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 very adaptable, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler.

Bassinets are the best option when you live in a smaller home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib for security reasons.

Safety

The choice of the best crib for newborns is crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. You want to make sure that it is in line with the current safety standards, and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to regularly inspect the crib.

The first thing to look at is the space between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child's crib. If you're not then the slats are close to each other and should be larger.

Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so you can lower the mattress of your crib 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 consider include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way and a stable and sturdy construction. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides instead of ones with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also advisable to share a room as your baby for Cots4tots six months or so, and then move them into their own room when they are old enough to be watched when they sleep on their own.

Last but not least, make sure the crib is kept away from radiators and windows, and that dangling items like curtains or blind cords are not in reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that could be the risk of choking, such as pillows or blankets. You should also be wary of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or been recalled for different reasons.

Design

It is crucial to remember that cribs may appear similar, but must comply with strict safety standards. This is why the majority cribs we looked at have a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural quality. Most cribs feature circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib for how easy 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 avoid frustration.

The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It features a chic contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-toned options. It also has a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal features that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in various colors and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was extremely stable and sturdy. It did not move or squeak when a big child climbed into it.

If you're planning on having more children, you might think about a convertible crib. They can be transformed into a bed for a toddler and then into a full-size mattress, offering an excellent value for your money. Our test parents have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of convertible beds. Many of them said that the drop-down side rail made nighttime feedings easier and safer, and that the crib was big enough for the baby to be at ease while dad and mom were asleep.

If you prefer a traditional style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great option. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and comes with a timeless design that is suitable for any nursery. It has three different heights for the mattress however, some parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.

Mattress

Newborns can be messy, and a clean crib mattress is an essential. Diaper leaks, baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that can be wiped down with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner, and select a mattress cover that is waterproof to help prevent liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.

Find a mattress that is that is rated for up to 10 years, so it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the products discussed here are reversible with toddler and infant sides. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their full-size bed.

A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they are developing. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.

Check the label of a firm mattress to ensure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that might pose risk to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS, which are a good indicator that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.

Another factor to consider is the weight of the mattress. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you move and lift the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product you should consider a mattress that is lighter for your crib. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It's also made of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it easier to maneuver when compared to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.

Assembly

New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. Look for one with hardware that is securely secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. 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, bear in mind that you'll likely need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are usually affordable and can assist your child to make the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.

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

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's a classic design and is available in white or slate grey to fit with almost every nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and has locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.

The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a minimalist elegant design that can go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.

A runner-up in our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from different parenting publications 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 is easy to set up and has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.