of choking, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs, as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs can look identical, but they must comply with strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we reviewed are designed in a similar way to ensure the structural solidity. For instance, many have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or squeeze the baby. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also has an all-purpose 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 and modern with minimal features that make it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and comes with four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be solid and stable, without flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you are planning to have more children. Many of these options transform into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received excellent marks from our test parents. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also stated 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 an excellent option if you prefer a more traditional style. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a classic style that is perfect for every nursery. It has three different mattress heights, however it might be a little small for some toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be a great option for babies. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacteria that could be harmful to infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress.
Choose a mattress that is rated to last up to 10 years, so it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides which will let you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for the full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal, as it will support their spines while they're developing. A mattress that is firm and sturdy can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
Check the label on a firm mattress to ensure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a danger for infants. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that may harm babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. If you're unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't want to move an item that weighs a lot it is possible to choose an easier 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 in this review. It is also constructed of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it much easier to move around compared with the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to put together is ideal for parents who are new. Choose nursery cots 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 and headboard/footboard cuts. These features aren't up to the safety standards of today.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're usually inexpensive, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that can be found in convertible cribs and are a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs have been designed to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It is available in white or slate grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and comes with locking wheels. It can be used with the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Canada, Australia, 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 lighter cribs that we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
A runner-up in our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from different parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed without the rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches when used regularly.