Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in a Scandi nursery. It also offers a great amount of flexibility, with three mattress support levels and the possibility of transforming into an infant bed.
Bassinets are a better choice for those with a small house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free from dangers that could cause harm to your child while they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for signs of wear or damage.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You must also be able to easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you cannot see, the slats need to be broader and not as close together.
Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the heights, 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 look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress securely as well as an enduring and solid construction. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and only transfer them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be supervised while sleeping alone.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is placed away from radiators and windows, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are out of reach. You should also remove items that could be a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs since they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs may appear identical, but they must comply with strict safety standards. This is why the majority cribs we looked at have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural solidity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or squeeze babies. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its ease of use and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest selecting a crib with simple instructions to avoid frustration.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This 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 has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, without flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're planning to have more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. They can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then a full-size mattress, offering an excellent value for your money. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of a convertible bed. Many of them said that the side rails with a drop-down feature made nighttime feedings more secure and easier, and the crib was big enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good choice. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with a classic style that is perfect for all nursery. It comes with three mattress heights, however it could be a bit shallow for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a crib mattress that is washable is a must. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or bacteria that could affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, select an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Choose mattresses that are designed to last up to 10 years, which means it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is the best choice for infants because it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface helps to reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a baby's head sinks into a soft mattress.
If you are in search of a firm crib mattress, look over the label to be sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a risk for infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a good indicator 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 a further factor to consider. Sheet changes at night require you to lift and move the mattress. If you struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to handle a heavy product, consider choosing a lighter crib mattress. 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 featured in this review. It's also made of foam instead of inner woven-core, making it more maneuverable in comparison to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to assemble is great for parents who are new. You should look for the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards as they aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. These kits are often inexpensive and will assist your child to make the transition to a bigger bed more easily.
Convertible cribs are an excellent investment for families with several children. These cribs are built to last, and typically can be converted into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's a classic design and is available in white or slate grey to fit with almost every nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and features locking wheels. It fits most twin beds. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance 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 is one of the most lightweight cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without a rail. It is simple to put together and also has a lot of visual appeal. However the surface can be scratched during normal use.