Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It also provides a good deal of flexibility by offering three mattress support levels and the ability to transform into the bed of a toddler.

Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better option in case your home is small. Many parents choose a crib for safety reasons.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free from dangers that could harm your baby while they sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or present the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.

The first thing to check is the spacing between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby falling over or getting their limbs caught between them. You must also be able to easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If not reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not so close to each other.

The mattress support system is another aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the risk of your baby leaving the crib which is a frequent situation as they begin to crawl.

A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other security features you should look for. Pick a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. You should also share the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to go off on their own.

In the end, you must ensure that the crib is away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as blind cords or curtains are not within reach. It is also recommended to remove any objects that could pose danger to your child's health like blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs since they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalled.

Design

While cribs might appear identical, it is crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety regulations. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar manner to ensure the structural solidity. For instance, many have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or squeeze a baby. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its user-friendliness and assembly. We suggest selecting one with fewer components to avoid confusion.

One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, modern design and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. It also has a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib is available in a variety of colors and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be very solid and stable, without flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.

If you're thinking of having more children, you may think about a convertible crib. Many of these options 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 side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings more secure and easier, and the crib was big enough for the Baby Crib to feel comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.

The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is an excellent option for those who prefer the traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that is compatible with the majority of nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights however certain parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.

Mattress

A crib mattress that is washable can come in handy for newborns. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty, resulting in mildew or other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be cleaned 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.

Find a mattress that is that is rated up to 10 years, so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the products that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready to move on to their full-size bed.

A firm crib mattress is best cots for infants, since it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.

Look over the label on a firm mattress to ensure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a threat to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can cause harm to babies' respiratory and nervous systems.

The weight of the crib mattress is another factor to take into consideration. Sheet changes at night require that you lift and move the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or aren't able to carry a heavy item then consider getting a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, making it the largest in this review. It's also made of foam instead of inner woven-core, making it easier to maneuver compared with a heavier traditional coil mattress.

Assembly

New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to assemble. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held, without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Beware of cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard -- these features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.

If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're typically cheap cot bed, and they'll aid your child's transition to a bigger bed more seamlessly.

Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families who have multiple children. These cribs have been designed to last, and they can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.

The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold-certified and comes with four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in white or slate grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and features locking wheels. It fits the majority of twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib to be very simple to assemble - it took 23 minutes to put together.

The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia 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. It also comes with an excellent travel bag.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without rail. It is simple to put together and also has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched in normal use.