Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Mini Cot Bed Bed is a minimalist crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be converted into a toddler's bed.

Cribs consume a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better option for homes with small spaces. Many parents prefer a crib for security reasons.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your child while they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create danger of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for signs of wear or damage.

Examine the distance between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or legs from getting caught between them. You should also be able easily see and reach your baby in the crib. If you can't then the slats are close to each other and should be more spacious.

The mattress support system is an additional aspect to think about when choosing a crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the chance of your child leaving the crib which is a frequent occurrence as they learn to crawl.

A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features to look for. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. It's also better to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them to their own room when they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.

Finally, you should ensure that the crib is away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects like curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could be a choking hazard like blankets or pillows. Be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs as they may not have met the current safety standards or been recalled due to other reasons.

Design

Although cribs may appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must comply with strict safety regulations. To this end, the majority cribs we examined have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural quality. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or pinch the baby. We also evaluated each crib and rated it based on its ease of use and assembly. We recommend choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.

One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in a variety of designs and four mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.

If you're planning to have more children, you might think about a convertible crib. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for the money you spend. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that earned high marks from our test parents. Several of them commented that the drop-down side rail made feeding at night more secure and easier, and the crib was big enough for the co-sleeping baby to feel comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.

The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is an excellent option if you prefer a more traditional style. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has an elegant style that is perfect for every nursery. It comes with three mattress heights, however it might be a little shallow for some toddlers and petite parents.

Mattress

Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is a must. Diaper leaks, baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and bacteria that may affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be wiped down with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health problems.

Choose a mattress that has been rated for up to 10 years, so that it is suitable for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their full-size bed.

A firm mattress for the crib is best because it can support their spines as they are developing. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is due to the fact that mattresses that are soft increase the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.

When looking for a firm crib mattress, look over the label to be sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that could be a hazard to babies. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.

Another consideration is the weight of the mattress. The regular changes to sheets at night require you to lift and move the mattress. If you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want handle a heavy product, consider choosing a lighter crib mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds, Best crib newborn while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also made of foam rather than inners with woven-core that makes it more maneuverable compared with traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.

Assembly

New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to build. Look for one with hardware that is securely secured and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Beware of cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for the headboard cots and tots footboard -- these features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.

If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. These kits are offered separately by most manufacturers. They're usually inexpensive, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a bigger bed more seamlessly.

Convertible cribs can be a great crib option for families with several children. They've been made to last and can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and features locking wheels. It can be used with the majority of twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib very easy to put together, taking 23 minutes to put together.

The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It has a minimalist elegant design that can fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the tiniest 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 runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib into an adult bed with a rail or into a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is easy to set up and also has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched in normal use.