Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be converted into an infant's bed.
Cribs can take up a lot room, so bassinets might be a better option in case your home is small. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of any dangers that could harm your baby while they sleep. It should be well-constructed and strong, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.
Check the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep your baby's head or limbs getting trapped in between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child in the crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats must be broader and not as close to each other.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are additional safety features you should look for. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides could 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 transfer them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be supervised 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 hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also remove anything that could create danger of choking, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs since they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
While cribs may look all identical, it is crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety standards. This is why the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar layout to ensure consistency of structural quality. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib based on how easily it was to use and to assemble. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, modern design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also has an all-inclusive 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 and modern, with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of colors and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you plan to have more children. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, offering excellent longevity for your money. Our test parents loved the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. Several of them commented that the drop-down side rail made feeding their baby at night easier and safer and that the crib was spacious enough for the co-sleeping baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a great option for those who prefer a more traditional style. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that is suitable for any nursery. It comes with three mattress heights, however it might be a little small for some toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be useful for infants. Baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty that can cause mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be wiped down with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.
Look for a mattress that is rated to last for 10 years, so it's ready for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible and have infant and toddler sides, which will let you use them right from birth until your child is old enough to be a full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is ideal for infants, because it provides the greatest support for their developing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is due to the fact that an extremely soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Examine the label on a firm mattress to ensure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a threat to infants. You can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that could cause harm to babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the mattress is another factor to consider. Sheet changes at night require that you move and lift the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to carry a heavy item you should consider a crib mattress that is lighter. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, making it the heaviest in this review. It's also made of foam instead of inner woven-core, making it more maneuverable when compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to build. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held, no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts. These features don't meet today's safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're usually cheap, and they'll help your child transition into a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that is offered by convertible cribs and are a great investment for families with multiple children. These cribs are designed to last and generally can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and comes with locking wheels. It fits most twin beds. Our test subjects found that this crib to be very simple to assemble - it took 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also features a chic minimalist design that doesn't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is one of the lightest cribs we tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with an ideal travel bag.
A runner-up in our testing The Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches in normal use.