Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in a Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into an infant's bed.

Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better option in case your home is small. However, many parents prefer a crib due to security reasons.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You want to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to regularly inspect the crib.

Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or limbs being trapped between them. You should be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you cannot reach your baby, the slats must be broader and not as close to each other.

Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the levels so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your baby will fall out of the crib when they begin to crawl.

A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features you should be looking for. It is also recommended to choose a crib with fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough for them to sleep alone.

Also, ensure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects like blind cords or curtains are out of their reach. You should also remove any items that could pose a choking risk, such as pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs, as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalled.

Design

While cribs might appear the same, it is important to keep in mind that all must comply with strict safety regulations. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar fashion to ensure the structural stability. Most cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could trap the baby or squeeze them. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.

One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also has an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in different colors and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be extremely sturdy and stable, without flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.

If you're planning to have more children, you might want to consider a convertible crib. A lot of these cribs can transform into a toddler bed, and then 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 test parents. A few of them mentioned that the drop-down side rail made feeding their baby at night easier and safer, and that the crib was spacious enough for the co-sleeping baby to be at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.

The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a fantastic option if you prefer the traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has an elegant design that is suitable for all nursery. It has three different mattress heights however, some parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.

Mattress

A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be a great option for babies. Baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and other bacteria that can affect infants. Look for a product that can be cleaned with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner, and Sale Cot choose a waterproof mattress cover to help prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health problems.

Choose mattresses that are rated to last up to 10 years, which means it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. A majority of the mattresses reviewed here are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This allows you to use them from birth up until your child is ready for their full-size bed.

A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it supports their spines while they are developing. A super-firm sleep surface also reduces the risk of SIDS which is more likely to occur when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.

When looking for a firm crib mattress, check the label to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a danger to babies. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that may cause harm to babies' respiratory and nervous systems.

Another factor to consider is the weight of the mattress. The regular changes to sheets at night require you to lift and move the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want carry a heavy item, consider choosing a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 lbs, making it the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around compared to a heavier traditional coil bed.

Assembly

New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to assemble. Look for one with hardware that is securely secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Beware of cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts These features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.

If you're looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll probably require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically cheap cots and can aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.

Many new parents appreciate the durability that can be found in convertible cribs and are a great option for families with multiple children. These cribs are designed to last and are typically able to be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed.

The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's a classic design and is available in white or slate grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to place and accommodates most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects only 23 minutes to assemble.

The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also features a chic minimalist design that doesn't clash 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.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has rail or a daybed without the rail. It's easy to assemble and has lots of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.