Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible with three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into an infant's bed.

Cribs consume a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents choose a crib for security reasons.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free of hazards that may harm your baby during their sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or create a choking risk. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for signs of wear or damage.

The first thing you need to check is the spacing between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or legs from getting caught between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your baby's crib. If you cannot reach your baby, the slats must be wider and not as close to each other.

Another aspect of the crib to consider is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your child will climb out of the crib as they begin to crawl.

Other safety features to look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress with ease as well as a stable and sturdy construction. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also be in the same bedroom as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to go off on their own.

In the end, you must make sure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as blind cords or curtains are out of their reach. You should also take away any items that could present the risk of choking such as blankets or pillows. Be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs because they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or been recalled due to other reasons.

Design

It is important to remember that cribs can look the same but must still comply with strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we examined have a similar layout to ensure consistency of structural integrity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag a baby. We also evaluated each crib and rated it based on its user-friendliness and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has a few easy-to-follow directions to minimize frustration.

One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also comes with an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. The crib was solid and stable. It did not flex or creak when a heavy child climbed into it.

If you're thinking of having more children, you might be interested in a convertible crib. Many of these options can be converted into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for the money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received high marks from our parents who tested it. The drop-down side rail was praised by many parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also noted that the crib had enough room for the baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom lay down.

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

Mattress

Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is a must. Diaper leaks, baby spit up and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty that can cause mildew and bacteria that may affect infants. Look for a product that can be washed with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health issues.

Look for a mattress rated for up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses that we have reviewed are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their own bed.

A mattress that is firm is ideal for infants, because it provides the most support to their growing spines. A super-firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.

If you are in search of a mattress that is firm for your crib make sure you check the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a danger to infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that could harm infants' nervous and respiratory systems.

Another consideration is the weight of a mattress for a crib. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot it is possible to choose a mattress that is lighter. Newton Wovenaire, for example is 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 is also constructed of foam instead of woven-core inners, which makes it much easier to move around when compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.

Assembly

A crib that's easy to put together is ideal for parents who are new. Look for one equipped with hardware that is securely held and has without sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Beware of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard as they aren't in line with current safety standards.

If you're looking for a crib, keep in mind that you'll likely require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll help your child transition into a bigger bed more seamlessly.

Many new parents appreciate the longevity that can be found in a convertible crib and are a great investment for families with multiple children. These cribs are built to last, and they typically can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It is available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to place and fits most standard twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to assemble.

The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also features a chic minimalist design that will not be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the most lightweight cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around. It also comes with an ideal travel bag.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without rail. It is easy to set up and also has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.