Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in a Scandi nursery. It also provides a good amount of flexibility by offering three mattress support levels and the capability to convert into a toddler bed.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better option if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that it meets current safety standards and is free from any dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for signs of wear or damage.
Examine the distance between 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 must also be able to easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you can't then the slats are close to each other and should be wider.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. Baby beds should be adjustable to different heights so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress securely and a stable and sturdy construction. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. It is also advisable to share a room with your baby for six months or so, and only move them into their own room when they are old enough to be watched when they are sleeping on their own.
The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is kept away from windows and radiators, and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could pose danger of choking, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may appear identical, but they must meet the strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure the structural solidity. Most cribs feature circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle the baby or squeeze them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest selecting one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It has a stylish, contemporary design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned. Additionally, it features a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was extremely stable and sturdy. It did not flex or creak when a heavy child was seated.
If you're planning to have more children, you might be interested in a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then a full-size mattress, providing the best value for money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received high marks from our parents who tested it. Many of them said that the side rails with a drop-down feature made nighttime feedings easier and safer and that the crib was spacious enough for the baby to be at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.
If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with an elegant design that is suitable for all nursery. It comes with three mattress heights, but it could be a bit too small for toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a crib mattress that is washable is an essential. Baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be washed with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. You should also pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health problems.
Look for a mattress that is rated to last 10 years, meaning it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides that allows you to use them right from birth until your child is ready for a full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines as they are developing. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is due to the fact that a soft mattress increases the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
Look over the label of a firm mattress to ensure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that might pose a hazard to babies. There are also certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a great indication that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is a further factor to consider. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move a heavy item, you may want a lighter mattress. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, which makes it the largest in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners. Baby Crib makes it more comfortable to move around compared to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to assemble is great for parents with young children. You should look for the crib that has hardware that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Also, avoid any cribs with drop-sides, or headboard/footboard cutouts These features aren't in line with current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are usually cheap and can aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that is offered by a convertible crib and are a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs have been designed to last and can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and has locking wheels. It can be used with the majority of twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib was very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also has a stylish minimalist design that will not clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the tiniest cribs we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium 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 plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.