Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It also offers a great amount of flexibility by offering three mattress support height levels and the ability to transform into an infant bed.

Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better option in case your home is small. However, many parents prefer a crib for security reasons.

Safety

The health and well-being of your baby's infant is dependent on the crib you select. You should ensure that the crib meets current safety standards, and is free from any dangers that could cause harm during sleep. It should be sturdy and well-constructed, without loose parts that could catch on clothing or present dangers of choking. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly and use and to check the crib regularly.

The first thing you need to check is the space between the slats. It shouldn't be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to avoid your baby getting their head or limbs trapped between them. You must also be able to easily see and reach your baby's crib. If you can't reach your baby, the slats may be too close together and need to be a bit more spacious.

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

A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and a solid and stable structure are additional safety features you should be looking for. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides rather than ones with drop sides, which can be dangerous for your baby. You should also sleep in the same room with your baby until they are old enough for them to sleep alone.

The last thing to do is ensure that the crib is placed away from radiators and windows, and that hanging items such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. Also, you should remove anything that could create the risk of choking like blankets or pillows. Be careful when purchasing used cribs as they may not meet the current safety standards or have been removed from the market.

Design

Although cribs may appear similar, it's important to keep in mind that all must meet strict safety guidelines. Most of the cribs that we examined are constructed in a similar manner to ensure the structural integrity. Most cribs feature circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle a baby or pinch them. We also tested and rated each crib on how easy it was to use and to assemble. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend selecting a crib with clear instructions that are easy to follow to minimize frustration.

The Evolur Sprout crib is one of our favorites. It is stylish modern design and comes in a variety of colors, including two-toned. It also has an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.

Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in a variety of finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from newborn to toddler. The crib was solid and stable. It didn't flex or creak when a heavy child was seated.

Convertible cribs are a great option if you plan to have more children. Many of these options be converted into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed offering excellent longevity for the money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is a prime example of a convertible crib that earned high marks from our test parents. The side rail that can be removed was praised by many parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also stated that the crib offered enough space for their baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom slept.

The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a fantastic option if you prefer the traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and has a timeless style that is compatible with the majority of nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights, but it could be a bit too small for children and parents with small bodies.

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 damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacteria that could affect infants. Choose a mattress that can be wiped down with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner, and choose a waterproof mattress cover to help prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.

Look for a mattress rated for up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. A lot of the mattresses in this review can be reversible, with toddler and infant sides, which will let you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to an adult-sized bed.

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

Look over the label on a firm mattress to ensure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that could be a hazard to babies. You'll also find certifications such as Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a good sign that the mattress has been tested for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants' respiratory and nervous systems.

The weight of the mattress is another thing to consider. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot then you might want a lighter mattress. For example, 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 largest in this review. It's also made of foam instead of inner woven-core, making it much easier to move around compared with the heavier coil mattress.

Assembly

A crib that's easy to assemble is great for parents who are new. Choose a crib equipped with hardware that is securely held with without sharp edges or rough spots that could pinch your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these features aren't up to the current safety standards.

If you decide to buy a convertible crib, you'll need to purchase an additional kit to convert it into a toddler bed. The majority of manufacturers sell these kits separately. These kits are typically cheap and can help your child make the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.

Many new parents appreciate the durability that is offered by the convertible crib and are a great option for families with multiple children. They are designed to last, and typically can be converted into a daybed, cots4tots.co.uk toddler bed or a 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 slate or white grey to match almost any nursery decor. The crib is easy to move around and comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin mattresses. Our test subjects found that this crib was very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to put together.

The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made of sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is compliant with all U.S. safety standards, as well as the standards of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also has a stylish minimalist design that doesn't be a problem with any bedroom decor. The Sprout is one of the tiniest cribs we've test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around. It also comes with a handy travel bag.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during 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-height profile that can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed with a rail or into a daybed that doesn't have rail. It is easy to assemble, and it is aesthetically pleasing. appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched by normal use.