Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a good option if you have a small home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free of any hazards that may cause harm to your baby while they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions regarding assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for signs of wear or damage.
Check the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to prevent your baby from being able to get their head or legs trapped between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child in the crib. If not see, the slats need to be wider and not so close to each other.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to think about when choosing a crib. It should be adjustable to different heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the possibility of your baby getting out of the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way, and a stable and sturdy construction. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. It is also recommended to share a room as your baby for six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom once they are old enough to be monitored while sleeping alone.
Not least, make sure the crib is kept away from radiators and windows, and that hanging items such as curtains or blind cords are not in reach. You should also remove any items that could pose the risk of choking, such as pillows or blankets. Be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs as they may not have met current safety standards or have been recalled for other reasons.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs can look identical, but they must meet the strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we looked at were designed in a similar manner to ensure structural solidity. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or squeeze babies. We also examined each crib and evaluated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest selecting the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different colors and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. This crib was very solid and stable. It didn't flex or squeak when a big child was seated.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you're planning to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a bed for a toddler and then into a larger mattress, giving you the best value for money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received praise from our parents who tested it. The side rail that can be removed was highly praised by parents for making feeding at night more secure and less stressful. Mini Cot Bed noted that the crib was spacious enough room for the baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom were asleep.
If you're looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good choice. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it is a classic design that is compatible with the majority of nursery decors. It has three different heights for the mattress however, some parents and toddlers might consider it too shallow.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be wiped down with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. Also, select a mattress cover that is waterproof to help prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Choose a mattress that has been rated for up to 10 years, so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be their own bed size.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal because it supports their spines while they are developing. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Examine the label of the mattress to confirm that it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that might pose risk to infants. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can affect infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another factor to take into consideration. Sheet changes at night require that you lift and move the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want handle a heavy product, consider choosing 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. It is also constructed of foam, not woven-core inners, which makes it easier to maneuver in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to assemble is great for parents who are new. Find one with hardware that is securely secured and has without sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These items aren't in compliance with the current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will require a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're typically cheap, and they'll aid your child's transition to larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option for families with several children. They've been made to last and can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room. It accommodates most standard twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib to be very simple to assemble - it took 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also features a chic minimalist design that will not clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the lighter cribs that we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
A runner-up in our testing the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has rail or a daybed with no rail. It's easy to assemble and has plenty of appeal. However, the slender finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.