Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in a Scandi nursery. It also offers a great amount of flexibility, with three different mattress support heights and the ability to transform into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are the best option for those with a small house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your baby as they sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to regularly inspect the crib.
The first thing you need to check is the space 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 able to see and reach your baby's crib. If you can't reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and should be more spacious.
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 help to reduce the chance of your child climbing out of the crib as is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way as well as an enduring and solid construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. It is also advisable to share a room with your baby for six months or so, and only move them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be watched when they sleep on their own.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is removed from radiators and windows, and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could be danger to your child's health, such as blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs since they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
While cribs may look all identical, it is crucial to remember that every crib must comply with strict safety regulations. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure structural solidity. Most cribs feature circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we suggest selecting a crib with a few easy-to-follow directions to avoid frustration.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, modern design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal details that make it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in various finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was extremely stable and sturdy. It did not flex or squeak when a big child climbed in.
If you're planning to have more children, you might think about a convertible crib. A lot of these cribs can transform into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed providing a long-lasting product for your money. Our test parents loved the Sweet2Sleep Crib top 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 feel at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.
If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that is perfect for any nursery. It has three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit small for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a crib mattress that is washable is a must. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Look for a product that can be washed with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner, and choose a waterproof mattress cover to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.
Look for mattresses that are rated to last up to 10 years, meaning it's ready for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review can be reversible, with infant and toddler sides, that allows you to use them right from birth until your child is ready to move on to an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is best, as it will support their spines while they're developing. A mattress that is extremely firm helps to reduce the risk of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a soft mattress.
If you are looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib be sure to examine the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that could pose a hazard to babies. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US, which are a good sign that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another factor to consider. If you're unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot it is possible to choose a mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is great for parents with young children. Look for best infant cribs with hardware that is securely secured, no sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard -- these features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're usually cheap, and they'll aid your child's transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families with several children. These cribs have been built to last and can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It has a traditional style and is available in white or slate grey to fit with almost every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to place and accommodates the majority of standard twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia and Europe. It also has a stylish minimalist design that will not clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the tiniest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design, and it converts from an infant crib to an adult bed with a rail or into a daybed with no rail. It is easy to assemble, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.