Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It also provides a good variety of versatility by offering three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Bassinets are the best option when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you select. You should ensure that the crib meets current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that might catch on clothing or create dangers of choking. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to regularly inspect the crib.
The first thing to look at is the space between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from getting their head or limbs caught between them. You must also be able to easily reach and observe your baby in the crib. If you can't then the slats are close together and should be more spacious.
mini cot beds is an additional aspect to take into consideration when selecting the crib. It should be adjustable to different heights, so that you can lower the 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 look for include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress with ease as well as a stable and sturdy construction. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. You should also sleep in the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to sleep on their own.
The last thing to do is make sure the crib is placed away from radiators and windows, and that hanging items such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. You should also remove any items that could pose a choking risk like blankets or pillows. Be wary of purchasing 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 crucial to keep in mind that cribs may look similar, but must comply with strict safety standards. For this reason, most cribs we looked at are of a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural quality. For example, most have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or squeeze the baby. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest selecting a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It features a chic, contemporary design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned options. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you're planning to have more children. These options can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a larger mattress, giving you an excellent value for your money. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of convertible beds. Several of them commented that the side rails with a drop-down feature made feeding their baby at night more secure and easier, and the crib was roomy enough for the baby to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a great option for those who prefer a more traditional style. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless design that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights however, some parents and toddlers might feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
A washable crib mattress will come in handy for newborns. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy which can lead to mildew and other bacteria that can affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned using mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress.
Look for a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. A lot of the mattresses in this review can be reversible, with infant and toddler sides, which will let you use them right from birth until your child is ready for a full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they're developing. A mattress that is extremely firm helps reduce the risk of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a soft mattress.
When looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib, examine the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that might pose danger to infants. You'll also see certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS, which are a good indicator that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. Sheet changes at night require you to lift and move the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or aren't able to take on a heavy product you should consider a lighter crib mattress. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around compared to a traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to put together. Find one with hardware that is securely secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts. These items aren't in compliance with the safety standards of today.
When looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're typically affordable, and will help your child transition into a larger bed more smoothly.
Many new parents appreciate the longevity that is offered by a convertible crib and they're a great option for families with multiple children. They've been designed to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and comes with locking wheels. It can be used with the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
Another crib that has been rated highly, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch that conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a simple, stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is one of the tiniest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous prizes from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without rail. It is easy to assemble, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched during normal use.