Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in the Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are a better choice for those with a small house. Cribs can take up more space. However, a lot of parents choose a crib for security reasons.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. It is important to ensure that the crib conforms to current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm to your child as they sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.
Check the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or limbs getting trapped in between them. You should also be able easily see and reach your baby in the crib. If you can't, the slats are too close together and should be larger.
The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable so you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the risk of your baby getting out of the crib as is a common event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are other security features to be looking for. You should also choose a crib with fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. It is also advisable to share a room with your baby for six months or so, and then move them to their own room when they are old enough to be watched when they are sleeping on their own.
Not least, ensure that the crib is removed from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that might pose a choking hazard, such as pillows or blankets. Be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards or have been recalled for other reasons.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may appear identical, but they must adhere to strict safety standards. This is why the majority cribs we looked at are of a similar design to ensure consistency of structural solidity. For instance, many have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or squeeze a baby. We also assessed and rated each crib based on how easily it was to put together and use. We suggest choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It has a stylish modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also has a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in various finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. The crib was extremely solid and stable. It didn't flex or creak when a large child was seated.
If you're planning to have more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a full-size mattress, providing excellent value for price. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received high marks from our parents who tested it. The side rails that slide down were loved by a lot of parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also noted that the crib had enough room for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad slept.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is an excellent option for those who prefer a more traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that is suitable for all nursery. It has three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit shallow for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be a great option for babies. Spitting up from diapers, baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be wiped down with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Choose a mattress that is rated to last up to 10 years, which means it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from birth up until your child is old enough to be their own bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is best because it can support their spines as they are developing. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
If you are looking for a firm crib mattress be sure to check the label to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a threat for infants. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a great indication that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
Another thing 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 have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want to carry a heavy item you should consider a lighter crib mattress. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, which makes it one of the heaviest in this review. It's also made of foam instead of inner woven-core, making it more maneuverable in comparison to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is ideal for parents with young children. Choose a crib equipped with hardware that is securely held, without sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard as they aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will require a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're typically affordable, and will aid your child's transition to larger beds more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that can be found in the convertible crib, and they're a good investment for families with multiple children. They've been made to last and can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's available in slate grey or white to match the decor of any nursery. The crib comes with locks that let you easily move it from room to room. It can fit the majority of standard twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib was very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to complete.
Another top-rated crib is the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch that meets 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 is among the tiniest cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with an ideal travel bag.
A runner-up in our tests The Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from different parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed without the rail. It is simple to put together and has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.