Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into an infant's bed.
Bassinets are a good option when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents choose a crib for safety reasons.
Safety
The choice of the best crib for newborns is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards, and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that could catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for indications of wear or damage.
Examine the distance between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from falling over or getting their limbs trapped between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you aren't then the slats are close together and need to be a bit more spacious.
The mattress support system is another aspect to consider when choosing a crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will reduce the possibility of your baby leaving the crib, which is a common event as they begin to crawl.
Other security features to look out for include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress securely, and an enduring and solid construction. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. It's also better to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and only transfer them to their own room when they are old enough to be watched when they sleep on their own.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is placed away from radiators and windows, and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that could be a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalls.
Design
While cribs may look all similar, it's important to remember that each must meet strict safety standards. For this reason, most cribs we looked at have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural integrity. For example, most have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or pinch a baby. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. top rated cots suggest choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It is stylish modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in various finishes and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. The crib was extremely solid and stable. It did not move or creak when a large child climbed in.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you are planning to have more children. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for your money. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. The side rail that can be removed was praised by many parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also stated that the crib was spacious enough space for their baby to sleep comfortably while mom and dad were asleep.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a fantastic option if you prefer the traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with a classic design that is suitable for any nursery. It has three different mattress heights, however it might be a little small for some toddlers and small parents.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be useful for infants. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp which can lead to mildew or bacteria that could be harmful to infants. Select a mattress that can be easy to clean with 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 it is suitable for toddlers. A lot of the mattresses in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides, which will let you use them from birth until your child is ready to move on to the full-size bed.
A mattress that is firm is ideal for infants, because it provides the most support to their developing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is due to the fact that a soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.
Examine the label of a firm mattress to ensure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a threat to babies. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may affect infants' nervous and respiratory systems.
Another thing to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. If you're unable to lift heavy objects, or don't want to move a heavy object it is possible to choose 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 featured in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it easier to move around compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to put together. Look for one with hardware that's firmly secured, without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These items aren't in compliance with the safety standards of today.
If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll aid your child's transition to a bigger bed more seamlessly.
Convertible cribs are an excellent investment for families who have multiple children. These cribs are built to last and typically can be converted into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's available in slate grey or white to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is simple to move around and features locking wheels. It fits most twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.
Another top-rated crib is the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch that is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a stylish minimalist design that doesn't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the lighter cribs that we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
A runner-up in our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without rail. It is easy to set up, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched during normal use.