Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also comes with a deal of flexibility, with three mattress support levels and the capability to convert into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a better choice if you have a small home. Cribs can take up more space. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib due to security reasons.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby is dependent on the crib you choose. It is important to ensure that the crib is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your baby during their sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to check the crib regularly.
The first thing to look at is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to keep your baby's head or limbs being trapped between them. You should also be able easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you cannot, the slats should be wider and not so close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable to different levels so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk that your baby will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress securely and an enduring and solid construction. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. You should also sleep in the same room as your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
In the end, you must make sure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects like curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also remove items that could be a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not have met current safety standards or have been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
While cribs might appear similar, it's important to remember that each must comply with strict safety regulations. To this end, the majority cribs we looked at are of a similar design to ensure consistency of structural quality. Most cribs feature circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could trap the baby or squeeze them. We also assessed and rated each crib based on how easy it was to use and to assemble. We suggest selecting the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It has a stylish, contemporary 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 the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in various finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're planning on having more children, you might want to consider a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then a full-size mattress, offering the best value for money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that earned praise from our test parents. Many of them said that the drop-down side rail made feeding their baby at night easier and safer, and that the crib was spacious enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with an elegant style that is perfect for all nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, but certain parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a clean crib mattress is an essential. Diaper leaks, baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Choose a product that is easy to clean with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.
Choose mattresses that are rated to last for 10 years, so it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides, that allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, since it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is due to the fact that mattresses that are soft increase the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Examine the label on the mattress to confirm that it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that might pose a hazard to babies. There are also certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a great indication that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. If you're not able to lift heavy objects, or don't want to move an item that weighs a lot, you may want an easier mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also made of foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around in comparison to a traditional coil bed.
best crib for newborn will appreciate a crib that is easy to assemble. You want to find an item that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Beware of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard as they aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by most manufacturers. They're typically affordable, and will assist your child in transitioning to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Convertible cribs can be a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last, and are typically able to be converted into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It's available in white or slate grey to complement 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 of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a simple elegant design that can go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the tiniest cribs we've tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around and has a handy travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without rail. It is simple to put together and also has a lot of visual appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched in normal use.