Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in a Scandi nursery. It's also very adaptable, as it has three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into a toddler's bed.

Bassinets are a good option if you have a small home. Cribs can take up a lot more space. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.

Safety

The choice of the best crib for newborns is essential to your baby's health and well-being. It is important to ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards and is free of hazards that may cause harm to your baby as they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that might catch on clothing or present dangers of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for indications of wear or damage.

Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby being able to get their head or limbs caught between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you cannot reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not as close to each other.

The mattress support system is an additional aspect to think about when choosing a crib. It is important to adjust the heights so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance of your child getting out of the crib as 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 a stable and sturdy construction. You should also select a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room with your baby for six months or so, and only move them to their own room when they are old enough to be watched while sleeping alone.

Not least, ensure that the crib is kept away from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are not in reach. You should also remove objects that could pose danger to your child's health, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs beds, as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.

Design

Although cribs may appear identical, it is crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety regulations. To this end, the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. For instance, many have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or squeeze the baby. We also tested and rated each crib on the ease of use and assemble. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend choosing a crib that comes with simple instructions to avoid frustration.

One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also has an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).

Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in various colors and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.

If you're planning on having more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, offering excellent value for money. Our test parents gave the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rail that can be removed was highly praised by parents for making feeding at night more secure and easy. They also said that the crib had enough room for the baby to be comfortable while dad and mom lay down.

The Colby cots 4 tots-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is an excellent option if you prefer a more traditional style. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that is compatible with most nursery decors. It comes with three mattress heights, however it could be a bit too small for toddlers and small parents.

Mattress

A crib mattress that is washable can be useful for infants. Baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy which can lead to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned using mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress.

Find a mattress that is that is rated up to 10 years so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the products reviewed here are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This allows you to use them from birth up until your child is ready to move on to their own bed.

A firm mattress for the crib is best crib for newborn - Read More In this article - because it can support their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleep surface also helps to reduce the risk of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.

Look over the label on the mattress to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a threat to babies. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US, which are a good indication that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants' respiratory and nervous systems.

The weight of the crib mattress is another factor to consider. If you're unable to lift heavy objects, or you don't wish to move a heavy item, you may want a mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around as compared to a traditional coil bed.

Assembly

New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured, without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Also, avoid any cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards as they aren't compatible with the current safety standards.

When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. They're often inexpensive, and they'll help your child transition into a bigger bed more seamlessly.

Many new parents appreciate the longevity that comes with a convertible crib, and they're a good investment for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last and generally can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed, or 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 white or slate grey to fit with almost every nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and accommodates the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects only 23 minutes to assemble.

The Sprout great crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada and Europe. It is a minimalist and stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. 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 travel.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous prizes from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a moderate-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib into an adult bed with rail, or to a daybed with no rail. It's simple to put together and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.