Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It also offers a great variety of versatility by offering three mattress support height levels and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Bassinets are a better choice for those with a small house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards, and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or create danger of choking. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to check the crib regularly.
The first thing to look at is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You should also be able easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you can't reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and need to be a bit more spacious.
Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It must be adjustable to various heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will help to reduce the risk of your baby leaving the crib which is a frequent occurrence as they learn to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way and an enduring and solid construction. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which can be dangerous for your baby. You should also be in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
Finally, you should ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects like blind cords or curtains are out of their reach. Also, you should remove any items that might pose the risk of choking, such as blankets or pillows. Be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, since they may not meet the safety standards of today or been recalled for different reasons.
Design
Although cribs may appear the same, it is important to keep in mind that all must meet strict safety regulations. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar manner to ensure structural solidity. For example, most have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag the baby. We also examined each crib and evaluated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has a few easy-to-follow directions to avoid frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It has a stylish, contemporary design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, without flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a bed for a toddler and then into a larger mattress, providing the
Best crib for newborn value for price. Our test parents loved the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also stated that the crib had enough space for their baby to be comfortable while dad and mom were asleep.
If you prefer a traditional style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good option. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that will fit in with most nursery decors. It has three different heights for the mattress however some parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a clean crib mattress is essential. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty that can cause mildew and bacterial infections that could be harmful to infants. Choose a product that is easy to clean with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Choose mattresses that are designed to last 10 years, which means it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. A majority of the mattresses that we have reviewed are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be their full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleep surface also helps to reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a soft mattress.
When 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 requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could be danger to infants. You'll also find certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a good indication that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another factor to take into consideration. If you're not able to lift heavy objects, or don't want to move a heavy object, you may want a lighter mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example is only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress โ Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around as compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to put together is great for parents with young children. Look for one with hardware that's firmly secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Also, stay clear of cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for the headboard and footboard -- these features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, keep in mind that you'll likely require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are usually affordable and can help your child make the transition to a larger bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that is offered by convertible cribs and are a great investment for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last and generally can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room. It fits most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that has been rated highly, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch and is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a minimalist, stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has 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 different parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib into a toddler bed with a rail or into a daybed without the rail. It is easy to set up, and it has a lot of visual appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched during normal use.