Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler.
Bassinets are a better choice when you live in a smaller house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby is dependent on the crib you choose. You must ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of any hazards that may cause harm to your child as they sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose a choking hazard. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for indications of wear or damage.
The first thing to look at is the space between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or limbs from getting caught between them. You should be able to see and reach your baby's crib. If you cannot reach your baby, the slats must be broader and not as close together.
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 chance that your child will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress securely and an enduring and solid construction. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides which can be dangerous for your baby. It is also advisable to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and only transfer them to their own room when they are old enough to be supervised when they sleep on their own.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as curtains or blind cords are not within reach. You should also remove items that might pose a choking hazard like pillows or blankets. Be wary of buying second-hand cribs, as they may not be in compliance with the safety standards of today or been recalled for different reasons.
Design
It is important to remember that cribs may look the same but must still comply with strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we looked at have a similar layout to ensure consistency of structural integrity. Most cribs feature circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle babies or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib based on the ease of put together and use. We suggest selecting a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, modern design and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also comes with an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various designs and four mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be very sturdy and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you plan to have more children. Many of these options can be converted into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. The drop-down side rail was highly praised by parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and easy. They also said that the crib had enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom slept.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a great option for those who prefer the traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has an elegant design that is suitable for every nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, but some parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Babies are messy and a washable crib mattress is an essential. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp which can lead to mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, consider an waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.
Choose a mattress that has been that is rated up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from birth up until your child is ready to move on to their own bed size.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines as they are developing. A firm sleeping surface reduces the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a mattress that is soft.
If you are in search of 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 flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a danger to infants. You'll also find certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good indicator that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects, or don't want to move a heavy item then you might want a mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example is only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not inners with woven-core that makes it easier to maneuver compared with a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to put together. Look for nursery cots with hardware that's firmly secured, no sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet today's safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're typically cheap, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families who have multiple children. They've been made to last and can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It is available in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin beds. Our testers found this crib very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to put together.
Another top-rated crib, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch that is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic minimalist design that will not interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we tested at 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with an excellent travel bag.
The runner-up of our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is simple to put together and also has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched in normal use.