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 variety of versatility, with three mattress support height levels and the possibility of transforming into an infant bed.
Bassinets are the best option if you have a small house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents choose a crib for security reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it meets current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and use, and to regularly check 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 apart to keep your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you're not reach your baby, the slats may be too close to each other and should be larger.
The mattress support system is another aspect to think about when choosing a crib. It should be adjustable so you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the chance of your child leaving the crib which is a frequent event as they begin to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress with ease, and solid and stable construction. You should also select a crib with fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which could be hazardous for your baby. You should also share the same room with your baby until they are old enough for them to sleep alone.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is placed away from radiators and windows, and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that might pose a choking hazard like pillows or blankets. 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 the same, it is important to remember that each must comply with strict safety regulations. The majority of cribs we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure structural solidity. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could trap a baby or pinch them. We also tested and rated each crib based on how easy it was to use and to assemble. We recommend choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It is stylish, contemporary design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned. It also has a universal 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 option. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various designs and four mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be very solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
If you're planning to have more children, you might want to consider a convertible crib. Many of these options can be converted into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, offering excellent longevity for the money. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of a convertible bed. The side rail that can be removed was praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings safer and easier. cots offers stated that the crib was spacious enough room for the baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom lay down.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a fantastic option if you prefer a more traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless design that will fit in with the majority of nursery decors. It has three different heights for the mattress however some parents and toddlers might find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will come in handy for newborns. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty that can cause mildew and bacterial infections that could be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be wiped down with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health problems.
Look for mattresses that are rated to last up to 10 years, which means it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses featured in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides, that allows you to use them from birth until your child is ready for an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm is the best choice for infants because it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm 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 meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a threat to babies. You'll also find certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a good sign that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. If you're not able to lift heavy objects, or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot then you might want an easier mattress. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 lbs, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it easier to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to build. Find one with hardware that's firmly secured with no sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. These kits are typically inexpensive and will assist your child to make the transition from a smaller bed more easily.
Convertible cribs are an excellent investment for families who have many children. They are designed to last, and generally can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's a classic design and is available in slate or white grey to fit with almost any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and has locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It is a minimalist elegant design that can go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the lighter cribs that we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from various parenting magazines, 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 is easy to assemble, and it has a lot of visual appeal. However the surface can be scratched in normal use.