Choosing the best crib for newborn Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It also offers a great variety of versatility by offering three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better option in case your home is small. However, many parents choose a crib for security reasons.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your baby while they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to check the crib regularly.
The first thing you need to check is the spacing between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or legs from getting trapped in between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you aren't reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not so close to each other.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable to different heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance of your child climbing out of the crib, which is a common situation as they begin to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way, and a stable and sturdy construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. 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 watched when they sleep on their own.
Not least, ensure that the crib is kept away from windows and radiators, and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are out of reach. You should also remove any items that could present the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. Be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, because they may not have met the safety standards of today or been recalled due to other reasons.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs may appear similar, but must comply with strict safety standards. For this reason, most cribs we examined have a similar layout to ensure consistency in terms of structural quality. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag a baby. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its ease of use and assembly. We suggest selecting one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. Additionally, it features a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in a variety of finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you may want to consider 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 earned praise from our test parents. Several of them commented that the drop-down side rail made feeding at night easier and safer, and that the crib was spacious enough for the co-sleeping baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a great choice. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that is compatible with most nursery decors. It comes with three mattress heights, however it could be a bit shallow for some toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is an essential. Baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned with an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, select a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.
Choose a mattress that has been that is rated for up to 10 years so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the products that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their own bed.
A mattress that is firm is the best choice for infants because it provides the greatest support for their growing spines. A mattress that is firm and sturdy can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
Check the label on the mattress to make sure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a threat to infants. You'll also see certifications such as 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' respiratory and nervous systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you lift and move the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want to carry a heavy item, consider choosing a crib mattress that is lighter. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, making it the largest in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not inner woven-core, making it easier to maneuver compared with the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to put together. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held with without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Beware of cribs that have drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts These features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll need to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. These kits are often cheap and can aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that comes with a convertible crib and are a great option for families with multiple children. They've been made to last and can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to fit with almost any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and comes with locking wheels. It fits most twin beds. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It is a minimalist, stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the lightest cribs we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous prizes 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 simple to put together and is aesthetically pleasing. appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched by normal use.