Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed will look stunning in the Scandi nursery. It also offers a great variety of versatility by offering three different mattress support heights and the capability to convert into a toddler bed.

Cribs consume a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better option in case your home is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards, and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose dangers of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.

The first thing to check is the spacing between slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to prevent your baby from being able to get their head or limbs trapped between them. You must also be able to easily reach and observe your baby in the crib. If you aren't, the slats are too close to each other and should be more spacious.

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

Other safety features to look for include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress securely, and a stable and sturdy construction. Pick a crib with fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. It is also recommended to share a 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 sleep on their own.

Not least, ensure that the crib is kept away from radiators and windows, and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could pose danger of choking such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs since they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalled.

Design

While cribs might appear the same, it is important to remember that each must adhere to strict safety guidelines. The majority of cribs we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure structural solidity. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could catch the baby or squeeze them. We also tested and rated each crib based on how easily it was to use and assemble. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we suggest choosing one that has clear instructions that are easy to follow to reduce 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 options. It also comes with a universal 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. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details that make it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in various finishes 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 very solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.

If you're thinking of having more children, you might be interested in a convertible crib. Many of these options can transform into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned praise from our parents who tested it. Many of them said that the side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings easier and safer and that the crib was spacious enough for the co-sleeping baby to be at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.

The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a fantastic choice if you like the traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that can be incorporated into most nursery decors. It has three different heights for the mattress however some parents and toddlers may find it a bit shallow.

Mattress

Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is an essential. Diaper leaks, baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Choose a product that is easy to clean with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, select a waterproof cover to stop fluids from entering the mattress.

Find mattresses that are rated to last for 10 years, so it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've discussed here are reversible with toddler and infant sides. This lets you use them from birth up until your child is ready for their own bed.

A firm mattress for the crib is best because it supports their spines while they are developing. A super-firm sleep surface also helps to reduce the risk of SIDS which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.

Look over the label on the mattress to confirm that it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a danger for infants. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US, which are a good sign that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.

The weight of the mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. Sheet changes at night require you to move and lift the mattress, so if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or aren't able to handle a heavy product, consider choosing a mattress that is lighter for your crib. 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 instead of woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around compared to a heavier traditional coil bed.

Assembly

New parents will be happy with a crib that's 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 irritate the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with the safety standards of today.

If you're looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll likely need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're usually inexpensive, and they'll aid your child's transition to larger beds more easily.

Convertible cribs are a great option for families with several children. These cribs have been designed to last and can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds 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 match almost every nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and features locking wheels. It fits the majority of twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to put together.

The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Canada, Australia and Europe. It has a simple, stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. The Sprout crib is one of the tiniest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy travel bag.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without a rail. It's easy to assemble and has lots of appeal. However, the slender finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.