Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery. It also comes with a variety of versatility, with three mattress support levels and the capability to convert into an infant bed.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better choice in case your home is small. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that the crib meets current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for signs of wear or damage.
The first thing to check is the spacing between slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from falling over or getting their limbs caught between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you're not, the slats are 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 should be adjustable so you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will climb out of the crib as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way as well as an enduring and solid construction. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. You should also be in the same room as your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.
Last but not least, ensure that the crib is placed away from radiators and windows and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are not in reach. You should also remove any items that could present a choking risk such as blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs, as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
Although cribs may appear the same, it is crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety regulations. To this end, the majority cribs we looked at have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural quality. Most cribs feature circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib on how easy it was to use and to assemble. We suggest choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
One of our favorite cribs 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 a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was extremely stable and sturdy. It did not flex or creak when a heavy child was seated.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you're planning to have more children. They can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, offering the best value for price. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that received excellent marks from our test parents. The side rail that can be removed was praised by many parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and less stressful. They also said that the crib was spacious enough space for their baby to be comfortable while dad and mom lay down.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid choice. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that is compatible with most nursery decors. It comes with three mattress heights, however it might be a little shallow for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will come in handy for newborns. Baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty which can lead to mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Choose a product that is easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from entering the mattress.
Choose a mattress that has been rated for up to 10 years, so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've reviewed here are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their full-size bed.
A firm crib mattress is ideal for infants, because it will provide the most support to their growing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
If you are in search of a firm crib mattress, look over the label to be sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a danger to infants. You'll also see certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US, which are a good indication that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to consider. If you're not able to lift heavy objects, or you don't wish to move a heavy item, you may want an easier mattress. 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 in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not inner woven-core, making it much easier to move around in comparison to the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to build. You should look for a crib with firmly-secured hardware, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the safety standards of today.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're often inexpensive, and they'll help your child transition into a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that can be found in convertible cribs and are a great choice for families with several children. They've been made to last and can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It is available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels so you can easily move it from room to room. It accommodates the majority of twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib to be very simple to assemble - it took 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It has a simple, stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the lightest cribs we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
cots offers -up of our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has a rail or into a daybed that doesn't have rail. It's easy to assemble and has lots of appeal. However, the thin finish is prone to scratches when used regularly.