Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also provides a good deal of flexibility with three mattress support levels and the capability to convert into an infant bed.
Bassinets are a better choice when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents choose a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you select. You must ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm to your child during their sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
The first thing to check is the space between slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to prevent your baby from falling over or getting their limbs trapped between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you cannot reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not as close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib to be considered 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 decrease the chance that your baby will fall out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress securely, and a stable and sturdy construction. It is also recommended to choose a crib with fixed sides, rather than ones with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also be in the same room with your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
In the end, you must make sure that the crib is away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. Also, most recommended cribs should remove any items that could be the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. Be cautious of purchasing second-hand cribs as they may not meet current safety standards or have been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may appear identical, but they must adhere to strict safety standards. To this end, the majority of the cribs we reviewed are of a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural quality. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag a baby. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on how easy it was to use and assemble. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has simple instructions to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It features a chic, contemporary design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned options. It also comes with an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in various finishes and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was extremely solid and stable. It did not move or creak when a heavy child climbed into it.
If you're planning on having more children, you might be interested in a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then a full-size mattress, offering an excellent value for your price. Our test parents loved the Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of a convertible bed. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and easy. They also said that the crib had enough room for the baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom lay down.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid choice. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights however some parents and toddlers might find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is essential. Baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy which can lead to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Find a mattress cover that can be cleaned with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. Also, select a mattress cover that is waterproof to help prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health problems.
Choose a mattress that has been rated for up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've discussed here are reversible with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is old enough to be their own bed.
A firm crib mattress is ideal for infants, since it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
If you are in search of a firm crib mattress be sure to examine the label to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a threat for infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US, which are a good indicator that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another consideration is the weight of a mattress for a crib. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you move and lift the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to handle a heavy product you should consider a crib mattress that is lighter. 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 made of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around as compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to put together is great for parents with young children. You want to find an item that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Also, avoid any cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard -- these features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, keep 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 bigger bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that comes with the convertible crib and they're a great investment for families with multiple children. They are designed to last, and they typically can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's a classic design and is available in slate or white grey to match every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room and fits most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
Another top-rated crib one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch that meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. 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 tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for transport.
A runner-up in our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from different parenting publications, including 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's easy to assemble and has plenty of appeal. However, the slender finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.
