Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It is also very flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Cribs consume a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better choice in case your home is small. However, 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 well-being. You must ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your child while they sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
Check the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby being able to get their head or legs trapped between them. You should also be able to easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If not reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not as close to each other.
The mattress support system is another aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress 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 a fitted sheet that fits the mattress securely, and a stable and sturdy construction. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. It's also better to sleep in the same room with your baby for six months or so, and only move them into their own bedroom when they are old enough to be supervised when they sleep on their own.
Also, make sure that the crib is away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects like blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also remove any items that could present danger of choking like blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs, as they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
While cribs may look all similar, it's 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 uniformity of structural integrity. The majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch babies or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib for how easy it was to use and to assemble. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend choosing a crib that comes with simple instructions to reduce frustration.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It is stylish contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also has an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from birth to toddler. This crib was very sturdy and stable. It didn't flex or creak when a large child climbed into it.
Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. They can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, giving you the best value for money. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of a convertible bed. The drop-down side rail was loved by a lot of parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and easy. They also said that the crib offered enough space for their baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom lay down.
If you prefer a traditional style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with an elegant style that is perfect for any nursery. It comes with three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit too small for toddlers and petite parents.
Mattress
Newborns can be messy, and a crib mattress that is washable is a must. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty which can lead to mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that is easy to clean with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, select an waterproof cover to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress.
Look for a mattress that is rated up to 10 years so that it is suitable 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 to move on to their own bed.
A firm crib mattress is ideal for infants, because it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface reduces the risk of SIDS which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.
If you are looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib be sure to look over the label to be sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a risk to infants. There are also cheap cot bed like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US, which are a good sign 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 the mattress. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to lift and move the mattress. If you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want to handle a heavy product, consider choosing a crib mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also made of foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around compared to a traditional coil bed.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to build. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held, without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Beware of cribs with drop-sides, or headboard/footboard cutouts -- these features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will need to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll aid your child's transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the durability that is offered by convertible cribs and are a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last, and are typically able to be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that is 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 every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and accommodates most standard twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib was very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also has a sleek minimalist design that will not be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for transport.
A runner-up in our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design, and it converts from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed that doesn't have rail. It's simple to put together and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.