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 amount of flexibility, with three different mattress support heights and the capability to convert into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a better choice when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you select. You should ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free of any dangers that could cause harm to your baby as they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create a choking risk. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to check the crib regularly.
Examine the distance between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from being able to get their head or limbs trapped between them. You must also be able to easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you cannot see, the slats need to be wider and not so close to each other.
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 reduce the risk of your baby getting out of the crib which is a frequent event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features to look for. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then transfer them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be monitored while sleeping alone.
Also, make sure that the crib is away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could present a choking risk such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs since they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may appear the same but must still meet the strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar way to ensure structural solidity. Most cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle babies or pinch them. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its ease of use and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has simple instructions to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It features a chic modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned options. It also comes with a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal features that make it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of colors and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a bed for a toddler and then into a full-size mattress, offering excellent value for price. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib which received praise from our parents who tested it. The side rail that can be removed was praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and less stressful. They also stated that the crib offered enough space for their baby to be comfortable while mom and dad slept.
If you're looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft, and it is a classic design that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It comes with three mattress heights, but it could be a bit shallow for some toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is a must. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned using mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Look for a mattress that is rated up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses reviewed here are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from birth up until your child is old enough to be their own bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal because it supports their spines while they're developing. A mattress that is extremely firm helps to reduce the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
Look over 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 and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a risk to infants. You'll also see certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS, which are a good indicator that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another 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 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 pounds, which makes it the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of inners with woven-core that makes it much easier to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to assemble. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured with no sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Beware of cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard These features aren't in line with current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll require a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically affordable and can assist your child to make the transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that comes with convertible cribs and are a great option for families with multiple children. They've been made to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to place and can fit most standard twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib was very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to put together.
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 Australia, Canada and Europe. It is a minimalist and stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout is one of the lightest cribs we tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has a handy travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. cribs beds has a medium profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without a rail. It is simple to put together and has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched in normal use.