Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It also cots offers a great amount of flexibility with three mattress support levels and the ability to transform into a toddler bed.

Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better choice if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib due to of security concerns.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it meets current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.

Check the distance between the slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child in the crib. If you cannot see, the slats need to be wider and not so close together.

Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the heights so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your baby will climb out of the crib as they begin to crawl.

Other safety features to look for include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress with ease as well as solid and stable construction. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom when they are old enough to be watched when they sleep on their own.

Last but not least, make sure the crib is removed from radiators and windows, and that dangling items like curtains or blind cords are out of reach. You should also take away any items that could pose a choking risk, such as blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.

Design

While cribs might appear the same, it is important to keep in mind that all must meet strict safety regulations. For this reason, most cribs we examined have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural solidity. Most cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle babies or pinch them. We also tested and rated each crib based on how easily it was to use and to assemble. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with clear instructions that are easy to follow to reduce frustration.

One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, modern design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).

Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.

If you're planning on having more children, you might think about a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, providing the best value for price. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib which received excellent marks from our parents who tested it. The side rail that can be removed was highly praised by parents for making nighttime feedings more secure and easy. They also said that the crib offered enough room for the baby to be comfortable while dad and mom were asleep.

The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a great choice if you like traditional design. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that will fit in with the majority of nursery cots decors. It has three different mattress heights, but some parents and toddlers might consider it too shallow.

Mattress

Newborns can be messy, and a clean crib mattress is a must. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty which can lead to mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.

Choose a mattress that has been that is rated for up to 10 years so that it can be used for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses reviewed here are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their full-size bed.

A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants because it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also helps reduce the risk of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.

Examine the label of the mattress to confirm that it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a risk to infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can harm babies' respiratory and nervous systems.

The weight of the mattress is another factor to consider. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you move and lift the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or aren't able to handle a heavy product then consider getting a lighter crib mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners, which makes it easier to maneuver compared with a heavier traditional coil mattress.

Assembly

New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to put together. You want to find a crib with firmly-secured hardware, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Also, stay clear of cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for headboards and footboards as they aren't compatible with the current safety standards.

If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits separately. They're usually affordable, and will assist your child in transitioning to a bigger bed more seamlessly.

Many new parents appreciate the longevity that is offered by the convertible crib, and they're a good choice for families with several children. They've been built to last and can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It has a traditional style and is available in white or slate grey to fit with almost every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to place and fits 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 is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a minimalist elegant design that can go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the lightest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed with a rail or into a daybed with no rail. It's easy to assemble and has a lot of appeal. However, the slender finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.