Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look beautiful in a Scandi nursery. It's also very adaptable because it comes with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets may be a better choice if your house is small. Many parents choose a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You want to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to check the crib regularly.
Check the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby getting their head or limbs trapped between them. You should be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you can't reach your baby, the slats may be too close to each other and should be more spacious.
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 help to reduce the possibility of your baby climbing out of the crib as is a common event as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress securely as well as an enduring and solid construction. You should also choose a crib with fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which could be hazardous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same room as your baby until they are old enough to sleep alone.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects like curtains or blind cords are out of their reach. Also, you should remove any items that could present danger of choking like pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
Although cribs may appear identical, it is important to remember that each must comply with strict safety regulations. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar fashion to ensure structural stability. For example, most have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or squeeze a baby. We also tested each crib and rated it for its ease of use and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has simple instructions to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It has a stylish modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also has a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details that make it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in various finishes and comes with four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. The crib was solid and stable. It didn't flex or creak when a large child climbed into it.
If you're thinking of having more children, you might think about a convertible crib. Many of these options can transform into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for the money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received excellent marks from our test parents. The side rail that can be removed was highly praised by parents for making nighttime feedings safer and easier. They also stated that the crib offered enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom lay down.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a great option if you prefer a more traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a classic design that is suitable for any nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, however 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. Baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty that can cause mildew and bacteria that may affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be washed with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner, and pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.
Look for a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've reviewed here are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their own bed size.
A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants since it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm reduces the risk of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a child's head is lowered into a mattress that is soft.
Check the label on the mattress to make sure it is in compliance with 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. Mini Cot Bed can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can affect infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another consideration is the weight of a mattress for a crib. Sheet changes at night require you to lift and move the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or aren't able to handle a heavy product then consider getting a crib mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs 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 traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
A crib that is easy to assemble is great for new parents. Choose a crib with hardware that's firmly secured, no sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to today's safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. These kits are often affordable and can aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more easily.
Convertible cribs are a great option for families with multiple children. The cribs are made to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, 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's traditional in design and is available in slate or white grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin beds. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.
Another crib that is highly rated one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch and meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a sleek, minimalist design that won't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the lightest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and 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 received numerous awards from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without rail. It is easy to set up and has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched by normal use.