Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It's also extremely flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be transformed into the bed of a toddler.

Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better option in case your home is small. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.

Safety

Choosing the best infant cribs crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of hazards that may cause harm to your child as they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or create danger of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions regarding assembly and use, cots and tots 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 3/8 inches apart to keep your baby's head or limbs getting trapped in between them. You should be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you can't reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and should be more spacious.

Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the levels so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will decrease the risk of your baby getting out of the crib, which is a common event as they begin to crawl.

A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other security features you should be looking for. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room as your baby for six months or so, and only move them into their own bedroom once they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.

Finally, you should ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also remove items that could be a choking hazard, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalled.

Design

It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs can look similar, but must adhere to strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we looked at have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural solidity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or snag the baby. We also tested each crib and rated it for its ease of use and assembly. We suggest selecting a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.

The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It is stylish, contemporary design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.

Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. The crib was sturdy and stable. It didn't flex or creak when a heavy child was seated.

Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you're planning to have more children. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, providing excellent value for money. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of a convertible bed. A few of them mentioned that the drop-down side rail made nighttime feedings easier and safer, and that the crib was spacious enough for the baby to be at ease while dad and mom were asleep.

If you're looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless style that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit too small for children and parents with small bodies.

Mattress

A washable crib mattress will be a great option for babies. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and bacteria that may affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easy to clean with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress.

Look for a mattress that is rated to last 10 years, meaning it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products in this review are reversible and have infant and toddler sides, which will let you use them from birth until your child is ready to move on to an adult-sized bed.

A firm crib mattress is best crib newborn for infants, because it provides the most support to their growing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also reduces the chance of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a soft mattress.

Examine the label on a firm mattress to ensure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that might pose danger to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that can affect babies' respiratory and nervous systems.

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

Assembly

A crib that's easy to put together is ideal for parents who are new. Look for one with hardware that is securely secured, without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts. These features aren't up to the current safety standards.

If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll require an additional kit to convert it into an adult bed. The majority of manufacturers offer these kits on their own. These kits are typically affordable and can assist your child to make the transition to a larger bed more smoothly.

Many new parents appreciate the durability that can be found in a convertible crib and they're a great investment for families with multiple children. They've been built to last and can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.

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

Another crib that has been rated highly one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch that conforms to 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 is one of the lightest cribs we tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It's easy to assemble and has plenty of appeal. However, the thin finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.