Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in a Scandi nursery. More hints is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are a good option if you have a small house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents choose a crib for security reasons.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you select. It is important to ensure that the crib is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of any dangers that could harm your baby as they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or present a choking hazard. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing to look at is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or limbs being trapped between them. You should also be able to easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you can't reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and should be larger.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the risk of your baby getting out of the crib, which is a common situation as they begin 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 select a crib that has fixed sides, rather than ones with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them to their own room when they are old enough to be supervised while sleeping alone.
The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is placed away from radiators and windows, and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that might pose a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious of buying second-hand cribs, since they may not meet the safety standards of today or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
While cribs may look all identical, it is crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety guidelines. This is why the majority cribs we examined have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural quality. The majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle a baby or pinch them. We also tested and rated each crib on how easy it was to use and to assemble. We recommend choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in a variety of colors and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. The crib was sturdy and stable. It did not flex or creak when a large child climbed into it.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you're planning to have more children. Many of these options be converted into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for the money. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. A few of them mentioned that the side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings more secure and easier, and the crib was roomy enough for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is an excellent choice if you like traditional design. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that is suitable for all nursery. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however, certain parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a clean crib mattress is a must. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up 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 cleaned with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner, and select a mattress cover that is waterproof to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Find a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses reviewed here are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for their own bed.
A mattress that is firm is ideal for infants, since it will provide the most support to their growing spines. A mattress that is firm and sturdy can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is due to the fact that mattresses that are soft increase the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Examine the label of the mattress to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that could be danger to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that may cause harm to babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the mattress. Sheet changes at night require you to lift and move the mattress, so if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product you should consider a crib mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around compared to a heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to put together. Look for one with hardware that's firmly secured and has without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to the current safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're often affordable, and will help your child transition into a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Convertible cribs can be a great option 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 is a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It is available in slate grey or white to match any nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and accommodates most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia and Europe. It is a minimalist and stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is one of the tiniest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
The runner-up of our tests The Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without rail. It is easy to set up, and it has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.