Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

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

Bassinets are the best crib for Newborn option for those with 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 crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your baby during their sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that might catch on clothing or present the risk of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use, and check the crib regularly 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 to avoid your baby falling over or getting their limbs caught between them. You should also be able easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If not, the slats should be wider and not as close to each other.

The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It must be adjustable to various heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce the possibility of your baby leaving the crib as is a common situation as they begin 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 select a crib that has fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. It's also better to sleep in the same room with your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them into their own room when they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.

Also, ensure that the crib is away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are not within reach. You should also remove any items that could pose danger of choking like pillows or blankets. Be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, because they may not be in compliance with the safety standards of today or been recalled due to other reasons.

Design

It is important cots to tots remember that cribs may look the same but must still meet the strict safety standards. This is why the majority of the cribs we reviewed are of a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural solidity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or squeeze the baby. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on the ease of use and to assemble. We recommend choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.

One of our favorite cribs beds is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also has an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be very sturdy and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.

Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you're planning to have more children. Many of these options can be converted into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed, giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. The drop-down side rail was loved by a lot of parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and less stressful. They also stated that the crib was spacious enough room for the baby to sleep comfortably while mom and dad lay down.

The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is an excellent choice if you like the traditional style. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with an elegant design that is suitable for every nursery. It has three different heights for the mattress, but some parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.

Mattress

A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be useful for infants. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty which can lead to mildew or bacteria that could affect infants. Choose a product that is easy to clean with an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress.

Look for a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've discussed here are reversible with a toddler and infant side. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be their own bed size.

A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it supports their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the risk 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.

If you are looking for a firm crib mattress make sure you examine the label to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a risk for infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a great indicator that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.

The weight of the mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move a heavy object, you may want a mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, Cribs for example weighs only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it much easier to move around compared to a traditional coil bed.

Assembly

New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to assemble. You should choose the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet today's safety standards.

If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will require an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. They're often cheap, and they'll assist your child in transitioning to larger beds more easily.

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

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

Another crib that is highly rated one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch that is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It is a minimalist, stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the lighter cribs that we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

A runner-up in our tests The Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from various parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without rail. It's easy to set up and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.