Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It also comes with a amount of flexibility, with three mattress support levels and the ability to transform into a toddler bed.
Bassinets are a good option when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. You want to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
The first thing to look at is the space between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and should be more spacious.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to consider when choosing a crib. It must be adjustable to various heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will decrease the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and a sturdy and stable construction are other security features to be looking for. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. You should also share the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is kept away from radiators and windows, and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are not in reach. Also, you should remove any objects that could pose danger to your child's health, such as pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalled.
Design
While cribs might appear the same, it is crucial to remember that every crib must meet strict safety guidelines. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar way to ensure the structural stability. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or snag the baby. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on how easy it was to use and assemble. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has simple instructions to minimize frustration.
Full Statement Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It features a chic contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, without creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're planning to have more children, you may be interested in a convertible crib. This Internet page of these options can be converted into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, offering excellent longevity for the money you spend. The Graco 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 side rails that drop down made feeding at night more secure and easier, and the crib was spacious enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless design that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit too small for children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be useful for infants. Baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, select an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Find mattresses that are rated to last up to 10 years, meaning it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides that allows you to use them right from birth until your child is old enough to be an adult-sized bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, since it will provide the greatest support for their developing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm helps reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
Check the label of the mattress to confirm that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a danger for infants. You'll also see certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good indication that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another factor to consider. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot then you might want an easier mattress. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, which makes it the largest in this review. It's also made of foam rather than woven-core inners, which makes it much easier to move around in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to put together. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held, without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Also, avoid any cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards as they aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
When looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll probably require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are often affordable and can help your child make the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that can be found in a convertible crib and they're a great choice for families with several children. These cribs are built to last and typically can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It is available in slate grey or white to match any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and has locking wheels. It fits most twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that is highly rated is the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch and is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we tried, weighing just 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 made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from different parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It is easy to set up and also has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the surface can be scratched in normal use.