Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that will look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It also comes with a amount of flexibility by offering three mattress support levels and the possibility of transforming into an infant bed.

Cribs can take up a lot room, so bassinets might be a better option if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.

Safety

Selecting the best cot beds crib for your newborn is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You must ensure that it is in line with current safety standards, and is free from any hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions regarding assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.

Examine the distance between slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to avoid your baby getting their head or limbs caught between them. You should also be able easily reach and observe your baby's crib. If you cannot, the slats should be broader and not as close together.

Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable, so that you can lower the crib mattress as your child grows. This will decrease the chance that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.

A fitted sheet that is able to fit the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other security features you should look for. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. It is also recommended cribs to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and only move them into their own bedroom once they are old enough to be watched when they are sleeping on their own.

In the end, you must ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects like blind cords or curtains are kept out of reach. You should also take away any items that could present the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of buying second-hand cribs, as they may not meet the safety standards of today or been recalled for different reasons.

Design

While cribs (Learn More Here) may look all identical, it is important to remember that each must meet strict safety guidelines. For this reason, most of the cribs we reviewed have a similar layout to ensure consistency of structural integrity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or squeeze babies. We also evaluated each crib and rated it based on its ease of use and assembly. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with clear instructions that are easy to follow to avoid frustration.

One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, contemporary style and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also comes with 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 option. The crib is sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib comes in different finishes and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. The crib was extremely solid and stable. It did not move or creak when a heavy child was seated.

Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you plan to have more children. A lot of these cribs can convert into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed, providing a long-lasting product for the money. Our test parents have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib high marks as an example of convertible beds. Several of them commented that the drop-down side rail made feeding at night easier and safer, and that the crib was spacious enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents to be at ease while dad and mom were asleep.

The Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib by DaVinci is a fantastic choice if you like a more traditional style. This crib is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a timeless design that will complement most every nursery. It comes with three mattress heights, however it might be a little small for some toddlers and small parents.

Mattress

A washable crib mattress will be useful for infants. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacterial growth that could be harmful to infants. Select a mattress that can be easy to clean with an mild cleaner or cloth. Also, choose a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress.

Choose mattresses that are designed to last 10 years, so it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've 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 old enough to be their own bed.

A firm mattress for the crib is Best cot for newborn because it supports 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.

If you are in search of a firm crib mattress, look over the label to be sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing lead, and other chemicals that might pose a hazard to babies. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR-US, GOTS, and CertiPUR-US which are a great indication that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.

Another thing to consider is the weight of a mattress for a crib. If you're unable to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move a heavy object it is possible to choose an easier mattress. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 pounds, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, making it the heaviest in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around compared to a heavier traditional coil bed.

Assembly

A crib that's simple to assemble is great for new parents. You should choose the crib that has hardware that is securely secured and with no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Also, avoid any cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard as they aren't compatible with today's safety standards.

When looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by most manufacturers. They're often affordable, and will help your child transition into a larger bed more smoothly.

Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that comes with convertible cribs, and they're a good choice for families with several children. These cribs are designed to last, and they generally can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.

The DaVinci Jaden 4-in-1 crib a solid-wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold certified and has four mattress heights. It's a classic design and is available in slate or white grey to match any nursery decor. The crib is easily moved around and features locking wheels. It fits most twin mattresses. The crib took our test subjects just 23 minutes to assemble.

Another crib that is highly rated one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with sustainable harvested Baltic birch, and it meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a minimalist, stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is among the lightest cribs we test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up in our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received several awards from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without rail. It's simple to put together and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches in normal use.