Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible with three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Cribs take up a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better option in case your home is small. Many parents choose a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free from dangers that could harm your baby as they sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to check the crib regularly.
The first thing to check is the spacing between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to prevent your baby from getting their head or legs trapped between them. You should also be able easily reach and see your baby's crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not so close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It must be adjustable to various levels so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance of your child getting out of the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way as well as solid and stable construction. 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 sleep in the same room with your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
Finally, you should ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects like curtains or blind cords are out of their reach. It is also recommended to remove any objects that could pose the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs since they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs may appear identical, but they must comply with strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we examined are constructed in a similar manner to ensure the structural stability. The majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could trap a baby or pinch them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its ease of use and assembly. We recommend choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, modern design and comes in several colors, including 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, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in various colors and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. This crib was very stable and sturdy. It did not flex or creak when a large child climbed in.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you plan to have more children. A lot of these cribs can convert into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for your money. Our test parents have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. The side rail that can be removed was loved by a lot of parents for making nighttime feedings safer and easier. They also stated that the crib offered enough room for the baby to be comfortable while dad and mom lay down.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid 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 may be a bit shallow for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a washable crib mattress is a must. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, choose a waterproof mattress cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health problems.
Find mattresses that are rated to last up to 10 years, which means it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products discussed here are reversible with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be their own bed size.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, because it provides the greatest support for their growing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm helps to reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a mattress that is soft.
Examine the label of the mattress to confirm that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability, lead and other chemicals that could pose a hazard to babies. You can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that could affect infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to take into consideration. The regular changes to sheets at night require you to move and lift the mattress. If you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want carry a heavy item you should consider a crib mattress that is lighter. 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 largest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of inner woven-core, making it more maneuverable compared with a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to put together. You should look for the crib that has hardware that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features don't meet the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll need to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are usually inexpensive and will help your child make the transition to a larger bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that is offered by the convertible crib and are a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last and are typically able to be converted into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It is available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is simple to move around and features locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to complete.
Another top-rated crib, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch that meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It is a minimalist and stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is one of the lighter cribs that we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches in normal use.