Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Mini Cot Bed Bed is a minimalist crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler's bed.

cribs beds take up a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better choice in case your home is small. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib due to safety reasons.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn (advice here) is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of any hazards that may harm your baby as they sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, with no loose pieces that may catch on clothing or create a choking risk. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.

Examine the distance between slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from getting their head or legs trapped between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child's crib. If you can't, the slats are too close to each other and should be more spacious.

The mattress support system is an additional aspect to think about when choosing the crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will lower the chance that your child will climb out of the crib when they begin to crawl.

A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the bed and a sturdy and stable construction are other security features you should look for. Choose a crib with fixed sides rather than one with drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended to share a room with your Baby Cot for the first 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.

In the end, you must ensure that the crib is away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also remove objects that could pose the risk of choking, such as pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs since they may not meet current safety standards, or have been recalls.

Design

It is important to remember that cribs may look similar, but must meet the strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we examined are constructed in a similar fashion to ensure the structural stability. Most cribs feature circular bars with no gaps or rough surfaces that could catch babies or pinch them. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its ease of use and assembly. We suggest choosing a crib with fewer parts to avoid confusion.

The Evolur Sprout crib is among our favorites. It is stylish contemporary design and is available in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).

Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib sets comes in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, with no flexing or creaking when a toddler was seated inside.

Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you plan to have more children. A lot of these cribs can be converted into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, providing a long-lasting product for the money you spend. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that received excellent marks from our parents who tested it. Several of them commented that the drop-down side rail made feeding at night easier and safer, and that the crib was spacious enough for the baby to feel at ease while dad and mom were asleep.

The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is an excellent option for those who prefer traditional design. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that will fit in with most nursery decors. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however, some parents and toddlers might find it a bit shallow.

Mattress

Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty, resulting in mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Select a mattress that can be easy to clean with an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress.

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

A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they are developing. A firm sleeping surface helps reduce the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.

Examine the label of the mattress to confirm that it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC mandates that mattresses are tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a threat for infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which show that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may affect babies' respiratory and nervous systems.

Another thing to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. Sheet changes at night require you to move and lift the mattress. If you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product then consider getting a lighter crib mattress. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, making it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around as compared to a traditional coil mattress.

Assembly

New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to assemble. You should look for a crib with firmly-secured hardware 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 features don't meet the safety standards of today.

If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits separately. These kits are typically affordable and can help your child make the transition to a bigger bed more easily.

Many new parents appreciate the longevity that comes with a convertible crib and they're a great option for families with multiple children. They are designed to last and generally can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's available in slate grey or white to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is simple to move around and features locking wheels. It is suitable for the majority of twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib to be very simple to assemble - it took 23 minutes to complete.

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

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from various parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed with rail or a daybed that doesn't have rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches in normal use.