Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery. It also comes with a deal of flexibility, with three mattress support levels and the possibility of transforming into an infant bed.
Bassinets are a good option for those with a small house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. However, many parents prefer a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free of hazards that may cause harm to your child while they sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to check the crib regularly.
Check the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby being able to get their head or legs trapped between them. You should also be able easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you aren't, the slats should be wider and not so close together.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the risk of your baby getting out of the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way, and solid and stable construction. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. It's also better to sleep in the same room with your baby for six months or so, and then move them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be watched when they sleep on their own.
In the end, you must make sure that the crib is away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that could be danger to your child's health like blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, as they may not meet the current safety standards or been recalled for other reasons.
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 cribs we looked at have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. For instance, many have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or pinch a baby. We also evaluated and rated each crib for how easy it was to put together and use. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has clear instructions that are easy to follow to minimize frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several 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).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you plan to have more children. They can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, providing excellent value for money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that received praise from our parents who tested it. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also stated that the crib had enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom slept.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless design that will fit in with the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three mattress heights, however it could be a bit small for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will come in handy for newborns. 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. Select a mattress that can be easy to clean 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 for 10 years, meaning it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. cribs beds of the mattresses discussed here are reversible with a toddler and infant side. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is old enough to be their own bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is best, as it will support their spines while they are developing. 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 mattress that is soft.
If you are in search of a firm crib mattress make sure you check the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a risk to infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may harm infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is another thing to take into consideration. The regular changes to sheets at night require you to move and lift the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or aren't able to handle a heavy product then consider getting a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, which makes it the largest in this review. It is also made from foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around compared to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to put together. Look for one with hardware that is securely secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Beware of cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards -- these features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're often inexpensive, and they'll aid your child's transition to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families with several children. The cribs are designed to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's traditional in design and is available in slate or white grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room and accommodates most standard twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib to be very simple to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a simple and stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the lightest cribs we tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an excellent travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests The Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from different parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It's easy to set up and has a lot of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches when used regularly.