Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It's also extremely flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into an infant's bed.
Cribs consume a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better choice in case your home is small. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.
Safety
The health and wellbeing of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you select. You want to make sure that it meets current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could catch on clothing or present a choking hazard. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to regularly inspect the crib.
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 caught between them. You should also be able 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.
Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your baby will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other security features to look for. You should also select a crib with fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which can be dangerous for your baby. It is also advisable to sleep in the same room with your baby for six months or so, and then move them to their own room when they are old enough to be watched when they are sleeping on their own.
Also, ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects like curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also take away any items that could present danger of choking such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that cribs can look identical, but they must meet the strict safety standards. This is why the majority cribs we examined are of a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or squeeze the baby. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. We recommend choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with 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. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect 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 newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, without creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you may be interested in a convertible crib. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, offering excellent longevity for the money you spend. Our test parents loved the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. The side rails that slide down were highly praised by parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also noted that the crib offered enough room for the baby to sleep comfortably while mom and dad lay down.
If you are looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that will fit in with the majority of nursery decors. It has three different heights for the mattress however, certain parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.
Mattress
A crib mattress that is washable can be a great option for babies. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or bacteria that could affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be cleaned with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health problems.
Choose a mattress that has been that is rated up to 10 years, so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the products in this review are reversible with toddler and infant sides which allows you to use them right from birth until your child is ready to move on to an adult-sized bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal, as it will support their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
Check the label of the mattress to confirm that it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a danger to babies. There are also certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a great indication that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is another factor to consider. 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, consider choosing a crib mattress that is lighter. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It's also made of foam instead of woven-core inners, which makes it much easier to move around when compared to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
A crib that's easy to assemble is great for parents who are new. You want to find the crib that has hardware that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features aren't up to the current safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're usually affordable, and will aid your child's transition to larger beds more easily.
Convertible cribs are a great investment for families with many children. These cribs are designed to last and are typically able to be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to fit with almost any nursery decor. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to room. It fits the majority of standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.
Another top-rated crib one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch, and it meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a simple elegant design that can 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 handy bag for transport.
The runner-up of our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various 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 easy to assemble, and it has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched during normal use.