Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It is also very flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights and can be transformed into a toddler's bed.
Cribs can take up a lot room, so bassinets might be a better choice if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby is dependent on the crib you choose. You must ensure that the crib meets current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create a choking risk. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the spacing between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or legs from being trapped between them. You must also be able to easily see and reach your baby's crib. If great crib cannot see, the slats need to be broader and not as close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will reduce the possibility of your baby getting out of the crib which is a frequent event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other safety features you should be looking for. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom when they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects like blind cords or curtains are not within reach. Also, you should remove any items that could pose a choking risk, such as blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, as they may not have met the safety standards of today or been recalled for different reasons.
Design
While cribs may look all similar, it's important to remember that each must meet strict safety guidelines. This is why the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural integrity. For example, most have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag a baby. We also examined each crib and evaluated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has clear instructions that are easy to follow to reduce frustration.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style 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 can off-gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of colors and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was solid and stable. It did not flex or creak when a heavy child climbed into it.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you're planning to have more children. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, giving you excellent value for price. Our test parents gave the Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of convertible beds. The drop-down side rail was highly praised by parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and less stressful. They also noted that the crib was spacious enough room for the baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom lay down.
If you're looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a classic design that is suitable for any nursery. It has three different mattress heights, but it might be a little small for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be a great option for babies. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty that can cause mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Choose a product that is easy to clean with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, consider an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Look for mattresses that are designed to last up to 10 years, which means it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. A majority of the mattresses reviewed here are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for their own bed.
A firm crib mattress is best for infants, because it provides the greatest support for their growing spines. A firm sleeping surface helps reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a soft mattress.
Examine the label on the mattress to confirm that it complies with 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 threat for infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a great indicator that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to consider. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to move a heavy object then you might want an easier mattress. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, making it the heaviest in this review. It is also made of foam rather than inners with woven-core that makes it more maneuverable when compared to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to assemble is great for new parents. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held with no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features aren't up to today's safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. These kits are usually inexpensive and will help your child make the transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families with several children. The cribs are made to last, and they can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's a classic design and is available in white or slate grey to match any nursery decor. recommended you read is easy to move around and comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.
Another top-rated crib is the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch, and it conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a stylish minimalist design that doesn't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with a handy travel bag.
The runner-up of our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without rail. It's easy to assemble and has plenty of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.