Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery. It's also extremely flexible with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into an infant's bed.

Bassinets are a better choice if you have a small house. Cribs can take up a lot more space. However, a lot of parents choose a crib for safety reasons.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is essential to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free of hazards that may cause harm to your child while they sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.

Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent your baby's head or limbs getting trapped in between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you cannot see, the slats need to be wider and not so close to each other.

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 help to reduce the chance of your child leaving the crib, which is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.

Other safety features to consider include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress with ease and an enduring and solid construction. 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's also better to sleep in the same room as your cheap baby cots for six months or so, and Best infant cribs only transfer them to their own room when they are old enough to be supervised when they sleep on their own.

Last but not least, make sure the crib is kept away from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as curtains or blind cords are kept out of reach. You should also remove items that could be a choking hazard like pillows or blankets. Be wary of purchasing second-hand cribs because they may not meet the safety standards of today or been recalled for different reasons.

Design

While cribs may look all the same, it is important to remember that each must comply with strict safety regulations. To this end, the majority of the cribs we reviewed are of a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. The majority of cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could catch babies or pinch them. We also evaluated and rated each crib based on the ease of use and to assemble. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has a few easy-to-follow directions to reduce frustration.

One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. It also comes with a mattress that is universal and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. This crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in various colors and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. This crib was very sturdy and stable. It did not flex or creak when a large child climbed in.

Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you're planning to have more children. A lot of these cribs can transform into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for the money you spend. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned praise from our test parents. Many of them said that the side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings more secure and easier, and the crib was roomy enough for the co-sleeping baby to feel at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.

If you are looking for a classic style, the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good choice. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and has a timeless design that will complement most all nursery. It comes with three mattress heights, but it could be a bit too small for toddlers and small cot beds parents.

Mattress

Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is an essential. Spitting up from diapers, baby spit up and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacterial infections that could be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that is easily cleaned with mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress.

Choose a mattress that has been rated for up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the products in this review are reversible and have infant and toddler sides, that allows you to use them right from birth until your child is ready for the full-size bed.

A mattress that is firm for the crib is best 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 mattress that is firm for your crib be sure to check the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for the ability to withstand fire and water as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a threat to babies. There are also certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that may cause harm to babies' respiratory and nervous systems.

The weight of the mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you move and lift the mattress, so if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or aren't able to carry a heavy item, consider choosing 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 rather than woven-core inners, which makes it much easier to move around when compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.

Assembly

A crib that's simple to put together is ideal for parents with young children. You should look for an item that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the current safety standards.

When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). Most manufacturers offer these kits on their own. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll aid your child's transition to a bigger bed more seamlessly.

Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that can be found in the convertible crib and are a great choice for families with several children. These cribs are designed to last and are typically able to be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It's available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib has locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to room and can fit the majority of twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib was very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.

Another crib that is highly rated is the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch, and it conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic minimalist design that doesn't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the tiniest cribs we've tested, weighing just 6kg, making 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 from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without rail. It's easy to set up and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.