Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It's also very adaptable with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be transformed into an infant's bed.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets may be a better option if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it is in line with the current safety standards, and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or create danger of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
Check the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or legs from getting caught between them. You should also be able to easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you cannot see, the slats need to be wider and not as close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of 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 risk of your baby leaving the crib which is a frequent situation as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress securely and a stable and sturdy construction. You should also choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. You should also be in the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to sleep on their own.
In the end, you must ensure that the crib is away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects like curtains or blind cords are not within reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that might pose danger to your child's health like pillows or blankets. Be cautious of purchasing second-hand cribs as they may not be in compliance with the safety standards of today or been recalled for different reasons.
Design
While cribs may look all similar, it's important to remember that each must meet strict safety standards. For this reason, most of the cribs we reviewed are of a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural solidity. The majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle a baby or pinch them. We also evaluated and rated each crib for how easily it was to put together and use. More components can cause confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has a few easy-to-follow directions to avoid frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also has an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal 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 perfect for modern nursery designs. online cots comes in various finishes and comes with four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. This crib was very sturdy and stable. It didn't flex or squeak when a big child climbed in.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you're planning to have more children. These options can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then a full-size mattress, giving you the best value for money. Our test parents have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rail that can be removed was highly praised by parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also stated that the crib had enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom were asleep.
If you are looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It comes with three mattress heights, but it may be a bit small for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is a must. Baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be cleaned with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner, and choose a waterproof mattress cover to stop fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health problems.
Choose a mattress that is rated to last up to 10 years, which means it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides, which allows you to use them from birth until your child is ready for a full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is best because it can support their spines as they are developing. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
Look over the label of the mattress to confirm that it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that could pose risk to infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US, which are a good indicator that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is another factor to take into consideration. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you move and lift the mattress. If you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product then consider getting 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 weighs 20 lbs, making it the largest in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around as compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to put together is great for parents who are new. Choose a crib 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 don't meet the current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will require an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. They're often cheap, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families who have many children. They've been built to last and 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 Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's a classic design and is available in white or slate grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room. It can fit the majority of standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to the standards of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also has a stylish, minimalist design that won't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
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 various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed with a rail or into a daybed without the rail. It is easy to assemble and also has a lot of visual appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched in normal use.