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 extremely flexible with three different mattress support heights and can be converted into a toddler's bed.

Cribs take up a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better choice for homes with small spaces. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.

Safety

The health and wellbeing of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you choose. You want to make sure that the crib meets the current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could harm your child during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could catch on clothing or create a choking hazard. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for indications of wear or damage.

The first thing you need to check is the space between slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from being able to get their head or limbs caught between them. You should be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you cannot reach your baby, the slats must be broader and not as close to each other.

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

A fitted sheet that is secure enough to fit over the Cot Bed and Cot Bed solid and sturdy construction are other security features to be looking for. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which could be hazardous 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 transfer them to their own bedroom once they are old enough to be watched when they are sleeping on their own.

Also, make sure that the crib is away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects such as curtains or blind cords are not within reach. Also, you should remove any items that could pose danger of choking such as blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, because they may not meet the current safety standards or been recalled due to other reasons.

Design

Although cribs may appear identical, it is crucial to remember that every crib must comply with strict safety guidelines. The majority of cribs we reviewed are designed in a similar manner to ensure structural integrity. The majority of cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could trap a baby or pinch them. We also examined each crib and evaluated it for its ease of use and assembly. We suggest choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.

One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having the lowest amount of volatile organic compound (VOCs).

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. The crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in various finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be sturdy and stable, without creaking or flexing when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.

If you're planning to have more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a full-size mattress, providing the best cot beds value for money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned praise from our parents who tested it. A few of them mentioned that the drop-down side rail made feeding their baby at night easier and safer, and that the crib was roomy enough for the baby to feel comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.

The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 by DaVinci is a fantastic option for those who prefer traditional design. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that will fit in with most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights, but it may be a bit shallow for some toddlers and small parents.

Mattress

Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is essential. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty, resulting in mildew or bacteria that could affect infants. Look for a product that can be cleaned with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner, and select a mattress cover that is waterproof to help prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.

Find a mattress that is that is rated for up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. A lot of the mattresses in this review are reversible and have infant and toddler sides, which will let you use them right from birth until your child is ready for the full-size bed.

A firm crib mattress is ideal for infants, because it provides the greatest support for their developing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm helps to reduce the chance of SIDS, which is more likely to occur when a child's head is lowered into a soft mattress.

If you are looking for a firm crib mattress be sure to examine the label to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a risk to babies. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US, which are a good cribs sign that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.

The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to take into consideration. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you move and lift the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want to carry a heavy item 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 featured in this review. It's also made of foam, not woven-core inners, which makes it more maneuverable in comparison to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.

Assembly

A crib that's easy to put together is great for new parents. You should look for an item that is securely secured and without sharp edges or rough patches that could pinch the skin of your baby. Also, avoid any cribs with drop-sides, or cutouts for headboards and cot bed footboards as they aren't compatible with today's safety standards.

If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will require an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits separately. They're often cheap, and they'll aid your child's transition to a bigger bed more seamlessly.

Convertible cribs are an excellent option for families with several children. They've been designed to last, cribs and they can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or full-size beds.

The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It is available in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and features locking wheels. It can be used with most twin beds. Our test subjects found that this crib to be very simple to put together, taking 23 minutes to put together.

The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, as well as those of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It has a minimalist and stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the most lightweight cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has a handy travel bag.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous 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 to a daybed that doesn't have rail. It's easy to set up and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.