Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in a Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be transformed into an infant's bed.
Cribs take up a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better choice if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm to your child as they sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing you need to check is the spacing between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to prevent your baby from falling over or getting their limbs trapped between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your baby's crib. If you're not, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit wider.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the risk of your baby climbing out of the crib, which is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress with ease as well as solid and stable construction. It is also recommended to choose a crib with fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also share the same room with your baby until they are old enough to sleep alone.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is kept away from radiators and windows, and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also remove any items that could present a choking risk like pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
Although cribs may appear similar, it's crucial to remember that every crib must meet strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar manner to ensure the structural stability. Most cribs feature circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle babies or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib for how easy it was to use and to assemble. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has clear instructions that are easy to follow to avoid frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also has an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal features that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of designs and four mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you plan to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed and then a full-size mattress, offering an excellent value for your price. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that received praise from our parents who tested it. Many of them said that the side rails that drop down made feeding their baby at night more secure and easier, and the crib was spacious enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a great option if you prefer the traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and features an elegant design that will complement most any nursery. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however some parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be a great option for babies. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Find a mattress cover that can be cleaned with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner, and choose a waterproof mattress cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.
Choose a mattress that has been that is rated up to 10 years so that it can be used for toddlers. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides, that allows you to use them from birth until your child is ready to move on to an adult-sized bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is best because it can support their spines while they are developing. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
If you are looking for a firm crib mattress, check the label to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, as well as other chemicals that might pose danger to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the mattress is another thing to consider. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move a heavy item then you might want an easier mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured 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 the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to put together. You want to find a crib with firmly-secured hardware and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Also, avoid any cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for headboards and footboards These features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, keep in mind that you'll require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically cheap and can assist your child to make the transition from a smaller bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that comes with the convertible crib, and they're a good choice for families with several children. These cribs are built to last and typically can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to match every nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and has locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that is highly rated, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch that is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a sleek minimalist design that doesn't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to an adult bed with a rail or into a daybed with no rail. It is easy to set up, and it has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.