Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It also comes with a amount of flexibility, with three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into the bed of a toddler.

Cribs take up a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents choose a crib because of security concerns.

Safety

The health and well-being of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you choose. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm to your child during their sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that might catch on clothing or create the risk of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.

The first thing to look at is the spacing between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep your baby's head or legs from being trapped between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you aren't then the slats are close to each other and should be more spacious.

Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce the possibility of your baby leaving the crib which is a frequent situation as they begin to crawl.

A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other security features you should look for. Choose a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. It is also recommended to share a room as your baby cots on sale for the first six months or so, and only transfer them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be monitored when they are sleeping on their own.

Also, make sure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects like blind cords or curtains are not within reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that might pose danger to your child's health, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not be in compliance with the safety standards of today or been recalled for other reasons.

Design

Although cribs may appear identical, it is important to remember that each must adhere to strict safety regulations. To this end, the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural quality. Most cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle the Baby Crib or squeeze them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.

One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. This crib is sleek and modern with minimal details that make it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various designs and four mattress sizes so that your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. The crib was solid and stable. It didn't flex or squeak when a big child was seated.

If you're thinking of having more children, you may think about a convertible crib. A lot of these cribs can convert into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received excellent marks from our test parents. The side rail that can be removed was loved by a lot of parents for making feeding at night more secure and less stressful. They also stated that the crib had enough room for the baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom slept.

If you prefer a traditional style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great choice. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, but it could be a bit shallow for some children and parents with small bodies.

Mattress

Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is a must. Baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Find a mattress cover that can be cleaned with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner, and choose a waterproof mattress cover to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health problems.

Look for a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible and have toddler and infant sides which will let you use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be an adult-sized bed.

A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they're developing. A firm sleeping surface can also reduce the risk of SIDS. This is due to the fact that a soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.

Look over the label on the mattress to confirm that it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a threat for infants. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that can harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.

The weight of the mattress is a further factor to consider. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move a heavy item it is possible to choose an easier mattress. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also made from foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around as compared to a traditional coil bed.

Assembly

New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to build. You want to find an item that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These items aren't in compliance with the safety standards of today.

If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. These kits are sold separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are often cheap cot bed and can help your child make the transition to a bigger bed more easily.

Many new parents appreciate the longevity that can be found in convertible cribs and are a great investment for families with multiple children. The cribs are built to last, and they can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.

The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib solid-wood crib which is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room. It fits the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.

The Sprout crib sets, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Canada, Australia, and Europe. It also has a sleek minimalist design that doesn't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the lighter cribs that we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient travel bag.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received several prizes from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has a rail or into a daybed that doesn't have rail. It's simple to put together and has a lot of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.