Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It also offers a great deal of flexibility, with three different mattress support heights and the ability to transform into the bed of a toddler.

Cribs can take up a lot room, so bassinets might be a better option if your house is small. Many parents choose a crib for safety reasons.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards, and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and strong, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create danger of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use and regularly inspect the crib for signs of wear or damage.

Check the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from falling over or getting their legs trapped between them. You should also be able easily see and reach your baby's crib. If not see, the slats need to be wider and not so close to each other.

The mattress support system is an additional aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce the possibility of your baby climbing out of the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.

Other security features to look out for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way and an enduring and solid construction. Choose a crib with fixed sides rather than one that has drop sides. Drop sides can be dangerous for your child. You should also be in the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to sleep on their own.

Finally, you should ensure that the crib is away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects like blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also remove any items that could present danger of choking, such as pillows or blankets. Be wary of buying second-hand cribs, since they may not have met current safety standards or have been recalled for other reasons.

Design

While cribs might 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 integrity. Most cribs have circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle babies or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib for the ease of use and to assemble. We recommend choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.

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

Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various colors and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tried the crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, without flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.

Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. A lot of these cribs can be converted into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, giving you a long-lasting investment for the money you spend. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. Several of them commented that the side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings easier and safer and that the crib was big enough for the baby to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.

The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a fantastic choice if you like the traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a classic design that is suitable for any nursery. It comes with three mattress heights, but it might be a little small for some children and parents with small bodies.

Mattress

A washable crib mattress will be a great option for babies. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to stop fluids from entering the mattress.

Find a mattress that is rated to last 10 years, so it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products discussed here are reversible with toddler and infant sides. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed.

A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it supports their spines as they are developing. A super-firm sleep surface also reduces the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when a Baby Cot Bed's head sinks into a soft mattress.

Examine the label on the mattress to confirm that it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that could be danger to infants. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good sign 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 take into consideration. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to lift and move the mattress. If you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product then consider getting a crib mattress that is lighter. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs, making it the heaviest in this review. It's also made of foam, not woven-core inners, which makes it much easier to move around compared with a heavier traditional coil mattress.

Assembly

New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to put together. You should look for an item that is securely secured and without sharp edges or cheap baby cots (you can try Kordail) rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the safety standards of today.

If you're looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are often affordable and can assist your child to make the transition from a smaller bed more easily.

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

The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It is available in slate grey or white to match any nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and has locking wheels. It can be used with the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to put together.

Another crib that has been rated highly is the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch, and it is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy travel bag.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received several prizes from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant cot bed crib to a toddler bed with or without rail. It is easy to set up and also has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched during normal use.