Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also offers a great amount of flexibility, with three mattress support height levels and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better choice in case your home is small. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You want to make sure that the crib meets the current safety standards, and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
The first thing to look at is the space between slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby falling over or getting their limbs trapped between them. You should also be able easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and need to be a bit larger.
recommended cribs is a different aspect to think about when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your baby will fall out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress in a secure way, and an enduring and solid construction. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. It's also better to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them into their own bedroom once they are old enough to be supervised when they sleep on their own.
In the end, you must ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects like blind cords or curtains are out of their reach. You should also take away any items that could pose the risk of choking, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalled.
Design
While cribs may look all similar, it's important to remember that each must comply with strict safety standards. This is why the majority cribs we examined have a similar layout to ensure consistency of structural integrity. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag the baby. We also assessed and rated each crib based on how easily it was to use and assemble. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with simple instructions to reduce frustration.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. Additionally, it features an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various finishes and comes with four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, without creaking or flexing when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
If you're planning on having more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. A lot of these cribs can be converted into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, offering excellent longevity for your money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned excellent marks from our parents who tested it. The side rail that can be removed was highly praised by parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and easy. They also said that the crib was spacious enough room for the baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom lay down.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is an excellent option for those who prefer traditional design. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless style that will fit in with most nursery decors. It comes with three mattress heights, but it might be a little shallow for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will come in handy for newborns. Baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, choose an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.
Find a mattress that is that is rated for up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the products reviewed here are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be their full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal because it supports their spines while they are developing. A mattress that is extremely firm reduces the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
If you are in search of a mattress that is firm for your crib be sure to examine the label to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, as well as other chemicals that could be a hazard to babies. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that may affect babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another consideration is the weight of a mattress for a crib. Sheet changes at night require you to move and lift the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product, consider choosing a mattress that is lighter for your crib. Newton Wovenaire, for example is 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 woven core inners. This makes it easier to move around as compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to assemble. You should look for the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Also, stay clear of cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard -- these features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by most manufacturers. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll help your child transition into larger beds more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that comes with a convertible crib and are a great option for families with multiple children. The cribs are made to last, and they can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's a classic design and is available in slate or white grey to fit with almost every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room. It can fit the majority of standard twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib was very easy to assemble - it took 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a minimalist and stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the tiniest cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with an excellent travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from different parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib into an adult bed with rail or a daybed that doesn't have rail. It's easy to set up and has plenty of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches when used regularly.