Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler’s bed.

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

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial for your baby’s health and well-being. You want to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards and is free of dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could catch on clothing or present a choking hazard. It is also important 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 look at is the space between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and ¾ inches to avoid your baby being able to get their head or limbs trapped between them. You should be capable of seeing and reaching your child in the crib. If you aren’t reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and need to be a bit more spacious.

Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so that you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your baby will fall 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 as well as a stable and sturdy construction. Select a crib that has fixed sides instead of one with drop sides. Drop sides could be dangerous for your child. It is also recommended to sleep in the same room with your baby for six months or so, and only move them into their own bedroom when they are old enough to be supervised when they are sleeping on their own.

Also, ensure that the crib is positioned away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects like blind cords or curtains are not within reach. You should also take away any items that could present the risk of choking, such as blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs, as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalled.

Design

It is important to keep in mind that cribs may appear identical, but they must comply with strict safety standards. For this reason, most cribs we examined have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural quality. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don’t have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or squeeze the baby. We also tested and rated each crib for how easily it was to put together and use. We suggest selecting one with fewer components to avoid confusion.

The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It has a stylish modern design and comes in a range of colors, including two-tone options. It also has a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.

Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It’s perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in different finishes and four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a newborn or toddler. The crib was solid and stable. It did not move or squeak when a big child climbed into it.

If you’re thinking of having more children, you may think about a convertible crib. A lot of these cribs can transform into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for the money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that received excellent marks from our test parents. Several of them commented that the side rails that drop down made feeding their baby at night more secure and easier, and the crib was big enough for a baby who was sleeping with the parents 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 a more traditional style. This crib is more affordable than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless design that will fit in with the majority of nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, but some parents and toddlers might consider it too shallow.

Mattress

A crib mattress that is washable can be a great option for babies. Diaper leaks and baby spit-up can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty which can lead to mildew or bacterial growth that could affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner, and choose a waterproof mattress cover to stop fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.

Choose a mattress that has been that is rated for up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses discussed here are reversible with toddler and infant sides. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready for their own bed.

A mattress that is firm is ideal for infants, since it will provide the greatest support for their developing spines. A mattress that is firm and sturdy can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the chance that a baby’s head will sink into it.

Check the label on a firm mattress to ensure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC demands that mattresses be tested for flammability and waterproofing as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a danger for infants. There are also certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that could harm infants’ respiratory and nervous systems.

Another consideration is the weight of the mattress. Sheet changes at night require you to move and lift the mattress, so if you struggle lifting heavy objects or don’t want to handle a heavy product, consider choosing a mattress that is lighter for your crib. Newton Wovenaire, for example weighs only 8 pounds while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses featured in this review. It is also made of foam instead of inners with woven-core that makes it more maneuverable when compared to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.

Assembly

A crib that is easy to assemble is great for new parents. Look for one with hardware that is securely secured and has no sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby’s skin. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or headboard/footboard cutouts as they aren’t compatible with the current safety standards.

If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you will have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. They’re often affordable, and will aid your child’s transition to larger beds more easily.

Convertible cribs can be a great investment for families with many children. These cribs are designed to last and are typically able to be converted into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib solid wood crib that’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It is available in slate grey or white to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is easily moved around and features locking wheels. It can be used with most twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib was very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.

Another crib that has been rated highly one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch, and it is compliant with all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It has a minimalist elegant design that can fit in with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the lightest cribs we tested, weighing only 6kg. It’s easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design that can be transformed from an infant crib to an adult bed with rail, or to a daybed that doesn’t have rail. It’s simple to put together and has plenty of appeal. However, the slender finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.