Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are a better choice for those with a small house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you choose. It is important to ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm to your baby during their sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could catch on clothing or create a choking hazard. 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 spacing between the 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 be in a position to be able to see and reach your baby's crib. If you can't reach your baby, the slats may be too close to each other and should be larger.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to think about when choosing a crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and solid and sturdy construction are other security features you should be looking for. You should also choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one 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 into their own room when they are old enough to be watched when they are sleeping on their own.
In the end, you must ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are out of their reach. Also, you should remove any items that could be a choking hazard, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs, as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.
Design
While cribs may look all identical, it is crucial to remember that every crib must meet strict safety guidelines. This is why the majority cribs we examined have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural solidity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or squeeze the baby. We also tested each crib and rated it for its ease of use and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest selecting a crib with clear instructions that are easy to follow to minimize frustration.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, modern design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount 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, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in various colors and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, without flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are a great option if you are planning to have more children. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed, providing a long-lasting product for the money you spend. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that received high marks from our parents who tested it. A few of them mentioned that the side rails that drop down made feeding at night more secure and easier, and the crib was roomy enough for the co-sleeping baby to be at ease while dad and mom were asleep.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is an excellent option for those who prefer the traditional style. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that is compatible with the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three mattress heights, however it could be a bit shallow for some children and parents with small bodies.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be useful for infants. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be cleaned with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to help prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress rated for up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses that we have reviewed are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is old enough to be their full-size bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal, as it will support their spines as they are developing. A firm sleeping surface helps to reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when an infant's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.
Check the label on the mattress to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could pose risk to infants. There are also certifications like 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 thing to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. Regular nighttime sheet changes 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 you should consider a lighter crib mattress. 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 in this review. It is also constructed of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it easier to maneuver when compared to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. You want to find the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. 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.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll require a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. crib sets are offered separately by most manufacturers. These kits are typically affordable and can aid your child in making the transition to a bigger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that can be found in convertible cribs and they're a great choice for families with several children. These cribs have been made to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Certified Gold 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 features locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin beds. Our testers found this crib very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It is a minimalist and stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the lighter cribs that we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
A runner-up in our testing, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from different parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has a rail or into a daybed with no rail. It's easy to assemble and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.