Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It also offers a great variety of versatility, with three mattress support height levels and the ability to transform into an infant bed.

Bassinets are a better choice if you have a small cot beds home. Cribs can take up more space. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib due to security reasons.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it meets current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or present a choking hazard. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to check the crib regularly.

Examine the distance between slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby falling over or getting their limbs trapped between them. You must also be able to easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If not, the slats should be wider and not as close together.

Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your child will climb out of the crib as they begin to crawl.

Other security features to look out for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress securely as well as a stable and sturdy construction. It is also recommended to choose a crib with fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended cribs to sleep in the same room with your baby for Best Crib Newborn six months or so, and only transfer them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be watched while sleeping alone.

Finally, you should make sure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects like curtains or blind cords are not within reach. You should also take away any items that could present the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or been recalled for other reasons.

Design

Although cribs may appear identical, it is crucial to remember that every crib must meet strict safety regulations. Most of the cribs that we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure structural stability. The majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle the baby or squeeze them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it based on its simplicity of use and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest choosing a crib that comes with clear instructions that are easy to follow to reduce frustration.

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

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in various colors and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. This crib was very sturdy and stable. It did not move or creak when a large child climbed in.

Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you're planning to have more children. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. Our test parents gave the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of convertible beds. A few of them mentioned that the side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings easier and safer and that the crib was spacious enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.

The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is an excellent option for those who prefer traditional design. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless design that is compatible with the majority of nursery decors. It has three different heights for the mattress, but certain parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.

Mattress

Newborns can be messy, and a clean crib mattress is a must. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be cleaned with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, select a mattress cover that is waterproof to help prevent fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health issues.

Look for a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the products in this review are reversible with toddler cots and tots infant cot bed sides, which allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to a full-size bed.

A mattress that is firm for the crib is best because it supports their spines as they are developing. A mattress that is extremely firm helps to reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.

Look over the label of a firm mattress to ensure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that could pose risk to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a great sign that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.

Another thing to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to lift and move 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's also made of foam rather than inners with woven-core that makes it much easier to move around compared with traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.

Assembly

New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to build. Find one equipped with hardware that is securely held and has without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features aren't up to the current safety standards.

If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will require a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're usually cheap, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a bigger bed more seamlessly.

Convertible cribs are an excellent investment for families who have multiple children. These cribs are built to last and generally can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.

The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to match almost every nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and has locking wheels. It can be used with most twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib to be very simple to put together, taking 23 minutes to complete.

Another crib that has been rated highly one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch and meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a minimalist elegant design that can be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy travel bag.

A runner-up in our testing The Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without a rail. It is easy to assemble, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.