Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It's also very adaptable with three different mattress support heights. It also can be converted into an infant's bed.

Bassinets are a better choice when you live in a smaller house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib because of security concerns.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You must ensure that the crib meets current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and regularly inspect the crib for indications of wear or damage.

The first thing to look at is the space between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby being able to get their head or legs trapped between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your baby's crib. If you're not then the slats are close together and need to be a bit wider.

The mattress support system is a different aspect to take into consideration when selecting a crib. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will help to reduce the risk of your baby climbing out of the crib as is a common situation as they begin to crawl.

Other security features to look out for include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress with ease as well as solid and stable construction. You should also select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. You should also share the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to sleep alone.

Not least, ensure that the crib is removed from windows and radiators, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also remove anything that could create the risk of choking such as pillows or blankets. You should also be wary of purchasing cribs that are secondhand, as they may not have met the current safety standards or been recalled for different reasons.

Design

It is important to keep in mind that cribs can look similar, but must adhere to strict safety standards. For this reason, most cribs we examined are of a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or snag a baby. We also evaluated and rated each crib on how easy it was to put together and use. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has clear instructions that are easy to follow to avoid frustration.

One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also has a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details that make it perfect for modern nursery. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be very solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.

If you're planning on having more children, you may want to consider a convertible crib. They can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a full-size mattress, giving you an excellent value for your price. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned excellent marks from our parents who tested it. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making nighttime feedings safer and easier. They also said that the crib was spacious enough space for their baby to rest comfortably while mom and dad were asleep.

The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic choice if you like traditional design. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft and is a classic design that will fit in with most nursery decors. It comes with three different mattress heights however, some parents and toddlers might consider it too shallow.

Mattress

Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is a must. Spitting up from diapers and baby spit can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp and result in mildew or other bacteria that can be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be cleaned with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. You should also choose a waterproof mattress cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress and causing health problems.

Find a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years so that it is suitable for toddlers. Many of the products discussed here are reversible with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed.

A mattress that is firm for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines as they are developing. A firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because an extremely soft mattress increases the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.

Look over the label of the mattress to confirm that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals that could pose a risk to babies. You can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS which prove that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that could affect babies' respiratory and nervous systems.

Another thing to consider is the weight of the mattress. If you're not able to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move a heavy object then you might want an easier mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example, is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it much easier to move around in comparison to a traditional coil bed.

Assembly

New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to assemble. Find one with hardware that is securely secured and has without sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Also, stay clear of cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard -- these features aren't in line with current safety standards.

If you're looking for a crib, keep 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 sold separately by most manufacturers. These kits are usually inexpensive and will help your child make the transition to a larger bed more smoothly.

Many new parents appreciate the durability that comes with convertible cribs, and they're a good option for families with multiple children. The cribs are built to last, and they can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds, or full-size beds.

The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib is a solid-wood crib that is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and has four mattress heights. It's available in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib has locks that let you easily move it from room to place and can fit the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our testers only 23 minutes to assemble.

Another crib that is highly rated one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch, and it is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a minimalist and stylish design that will be a perfect fit with any bedroom décor. 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 testing, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without a rail. It's simple to put together and has a lot of appeal. However, the slender finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.