Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It's also very adaptable because it comes with three different mattress support heights and can be converted into a toddler's bed.

Bassinets are a better choice if you have 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 to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free of any hazards that may cause harm to your child while they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer for assembly and use, and to regularly inspect the crib.

Examine the distance between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to keep your baby's head or limbs getting caught between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child's crib. If not, the slats should be broader and not as close together.

The mattress support system is a different aspect to consider when choosing the crib. It must be adjustable to various heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will decrease the risk of your baby getting out of the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.

Other safety features to look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way as well as solid and stable construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended 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 supervised while sleeping alone.

Last but not least, ensure that the crib is removed from radiators and windows, and that dangling items like blind cords or curtains are not in reach. You should also remove any items that could pose danger of choking, such as blankets or pillows. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs since they may not meet the current safety standards or have been recalled.

Design

While cribs might appear identical, it is crucial to remember that every crib must comply with strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we looked at are of a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural integrity. The majority of cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could catch babies or pinch them. We also assessed and rated each crib for the ease of use and assemble. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with simple instructions to minimize frustration.

The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It is stylish modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting, and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).

Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek and modern with minimal details, making it perfect for modern nursery. The crib is available in various finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, meaning your baby cots online can use it from birth to toddler. We tested the crib and found it to be solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a heavy toddler climbed inside.

Convertible cribs are a great option if you plan to have more children. These options can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and then into a full-size mattress, giving you excellent value for money. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. Many of them said that the drop-down side rail made feeding at night easier and safer and that the crib was big enough for the 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 crib is a good choice. 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, but some parents and toddlers might consider it too shallow.

Mattress

A crib mattress that is washable can be a great option for babies. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that can be wiped down with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner. Also, pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.

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

A firm mattress for the crib is best because it can support their spines while they are developing. A mattress that is extremely firm helps reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to happen when an infant's head sinks into a mattress that is soft.

If you are in search of a mattress that is firm for your crib be sure to check the label to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a threat for infants. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that may cause harm to infants' nervous and respiratory systems.

Another thing to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you move and lift the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or don't want carry a heavy item then consider getting a lighter crib mattress. For instance, the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs, making it the heaviest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven-core inners, which makes it much easier to move around when compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.

Assembly

A crib that is easy to put together is great for parents who are new. You should look for a crib with firmly-secured hardware and without sharp edges or rough patches that could irritate the skin of your baby. Beware of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard These features aren't in line with current safety standards.

If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll need to purchase a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits separately. These kits are typically affordable cots and tots can aid your child in making the transition to a larger bed more smoothly.

Many new parents appreciate the longevity that is offered by the convertible crib and are a great investment for families with multiple children. The cribs are built to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.

The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's available in white or slate grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and has locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib very easy to assemble - it took 23 minutes to complete.

Another crib that is highly rated one of the top rated cots cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch that conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a minimalist elegant design that can 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 runner-up of our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has won numerous awards from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile, and it converts from an infant crib to an adult bed with a rail or into a daybed without the rail. It is simple to put together, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However the surface can be scratched by normal use.