Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It's also very adaptable with three different mattress support heights and can be converted into an infant's bed.
Cribs take up a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better choice in case your home is small. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib due to security reasons.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you choose. You must ensure that the crib meets current safety standards and is free from any dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that might catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for indications of wear or damage.
Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be 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 able to see and reach your baby's crib. If you're not, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit more spacious.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to consider when choosing a crib. It should be adjustable so you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress with ease as well as an enduring and solid construction. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides which can be dangerous for your baby. It is also recommended to share a room as your baby for six months or so, and then move them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be watched when they sleep on their own.
The last thing to do is 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. It is also recommended to remove any items that could be a choking hazard, such as pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs, as they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs may look identical, but they must comply with strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we examined are constructed in a similar manner to ensure structural integrity. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or squeeze a baby. We also tested and rated each crib based on how easily it was to use and to assemble. We suggest selecting the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
cots to tots is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, without flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're planning to have more children, you may be interested in a convertible crib. Many of these options be converted into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money you spend. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. Many of them said 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 feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
If you prefer a traditional style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a solid choice. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a classic style that is perfect for every nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it could be a bit shallow for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can come in handy for newborns. Diaper leaks, baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned with an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.
Choose mattresses that are rated to last up to 10 years, meaning it will be 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 ready to move on to the full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants because it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm helps to reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
Examine the label on the mattress to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a risk to infants. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a good indication that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. Sheet changes at night require that you move and lift the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to handle a heavy product you should consider a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not woven-core inners, which makes it easier to maneuver when compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to assemble. Look for one with hardware that's firmly secured and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Beware of cribs that have drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts These features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
When looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're typically affordable, and will assist your child in transitioning to larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs can be a great option for families with several children. These cribs are built to last and are typically able to be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It is available in slate grey or white to match the decor of any nursery. The crib comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room. It accommodates most standard twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib to be very simple to put together, taking 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a minimalist, stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout is one of the tiniest cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with an ideal travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from different parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design, and it converts from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has a rail or into a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is easy to assemble and also has a lot of visual appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched in normal use.