Choosing the best crib newborn (www.diggerslist.com)

The Westport mini cot beds Bed is a minimalist crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It is also very flexible with three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into an infant's bed.

Bassinets are a good option for those with a small home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and wellbeing. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of any hazards that may harm your cheap baby cots as they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, with no loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or create danger of choking. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to check the crib regularly.

The first thing to check is the spacing between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby being able to get their head or limbs caught between them. You must also be able to easily see and reach your baby in the crib. If not, the slats should be broader and not as close together.

Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It must be adjustable to various heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce the possibility of your baby leaving the crib as is a common event as they begin to crawl.

A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are additional security features to look for. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides rather than one with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. It is also advisable to sleep in the same room with your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them into their own room when they are old enough to be monitored when they sleep on their own.

Not least, make sure the crib is kept away from radiators and windows and that dangling items like curtains or blind cords are out of reach. You should also remove anything that could create a choking risk, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs, as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been removed from the market.

Design

It is crucial to keep in mind that cribs may look identical, but they must meet the strict safety standards. The majority of cribs we looked at were designed in a similar fashion to ensure the structural stability. For instance, many have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or squeeze the baby. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its user-friendliness and assembly. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with simple instructions to minimize 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-tone options. It also comes with a universal 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. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib is available in various colors and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby cots on sale can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was solid and stable. It did not flex or creak when a heavy child was seated.

Convertible cribs are a great option if you're planning to have more children. A lot of these cribs can transform into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, offering excellent longevity for the money you spend. Our test parents have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of convertible beds. The drop-down side rail was highly praised by parents for making feeding their children at night safer and easier. They also stated that the crib offered enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while mom and dad slept.

The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a great choice if you like traditional design. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and features a classic design that is suitable for every nursery. It has three different mattress heights, however it could be a bit too small for children and parents with small bodies.

Mattress

A crib mattress that is washable can be a great option for babies. Spitting up from diapers, baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and dirty, leading to mildew and bacterial infections that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned using an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.

Choose mattresses that are rated to last for 10 years, meaning it will be ready for toddlers and beyond. A lot of the mattresses in this review can be reversible, with infant and toddler sides, which will let you use them right from birth until your child is old enough to be a full-size bed.

A firm crib mattress is the best choice for infants because it will provide the most support to their growing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm helps reduce the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when a baby's head sinks into a soft mattress.

If you are looking for a firm crib mattress, check the label to make sure 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 that could pose a risk to infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.

The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to take into consideration. Sheet changes at night require that you move and lift the mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want carry a heavy item then consider getting a crib mattress that is lighter. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, which makes it one of the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam rather than inner woven-core, making it more maneuverable when compared to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.

Assembly

A crib that's simple to assemble is great for new parents. Look for one with hardware that's firmly secured, no sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Beware of cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for headboards and footboards -- these features aren't compatible with the current safety standards.

When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are typically inexpensive and will aid your child in making the transition to a larger bed more easily.

Convertible cribs are an excellent option for families with multiple children. These cribs are designed to last, and generally can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It has a traditional style and is available in white or slate grey to match every nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and features locking wheels. It fits the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to put together.

Another crib that is highly rated one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch that is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It is a minimalist elegant design that can fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the tiniest cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with an ideal travel bag.

A runner-up in our tests the Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from different parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed with a rail or into a daybed with no rail. It's simple to put together and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches during normal use.