Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also provides a good amount of flexibility, with three different mattress support heights and the ability to transform into a toddler bed.
Bassinets are a good option for those with a small house. Cribs can take up more space. However, many parents prefer a crib due to security reasons.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You want to make sure that it is in line with the current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that might catch on clothing or present the risk of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's directions regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing you need to check is the space between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or limbs from being trapped between them. You should also be able to easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you're not then the slats are close together and need to be a bit more spacious.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to consider when choosing a crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce the possibility of your baby leaving the crib as is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress with ease as well as a stable and sturdy construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. It's also better to sleep in the same room with your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them into their own bedroom when they are old enough to be supervised while sleeping alone.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is removed from windows and radiators, and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are not in reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that might pose danger to your child's health, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been removed from the market.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs may appear identical, but they must adhere to strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure the structural stability. For instance, many have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or squeeze a baby. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its ease of use and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest selecting a crib with a few easy-to-follow directions to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It is stylish modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned options. It also has an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be very sturdy and stable, without creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're planning to have more children, you might think about a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, giving you excellent value for price. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned excellent marks from our parents who tested it. The drop-down side rail was highly praised by parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also stated that the crib offered enough room for the baby to sleep comfortably while mom and dad lay down.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a great option if you prefer a more traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless style that will fit in with most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, but it might be a little small for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a washable crib mattress is essential. Baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Find a mattress cover that can be wiped down with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, select a mattress cover that is waterproof to prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health problems.
Choose a mattress that has been rated for up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've that we have reviewed are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This allows you to use them from birth up until your child is ready to move on to their own bed.
A mattress that is firm is best for infants, since it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm reduces the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a mattress that is soft.
When looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib be sure to examine the label to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a danger for infants. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a great indication 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 mattress is a further factor to consider. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move a heavy item then you might want a lighter mattress. 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 the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it more maneuverable when compared to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to put together. You should choose the crib that has hardware that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Beware of cribs with drop-sides, or headboard/footboard cutouts These features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. These kits are offered separately by most manufacturers. These kits are usually affordable and can help your child make the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that is offered by the convertible crib, and they're a good option for families with multiple children. The cribs are designed to last and can be transformed 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 has four mattress-level heights. It's available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to room and accommodates most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that has been rated highly is the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch and conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a sleek minimalist design that will not be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design, and it converts from an infant crib to an adult bed with rail, or to a daybed without the rail. It's easy to set up and has plenty of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.