Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in the Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible with three different mattress support heights. It also can be transformed into an infant's bed.

Bassinets are the best option for those with a small house. Cribs can take up more space. 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 of hazards that may cause harm to your child during their sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose dangers of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.

The first thing to look at is the space between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby falling over or getting their limbs caught between them. You should also be able to easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you aren't see, the slats need to be wider and not as close to each other.

Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It must be adjustable to various heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the risk of your baby getting out of the crib, which is a common event as they begin to crawl.

Other security features to look out for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress securely, and solid and stable construction. You should also select a crib with fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them into their own room when they are old enough to be monitored while sleeping alone.

Finally, you should ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as curtains or blind cords are not within reach. You should also take away any items that could present a choking risk such as blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of buying second-hand cribs, since they may not be in compliance with current safety standards or have been recalled for other reasons.

Design

It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs can look identical, but they must adhere to strict safety standards. For this reason, most cribs we looked at have a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural integrity. Most cribs feature circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could trap a baby or pinch them. We also tested and rated each crib based on the ease of put together and use. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest choosing a crib that comes with clear instructions that are easy to follow to avoid frustration.

The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top rated cots picks. It has a stylish, contemporary design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.

Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, without flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.

Convertible cribs beds are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. Many of these options can convert into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for the money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned excellent marks from our test parents. The side rails that slide down were loved by a lot of parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and easy. They also said that the crib had enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while mom and dad lay down.

If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and features a classic design that will complement most every nursery. It has three different mattress heights however, some parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.

Mattress

A crib mattress that is washable can be useful for infants. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or bacteria that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that can be cleaned with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.

Find mattresses that are rated to last 10 years, meaning it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses featured in this review are reversible and have infant and toddler sides, that allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for a full-size bed.

A mattress that is firm for the crib is best, as it will support their spines while they are developing. A firm sleeping surface reduces the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.

When looking for a mattress that is firm for your crib, check the label to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, and other chemicals that might pose danger to infants. You can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.

The weight of the mattress is another thing to take into consideration. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to lift and move the mattress, so if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or aren't able to carry a heavy item then consider getting a crib mattress that is lighter. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 lbs, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it much easier to move around as compared to a heavier traditional coil bed.

Assembly

A crib that is easy to put together is great for new parents. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the current safety standards.

If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits on their own. They're often cheap cot beds, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to a bigger bed more seamlessly.

Convertible cribs are an excellent investment for families with multiple children. The cribs are built to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's traditional in design and is available in white or slate grey to fit with almost every nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin beds. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to put together.

The Sprout Crib, 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 is a minimalist elegant design that can be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is one of the lightest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for transport.

The runner-up of our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has won numerous prizes from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has rail or 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 by normal use.