Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It also provides a good deal of flexibility, with three mattress support levels and the possibility of transforming into a toddler bed.
Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.
Safety
Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You want to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to regularly inspect the crib.
The first thing to look at is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or limbs being trapped between them. You should also be able to easily see and reach your baby in the crib. If not see, the slats need to be broader and not as close to each other.
The mattress support system is an additional aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable to different heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will decrease the risk of your baby climbing out of the crib, which is a common event as they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress with ease, and a stable and sturdy construction. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides can be hazardous for your child. It's also better to sleep in the same room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then transfer them to their own room when they are old enough to be supervised when they sleep on their own.
Finally, you should make sure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also remove items that could be a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs as they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalled.
Design
While cribs may look all similar, it's important to keep in mind that all must comply with strict safety guidelines. This is why the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. The majority of cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle the baby or squeeze them. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on the ease of put together and use. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with clear instructions that are easy to follow to reduce frustration.
cots offers Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It has a stylish modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also has an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib is available in various colors and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, without creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you plan to have more children. A lot of these cribs can be converted into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money you spend. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received praise from our parents who tested it. Many of them said that the drop-down side rail made feeding at night easier and safer and that the crib was spacious enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic choice if you like the traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that will complement most every nursery. It comes with three different heights for the mattress, but some parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is essential. Diaper leaks, baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy which can lead to mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be wiped down with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner, and select a mattress cover that is waterproof to help prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Choose a mattress that is rated to last for 10 years, so it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've reviewed here are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed.
A mattress that is firm is ideal for infants, because it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also helps to reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.
Look over the label on a firm mattress to ensure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that could be danger to infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR-US, 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 their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the mattress is another thing to take into consideration. If you are unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't wish to move a heavy item, you may want an easier mattress. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs, making it the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners, which makes it much easier to move around compared with the heavier coil mattress.
Assembly
New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to put together. Choose a crib with hardware that's firmly secured, without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard as they aren't compatible with the current safety standards.
When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll help your child transition into larger beds more easily.
Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that can be found in convertible cribs and are a great option for families with multiple children. They are designed to last, and generally can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to assemble.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada and Europe. It has a minimalist elegant design that can go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the most lightweight cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various parenting magazines, including 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's simple to put together and has a lot of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.