Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

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

Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better option if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib due to of safety concerns.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. It is important to ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards and is free from dangers that could harm your baby while they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could catch on clothing or present the risk of choking. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to regularly inspect the crib.

Check the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from falling over or getting their limbs caught between them. You should also be able easily reach and see your baby in the crib. If you aren't then the slats are close together and should be wider.

The mattress support system is another aspect to take into consideration when selecting the crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your baby will fall out of the crib once they begin to crawl.

Other safety features to consider include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress with ease as well as an enduring and solid construction. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. It's also better to sleep in the same room as your baby for six months or so, and only transfer them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be monitored when they are sleeping on their own.

Not least, make sure the crib is removed from radiators and windows, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are out of reach. You should also remove any items that could pose a choking risk like pillows or blankets. Be wary of buying second-hand cribs, as they may not be in compliance with the safety standards of today or been recalled due to other reasons.

Design

Although cribs may appear identical, it is important to remember that each must adhere to strict safety guidelines. To this end, the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar layout to ensure consistency of structural solidity. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or squeeze the baby. We also evaluated each crib and rated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with clear instructions that are easy to follow to avoid frustration.

The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It has a stylish modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-toned. Additionally, it features a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.

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

Convertible cribs are a great option if you're planning to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, providing excellent value for price. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that received high marks from our test parents. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making feeding their children at night more secure and less stressful. They also said that the crib had enough space for their baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom lay down.

If you prefer a traditional style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a solid option. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that will fit in with most nursery decors. It comes with three mattress heights, however it might be a little small for some children and parents with small bodies.

Mattress

Babies are messy and a crib mattress that is washable is a must. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or other bacteria that can affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health problems.

Find mattresses that are rated to last for 10 years, which means it's ready for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides which will let you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for a full-size bed.

A firm mattress for the crib is ideal because it supports their spines while they're developing. A 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 mattress for your crib that is firm, look over the label to be 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 risk to infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a great sign that the mattress has been examined for the emission 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 not able to lift heavy objects or don't want to move a heavy item it is possible to choose a lighter mattress. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 pounds, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam instead of inner woven-core, making it easier to maneuver compared with traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.

Assembly

A crib that's simple to put together is great for parents with young children. You should look for the crib that has hardware that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Also, avoid any cribs with drop-sides, or headboard/footboard cutouts as they aren't compatible with the current safety standards.

When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by most manufacturers. These kits are typically inexpensive and will aid your child in making the transition to a larger bed more smoothly.

Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families with multiple children. They are designed to last, and they typically can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.

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 any nursery decor. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to place and fits the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.

The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Australia, Canada and Europe. It is a minimalist, stylish design that will fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for transport.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from various parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without rail. It is simple to put together and has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the surface can be scratched during normal use.