Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are a good option for those with a small home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents choose 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 must ensure that it is in line with current safety standards, and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.
Examine the distance between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep your baby's head or limbs from getting caught between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your baby's crib. If you're not reach your baby, the slats may be too close to each other and should be more spacious.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It must be adjustable to various heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the risk of your baby climbing out of the crib which is a frequent event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other security features to be looking for. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. It's also better to sleep in the same room with your baby for six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom once they are old enough to be supervised when they sleep on their own.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects like blind cords or curtains are out of their reach. Also, you should remove any items that could pose danger of choking like pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs, as they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs can look similar, but must meet the strict safety standards. This is why the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. Most cribs feature circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also evaluated and rated each crib for how easily it was to use and to assemble. We suggest selecting a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It features a chic, contemporary design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned. It also has a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in a variety of finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. The crib was solid and stable. It did not flex or squeak when a big child climbed in.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, providing excellent value for price. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rails that slide down were loved by a lot of parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and less stressful. They also noted 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 traditional design. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and features an elegant design that will complement most every nursery. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however some parents and toddlers might feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a washable crib mattress is essential. Spitting up from diapers, baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and bacterial infections that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that can be washed with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner, and choose a waterproof mattress cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health problems.
Look for a mattress that is rated to last up to 10 years, so it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've reviewed here are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed.
A mattress that is firm is ideal for infants, since it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is due to the fact that an extremely soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Check the label of the mattress to confirm that it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a threat to babies. 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 could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Baby Crib is the weight of a crib mattress. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move a heavy item then you might want a mattress that is lighter. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, making it the heaviest in this review. It's also made of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it easier to maneuver in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to assemble is great for new parents. Choose a crib equipped with hardware that is securely held with no sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts. These items aren't in compliance with today's safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll help your child transition into larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families who have several children. These cribs have been made to last and can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and accommodates the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects only 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainable 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 sleek, minimalist design that won't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is among the most lightweight cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also 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 been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has a rail or into a daybed without the rail. It's easy to set up and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.