Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

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

Bassinets are a good option if you have a small house. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents prefer a crib for safety reasons.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby's health and well-being. You want to make sure that it meets current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.

The first thing to check is the space between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from getting their head or limbs trapped between them. You should also be able to easily reach and observe your baby in the crib. If you aren't, the slats are too close to each other and should be larger.

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

A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and a sturdy and stable construction are additional security features you should be looking for. It is also recommended to choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one with drop sides which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be monitored while sleeping alone.

In the end, you must ensure that the crib is positioned away from windows and radiators, and that any dangling objects such as blind cords or curtains are out of their reach. You should also remove any items that could pose danger of choking, such as pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.

Design

It is important to remember that cribs may look identical, but they must meet the strict safety standards. This is why the majority of the cribs we reviewed are of a similar design to ensure uniformity of structural solidity. For instance, many have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag a baby. We also assessed and rated each crib for the ease of use and assemble. We suggest selecting one with fewer components to avoid confusion.

The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our top picks. It has a stylish contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with a universal mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in design. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib is available in various colors and has four different mattress sizes, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. The crib was extremely stable and sturdy. It didn't flex or creak when a large child climbed into it.

Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you plan to have more children. Many of these options can transform into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for the money you spend. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. A few of them mentioned that the drop-down side rail made nighttime feedings easier and safer and that the crib was big enough for the co-sleeping baby to be at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.

The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a great option if you prefer traditional design. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a classic style that is perfect for any nursery. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however some parents and best Infant Cribs toddlers may consider it too shallow.

Mattress

Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is a must. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that is easy to clean with a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress.

Find mattresses that are rated to last 10 years, which means it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've that we have reviewed are reversible, with infant and toddler side. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is old enough to be their own bed.

A firm mattress for the crib is ideal, as it will support their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is due to the fact that a soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.

Check the label of the mattress to confirm that it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that might pose a hazard to babies. You'll also see certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, cots and tots CertiPUR-US which are a good sign that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.

Another consideration is the weight of a mattress for a crib. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you move and lift the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product you should consider a crib mattress that is lighter. For example the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, which makes it the heaviest in this review. It is also constructed of foam, not woven-core inners. This makes it easier to move around compared to a traditional coil bed.

Assembly

A crib that is easy to put together is great for new parents. You want to find the crib that has hardware 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 headboard/footboard cutouts as they aren't in line with current safety standards.

If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you will have to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits separately. These kits are usually affordable and can aid your child in making the transition from a smaller bed more easily.

Convertible cribs are a great option for families with several children. They are designed to last, and generally can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed.

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

The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainable harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada, and Europe. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is one of the lighter cribs that we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a convenient bag for transport.

A runner-up in our testing, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed, with or without a rail. It is simple to put together, and it has a lot of aesthetic appeal. However, the thin finish can be scratched during normal use.