Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It is also very flexible with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs consume a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better option in case your home is small. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib due to security reasons.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby is dependent on the crib you choose. You must ensure that it meets the current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could catch on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to check the crib regularly.
Check the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby being able to get their head or limbs trapped between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your baby's crib. If you can't reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and need to be a bit wider.
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 mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the risk of your baby getting out of the crib as is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way and solid and stable construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. It is also advisable to sleep in the same room with your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom when they are old enough to be watched when they sleep on their own.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also take away anything that could create a choking risk, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs since they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
While cribs may look all similar, it's important to keep in mind that all must comply with strict safety regulations. To this end, the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar layout to ensure consistency in terms of structural quality. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or pinch a baby. We also evaluated each crib and rated it based on its user-friendliness and assembly. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in a variety of finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. The crib was stable and sturdy. It did not move or creak when a heavy child was seated.
If you're thinking of having more children, you might be interested in a convertible crib. A lot of these cribs can convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib which received excellent marks from our parents who tested it. A few of them mentioned that the side rails that drop down made feeding their baby at night easier and safer, and that the crib was roomy enough for the co-sleeping baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a great option for those who prefer the traditional style. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with a classic design that will complement most all nursery. It comes with three mattress heights, but it may be a bit shallow for some toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a clean crib mattress is a must. Baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty which can lead to mildew and other bacteria that can affect infants. Choose a product that is easy to clean with an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Choose a mattress that has been rated for up to 10 years, so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides that allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to a full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it supports their spines while they're developing. A firm sleeping surface helps reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
Examine the label on the mattress to confirm that it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that might pose a hazard to babies. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can affect 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 that you move and lift the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product, consider choosing a mattress that is lighter for your crib. 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 in this review. It is also made of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it more maneuverable in comparison to the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's simple to assemble is great for parents who are new. You should look for the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards These features aren't in line with current safety standards.
If best crib for newborn looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. These kits are typically inexpensive and will help your child make the transition from a smaller bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that can be found in convertible cribs, and they're a good option for families with multiple children. They've been made to last and can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
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 slate or white grey to match every nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and has locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin beds. 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 from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a simple, stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has a handy travel bag.
The runner-up of our tests The Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without a rail. It's easy to set up and has lots of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.