Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It also provides a good amount of flexibility by offering three mattress support height levels and the ability to transform into the bed of a toddler.

Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets could be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.

Safety

The health and well-being of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you select. It is important to ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards and is free from dangers that could cause harm to your baby while they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer Best cot for newborn assembly and use, and to check the crib regularly.

Examine the distance between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep your baby's head or limbs getting caught between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child in the crib. If you can't then the slats are close to each other and should be wider.

Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so you can lower the crib mattress 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 fits the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are other security features you should look for. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides rather than ones with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. You should also share the same room with your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.

Finally, you should ensure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators and that any hanging objects like curtains or blind cords are out of their reach. You should also take away any items that could pose a choking risk, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious of buying second-hand cribs, because they may not have met the current safety standards or been recalled for different reasons.

Design

Although cribs may appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must adhere to strict safety regulations. For this reason, most cribs we examined are of a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural quality. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could trap or pinch a baby. We also evaluated and rated each crib on the ease of use and assemble. We suggest selecting one with fewer components to avoid confusion.

The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It is stylish contemporary design and is available in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also has a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release off-gasses into the nursery.

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's ideal for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in various finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. The crib was sturdy and stable. It did not flex or squeak when a big child climbed into it.

Convertible cribs are an excellent 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 have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of a convertible bed. A few of them mentioned that the drop-down side rail made feeding at night more secure and easier, and the crib was roomy enough for the co-sleeping baby to feel comfortable while mom and dad were sleeping.

If you're looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a great choice. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a classic design that will complement most any nursery. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however, some parents and toddlers might feel it is a bit low.

Mattress

A crib mattress that is washable can be useful for infants. Diaper leaks, baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and bacterial infections that could be harmful to infants. Select a mattress that can be easy to clean with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress.

Choose mattresses that are rated to last for 10 years, which means it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products that we have reviewed are reversible, with a toddler and infant cot bed side. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready to move on to their full-size bed.

A firm mattress for the crib is best crib because it can support their spines while they're developing. A mattress that is firm and sturdy will also lower the risk of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.

If you are looking for a firm crib mattress, check the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 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 danger for infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good indication that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.

The weight of the mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. Sheet changes at night require that you lift and move the mattress. If you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product, consider choosing a mattress that is lighter for your crib. For example, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, making it the largest in this review. It's also made of foam rather than woven-core inners, which makes it more maneuverable compared with traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.

Assembly

A crib that's simple to assemble is great for parents with young children. Look for one with hardware that is securely secured and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Also, stay clear of cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for headboards and footboards -- these features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.

If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. Most manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are often affordable and can help your child make the transition from a smaller bed more easily.

Convertible cribs are a great option for families with several 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's available in white or slate grey to match any nursery decor. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to place and can fit most standard twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib to be very simple to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.

The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada 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 tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient travel bag.

A runner-up in our tests The Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler Cot Bed, with or without a rail. It is easy to assemble, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched in normal use.