Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It also provides a good variety of versatility, with three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into an infant bed.
Bassinets are the best option for those with a small cot beds house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to safety reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your child while they sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and use and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing you need to check is the space between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from falling over or getting their legs trapped between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your baby's crib. If you aren't see, the slats need to be wider and not so close to each other.
The mattress support system is another aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce the risk of your baby getting out of the crib as is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and a solid and stable structure are other safety features you should look for. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also be in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough to sleep alone.
The last thing to do is make sure the crib is kept away from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also remove any items that could present a choking risk, such as blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, since they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or been recalled for different reasons.
Design
While cribs might appear the same, it is important to keep in mind that all must meet strict safety regulations. The majority of cribs we examined are constructed in a similar way to ensure structural integrity. Most cribs feature circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It has a stylish modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also has a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Another option 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 a variety of colors and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was stable and sturdy. It did not move or creak when a large child was seated.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you're planning to have more children. A lot of these cribs can transform into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed, giving you a long-lasting investment for the money you spend. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. Several of them commented that the side rails that drop down made feeding at night easier and safer, and that the crib was roomy enough for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
If you prefer a traditional style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a solid choice. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and comes with a timeless style that is perfect for any nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit small for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can come in handy for newborns. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress.
Find mattresses that are designed to last 10 years, so it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible with infant and toddler sides, which allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is best because it supports their spines while they're developing. A firm sleeping surface can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
If you are looking for a firm crib mattress, check the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability tots and cots waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a danger to infants. You'll also find certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS, which are a good indication that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the mattress is another factor to take into consideration. Sheet changes at night require that you lift and move the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want carry a heavy item you should consider a lighter crib mattress. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 lbs, making it the heaviest in this review. It's also made of foam, not inners with woven-core that makes it much easier to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to put together is ideal for parents with young children. You want to find a crib with firmly-secured hardware and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Also, stay clear of cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards -- these features aren't in line with current safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're usually affordable, and will aid your child's transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that comes with a convertible crib and they're a great crib investment for families with multiple children. They've been made to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It's available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is easily moved around and has locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib to be very simple to assemble - it took 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Canada, Australia and Europe. It also has a stylish minimalist design that doesn't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout crib is among the lightest cribs we've tested, with a weight of only 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 various parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has rail or a daybed with no rail. It is simple to put together and has a lot of visual appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched in normal use.