Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It is also very flexible with three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into an infant's bed.
Bassinets are a better choice for those with a small home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it is in line with current safety standards and is free from any dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create danger of choking. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to regularly inspect the crib.
The first thing to look at is the spacing between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or limbs getting caught between them. You should also be able easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats may be too close to each other and should be more spacious.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so 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, which is a common event as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress with ease as well as a stable and sturdy construction. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. You should also share the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to sleep alone.
Not least, make sure the crib is kept away from windows and radiators, and that dangling items like curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also remove objects that could pose a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not meet current safety standards, or have been removed from the market.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs can look the same but must still comply with strict safety standards. This is why the majority cribs we looked at have a similar layout to ensure consistency of structural integrity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or pinch babies. We also tested and rated each crib for how easy it was to put together and use. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It has a stylish contemporary design and is available in a range of colors, including two-toned options. It also has a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details that make it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various designs and four mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you might be interested in a convertible crib. They can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, giving you excellent value for money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that earned high marks from our parents who tested it. Several of them commented that the drop-down side rail made nighttime feedings more secure and easier, and the crib was big enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel at ease while dad and mom were asleep.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a fantastic option for those who prefer traditional design. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft, and it is a classic design that will fit in with the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, but some parents and toddlers might consider it too shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be a great option for babies. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty which can lead to mildew or bacteria that could be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be cleaned with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health problems.
Find mattresses that are rated to last for 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, which allows you to use them right from birth until your child is ready for a full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is best for infants, since it will provide the most support to their growing spines. A firm sleeping surface helps reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when a child's head is lowered into a mattress that is soft.
If you are in search of a mattress that is firm for your crib be sure to look over the label to be sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that might pose danger to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can cause harm to babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the mattress is another thing to consider. Sheet changes 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 you should consider a lighter crib 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. Cots 4 Tots is also constructed of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to assemble is great for new parents. You should choose a crib with firmly-secured hardware and without sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to today's safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are usually cheap and can aid your child in making the transition to a bigger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that comes with a convertible crib and they're a great investment for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last, and they generally can be converted into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is 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 comes with locks that let you easily move it from room to room and fits most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Canada, Australia, and Europe. It has a minimalist, stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has an excellent travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed with rail, or to a daybed that doesn't have rail. It's easy to assemble and has a lot of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.