Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery. It also provides a good variety of versatility with three mattress support height levels and the capability to convert into an infant bed.

Cribs can take up a lot space, so bassinets could be a better choice if your house is small. 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 should ensure that the crib meets the current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that might catch on clothing or create dangers of choking. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to inspect the crib on a regular basis.

Check the distance between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to prevent your baby from falling over or getting their legs trapped between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child's crib. If you're not, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit more spacious.

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

Other safety features to look for include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way and a stable and sturdy construction. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides, which could be hazardous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same room as your baby until they are old enough to be able to sleep on their own.

Not least, make sure the crib is placed away from radiators and windows, and that dangling items like curtains or blind cords are not in reach. It is also recommended to remove any items that might pose danger to your child's health like pillows or blankets. Be wary of buying second-hand cribs, since they may not be in compliance with the safety standards of today or been recalled for different reasons.

Design

While cribs might appear identical, it is important to keep in mind that all must meet strict safety regulations. To this end, the majority cribs we looked at have a similar design to ensure consistency of structural quality. The majority of cribs have circular bars without gaps or rough surfaces that could catch the baby or squeeze them. We also tested and rated each crib based on how easily it was to use and assemble. More parts can mean more confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with clear instructions that are easy to follow to minimize frustration.

One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, modern design and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. Additionally, it features 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.

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

Convertible cribs are a great option if you plan to have more children. Many of these options be converted into a toddler bed, and then a full-size bed, offering excellent longevity for the money. The Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received high marks from our parents who tested it. The side rail that can be removed was loved by a lot of parents for cots4Tots.co.uk making feeding their children at night more secure and less stressful. They also said that the crib was spacious enough space for their baby to be comfortable while dad and mom were asleep.

The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic option if you prefer the traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless style that is compatible with the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however certain parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.

Mattress

A crib mattress that is washable can come in handy for newborns. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp which can lead to mildew or bacteria that could affect infants. Look for a product that can be wiped down with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. Also, pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to stop fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health issues.

Look for mattresses that are rated to last up to 10 years, which means it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the products reviewed here are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This lets you use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready for their own bed size.

A mattress that is firm is best for infants, since it will provide the most support to their developing spines. A super-firm sleep surface also reduces the risk of SIDS, which is more likely to happen when a child's head is lowered into a mattress that is soft.

Examine the label on the mattress to make sure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability lead, as well as other chemicals that could pose danger to infants. You can also find certifications like Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that could cause harm to babies' respiratory and nervous systems.

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

Assembly

New parents will be happy with a crib that's easy to assemble. You should choose the crib that has hardware that is securely secured, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Avoid cribs with drop-sides or headboard/footboard cuts -- these features don't meet the safety standards of today.

If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll require a separate kit for converting it into a toddler bed. These kits are sold separately by most manufacturers. They're often affordable, and will assist your child in transitioning to a larger bed more smoothly.

Many new parents appreciate the longevity that can be found in convertible cribs, and they're a good option for families with multiple children. They've been made to last and can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, or full-size beds.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It is available in white or slate grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and comes with locking wheels. It fits most twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to assemble.

Another crib that is highly rated, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch, and it conforms to all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also has a sleek minimalist design that will not be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we tested, weighing just 6kg, making it easy to move around and has an excellent travel bag.

A runner-up in our testing, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built with sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib into an adult bed with rail or a daybed without the rail. It's easy to set up and has a lot of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.