How To Choose Crib For Newborn

Bassinet Vs Cribdo You Need Both For Your Baby

Choosing Crib Bedding for Your Nursery

Wondering the difference between a bassinet and crib and which is better for your babys sleep space? Learn about the bassinet vs. crib and if you need both for your newborn.

Its probably no surprise that Im a stickler for safe sleep!

As a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, its my job to help your baby sleep better. Im also here to help you make sure that your baby is in a safe sleep environment.

One of the earliest sleep decisions youll make is whether to put your newborn to sleep in a bassinet vs. a crib.

Lets talk about sleeping your baby in a bassinet vs. a crib and help you make the best decision for your family.

Bassinet Vs Crib: Which Is Safer

Bassinets and cribs are both safe options.

In fact, theres a misconception that newborns shouldnt sleep in cribs. .

It is perfectly fine to start your baby in the crib right from the get go.

Both bassinets and cribs are federally regulated infant sleep spaces and have undergone rigorous safety testing.

There isevidence that sharing a room decreases the risk of SIDSand due to space constraints, bassinets make this more doable for many families.

But keep in mind, roomsharing is only an added protective factor, not a foundational one

In other words, as long as you are strictly practicing safe sleep, the risk of SIDS is negligiblewhether you share a room with your baby or not.

Now lets get to the ultimate question at hand

Choosing Safe Mattress Options

  • 1Verify that the mattress has been certified. Look for a seal on the mattress confirming it certifiably meets the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and is safe for use. Dont choose a mattress that doesnt have a CPSC seal, as it may be too soft or small or have other safety risks.XResearch source
  • 2Choose a mattress with a very thick cover. The cover is also known as the ticking. The best mattress options have multiple layers of laminate coating that’s been strengthened with nylon. These mattresses have the added benefits of being waterproof and highly durable, which means easy cleanup and reduced likelihood of tears or holes.XResearch source
  • 3Inspect the mattress for vent holes. A quality mattress should have small reinforced holes on both sides that allow air to circulate in and out of the mattress interior. These vents will help keep the mattress fresher by allowing odors to escape.XResearch source
  • 4Opt for an organic mattress if you are concerned about chemicals. Traditional mattresses can contain heavy metals and chemicals, such as flame retardants. If you prefer a mattress without chemicals or heavy metals, choose an organic mattress that has been certified by a third party, such as Greenguard or Oeko-Tex.XResearch source
  • Dress your baby in a warm sleeper or adjust the thermostat to ensure your baby will be warm enough without a blanket.
  • Only use a blanket in the crib if your child is over 12 months.
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    Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper

    This bassinet is a great alternative to the SNOO and has a mesh-wall that can be adjusted in height to allow for easy visibility and access from your bedside. It also has a gentle vibration function and some soothing sound options for your newborns comfort.

    You can see my full breakdown of the SNOO vs Halo in this post!

    If youre looking for a potable bassinet option that you can take outside, I highly recommend this option. The Safety 1st Nap and Go has a retractable sunshade and a bug net!

    Adjust The Mattress To The Correct Height

    How To Choose A Baby`s Crib?

    Your babys crib has different levels so that you lower or raise the mattress height. The higher levels allow you to easily place your baby in their crib and are ideal for the first several weeks, but these levels become dangerous once your little one can pull themselves up. Before your little one reaches this milestone, move the mattress height to the lower levels to provide the safest sleep area for them. Pay attention to their development and stop using their crib once your baby can climb out of it. Most cribs can be converted into a toddler bed. Simply move the mattress height to the lowest level and take off or adjust the rails. No need to buy a new mattress! Your little one will still experience the benefits of Newton Babys breathable Crib Mattress for years to come!

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    Choose A Firm And Breathable Mattress

    The mattress is another investment you dont want to take any shortcuts on. Just like with their crib, your little one will spend years sleeping on this mattress! It should be firm, comfortable, and breathable. A breathable crib mattress not only helps reduce the risk of suffocation but also helps regulate your baby’s body temperature and reduces dust mites and allergens. All of this allows your baby to sleep more comfortably and longer through the night.And while youre at it, go for a washable mattress. Thats right: a mattress you can wash. Newton Baby has the ONLY washable crib mattress from cover to core. Say goodbye to mold, bacteria, and allergens!

    Bassinet Vs Pack N Play

    We ended up with both a bassinet for our daughter to sleep in and a Pack N Play for travel. But its not necessary to have both.

    It youre trying to decide between a bassinet or a Pack N Play, Id probably recommend the Pack N Play. From a usefulness standpoint, its just more versatile!

    The nice thing about the Pack n Play is its adaptability: the bassinet-crib combo models can grow with your baby.

    You can find Pack N Play options that have a removable bassinet attachment. That means the Pack N Play pulls double-duty, acting as both a bassinet in the early months and then later as a crib for baby travel sleep.

    The versatility and portability of the Pack N Play allows you to use it for years!

    Not only did we have a Pack N Play, but both sets of grandparents had one for when we visited.

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    Cribs Offer Independent Sleeping

    Would you like for your child to become used to sleeping by themselves? If so, starting out in a crib is a necessary part of their nursery, and a great way to prepare your child to become an independent sleeper. Your child will learn to sleep alone, especially if they are used to sleeping in a crib from the start. That way you dont have to transition the baby from your bed to a crib.

    Looking for other tips to teach your baby to sleep independently? According to Nationwide Childrens Hospital, you should follow the ABCs of safe sleep in a crib, have the baby Alone, on their Back, and in a Crib. Additionally, it helps to put the baby down in the crib very drowsy, but not quite sleeping. This helps your baby learn to fall asleep on their own. Plus, this practice can help your child learn to fall back asleep on their own if they wake up in the middle of the night.

    Ultimately, all babies are different and some are better sleepers than others. However, you can give yourself the best chance at encouraging your baby to be an independent sleeper by putting your baby to sleep in a crib.

    How Long Can A Baby Sleep In A Bassinet

    Buying a Crib Mattress: Tips for Choosing the Best Baby Mattress

    Many bassinets state that the age and weight limit is 5 months old or 20 pounds.

    You can keep your baby in their bassinet for as long as its safe to do so. There isnt an exact age limit that determines how long your baby should stay in their bassinet.

    However, there are some safety considerations that will determine when your baby is too big for the bassinet and has outgrown it.

    First, make sure to pay attention to weight limits on your bassinet. The weight limits typically range from 10-20 pounds maximum.

    Second, youll need to mitigate risks of falling from the bassinet. Since most bassinets are much more shallow than standard cribs, it is important that you transition to a crib as soon as your baby is about to roll or sit up.

    You cant adjust a bassinet like you can lower your babys crib, so they do have a shorter shelf life than the crib.

    Lastly, make sure to pay attention to how your baby looks in the bassinet. If they appear cramped its time to transition your baby to a crib.

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    The Budget For The Crib:

    Set yourself a price limit you are willing to pay for a crib. With all the different crib types and models, you can quickly get carried away.

    Remember, there is a lot of gorgeous baby cribs for a reasonable price! Also, do not forget you need a crib mattress that will also add to the overall costs.

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    Ask yourself what do you expect from the crib.

  • Do you want a stationary or portable crib on wheels?
  • If you are short, a low-profile crib might be a good solution for you.
  • How long you intend to use the crib? Should it grow with your child?
  • If you decide on a convertible crib, think about its conversions . How many do you need?
  • If you decide on a crib on wheels, would you like that also folds down for easy storage?
  • Do you need a crib for traveling or a Pack N Play?
  • If you want a crib and a changing table, but you do not have enough space for both units, take a look into combo cribs.
  • You can decide on an additional drawer underneath the crib.
  • I hope Ive helped you decide on the right crib type, reduced your stress, and make your crib buying experience more pleasant and fun.

    All Cribs And Bassinets

    Officially, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not offer a recommendation for parents to use either a crib or a bassinet. But they do offer some guidance.

    The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents choose either a freestanding crib or a bassinet for their baby, and do not choose a co-sleeper or any other type of sleeping device that attaches to their bed.

    The AAP also doesn’t make a large distinction from a bassinet and a crib or a play yard. But no matter which parents choose, the AAP recommends that caregivers and parents follow all basic safe sleep recommendations for their baby.

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    Dream On Me Springfield 3

    The Springfield 3-in-1 Convertible Crib meets all the standards for CPSC and ASTM. It also meets all standards of the Canadian Cribs and Cradles Regulations.

    It converts from a crib into a toddler bed and daybed. According to the company, the crib has three adjustable height positions for the mattress.

    The conversion kit does not come with the crib.

    Positive reviews mention the compact design and good value for the price.

    Negative reviews mention products scuffed or damaged during shipment.

    The Dream On Me Springfield 3-in-1 Convertible Crib retails for around $300.

    The Nestig Wave Crib can start as a mini-crib, suitable for newborns and young infants. It has lockable wheels, making it easy to move from room to room.

    It comes with lockable wheels which make it easy to move from room to room.

    The crib comes with a mini-crib mattress and the materials to convert it into different forms.

    Positive reviews of this mattress mention the conversion features and the sustainably-harvested materials.

    Negative reviews mention the higher price and the need for assembly.

    The Nestig Wave Crib retails for $699.

    Mini Or Portable Cribs

    How to choose the baby

    Some parents opt for a mini crib or portable crib for the first few months of their baby’s life, especially if it’s equipped with a bassinet option. Other parents reserve mini or portable cribs simply for traveling or for allowing their baby to nap in the same room in which they’re in. Even parents of twins have found that mini or portable cribs are a good option because they take up less space and are more economical.

    Because mini cribs or portable cribs are smaller than standard cribs, they need to be purchased with a mattress that is designed specifically for that crib. In fact, the mattress is usually included. You also need to be sure that you’re using sheets specifically designed for the model of crib you purchase.

    Some parents don’t like portable cribs for every day sleeping because the baby’s mattress is so close to the floor, which can be drafty or cooler in the winter time. Plus, it can be harder to place a sleeping infant into a portable crib without waking them.

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    How We Made Our Picks For The Best Baby Cribs

    Many factors went into our choices for the best baby cribs. For starters, we ensured that all of them met the AAP safety recommendations for cribs. From there, the What to Expect editorial team researched the popularity, innovation, design, quality, value and ease of use for the best baby cribs. We also got feedback from pediatricians and road-tested products at home with our own families. Finally, we asked parents in the What to Expect community about they baby cribs they love the most.

    Here, browse the best baby cribs that deserve to be in your nursery.

    See registry advice and a custom baby gear checklist

    Million Dollar Baby Abigail 3

    The Abigail 3-in-1 Convertible Crib meets ASTM and CPSC requirements. The bed can adjust into a daybed or toddler bed with a conversion kit that customers can buy separately.

    The company adds that the crib has four adjustable mattress positions to allows room for the baby to grow.

    The company sells the nontoxic mattress and waterproof cover separately.

    A parent or caregiver can lower the mattress position as the baby grows.

    Positive reviews mention the ease of assembly and reportedly sturdy construction.

    Negative reviews mention poor support for larger infants and risk from sharp metal points in some places and cases.

    The Million Dollar Baby Abigail 3-in-1 Convertible Crib retails for $499.

    The Cambridge Mix and Match 4-in-1 Convertible Crib meets the requirements of the ASTM and CPSC. It also passes tests for lead and other chemicals.

    The company uses nontoxic paint that is lead and phthalate safe.

    It converts from a crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. The crib comes with a toddler bed conversion.

    However, customers who require the other conversion kits will need to buy them separately.

    The pros of this convertible crib include the use of nontoxic paint, high safety standards, and its ability to transform into a full-size bed.

    Negative reviews include one user commenting on a strong smell of varnish when it arrived.

    The Delta Children Cambridge Mix and Match 4-in-1 Convertible Crib retails for $279.99.

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    Give Your Baby Healthier Safer Sleep

    As a parent, you have a lot of decisions to make regarding your new baby! We want to make the decision-making process as smooth as possible for you. When shopping for your little ones crib, keep this guide in mind and look for one that is new, durable, has no loose or dangerous parts, is sturdy, and has the right distance between slats.And once youve found the perfect crib for your baby, shop Newton Baby for all of your safe sleep essentials!

    Crib Safety Recalls And Regulations

    How buy a cot bed – Which? guide

    If youre getting a crib second hand, be sure to find out when the crib was made and check all of the components thoroughly before use. Crib safety standards changed significantly on June 28th, 2011, in the United States, so if youre thinking of using a crib that is more than eight or so years old, you may want to reconsider and buy a newer crib. Crib safety standards were also updated again on December 9th, 2013 and revisions were made effective on March 24, 2014.

    These safety changes included requirements to strengthen crib slats, to prevent breaking, and to make hardware and mattress supports more durable. The major change, however, was to ban drop-side cribs. These cribs were once popular but have now almost entirely been replaced by fixed side cribs for safety reasons. Poor quality hardware and mechanical malfunction led to some instances of a gap opening up between the mattress and the drop side, which allowed infants to fall into this gap and suffocate.

    At a basic level, standard crib mattresses in North America are made to fit 28x 52 dimensions. Not all cribs, however, are built to fit these mattresses, which can pose a safety risk. To keep your newborn safe, youll want a mattress and crib set-up where the mattress fits snugly inside the crib, without any gaps. Gaps create a risk for an infant falling between the mattress and the crib.

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    What Kind Of Mattress Should I Buy

    While some cots do come with a mattress, often they are sold separately and therefore require more decision making. Like adult beds, youll find there are different kinds, including foam, coil-spring and pocket-spring mattresses.

    You can go for whichever you prefer, but there are three main things you should look out for. Always check that the mattress you buy for your baby is firm, flat and waterproof, says Holmes. We encourage parents to check that any product they use has passed the necessary safety check. Look for the standard BS EN 16890:2017 on children’s mattresses in the product description boxes of retailers’ websites.

    We know from research that the safest place for your baby to sleep is always going to be on an entirely flat, firm surface, with no soft or thick padding or bedding around them. The advice we give is the surface of the mattress should be firm enough that when your baby is placed on it, their head does not sink in more than a few millimetres.

    In addition, notes Holmes, a waterproof cover for a mattress is important for keeping it clean and dry and prevents the harbouring of any bacteria.

    If youre unsure, we have a guide to the best kids mattresses that could help narrow down the search.

    This Stompa s flex airflow mattress won the best buy award for its value, breathable fabric, hypoallergenic foam and quilted topping for extra comfort.

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