Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look gorgeous in a Scandi-style nursery. It's also very adaptable, as it has three different mattress support heights and can be converted into the bed of a toddler.

Cribs take up a lot of room, so bassinets might be a better choice in case your home is small cot beds. Many parents choose a crib because of safety concerns.

Safety

The health and wellbeing of your baby is dependent on the crib you choose. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards and is free of dangers that could harm your baby during their sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, without loose parts that could get caught on clothing or pose the risk of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.

Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches, to prevent your baby's head or limbs from getting trapped in between them. You must also be able to easily see and reach your baby in the crib. If you cannot, the slats should be wider 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 to different heights so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will reduce the chance of your child climbing out of the crib as is a common occurrence as they learn to crawl.

Other safety features to consider include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress in a secure way, and an enduring and solid construction. Choose a crib with fixed sides instead of one that has drop sides. Drop sides could be hazardous for your child. You should also share the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to be able to sleep on their own.

In the end, you must make sure that the crib is away from radiators and windows, and that any dangling objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of their reach. Also, you should remove any items that could be the risk of choking, such as blankets or pillows. You should also be wary of buying second-hand cribs, as they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or been recalled due to other reasons.

Design

While cribs may look all identical, it is crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety regulations. This is why the majority of the cribs we reviewed have a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural integrity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that do not have any gaps or rough areas that could entangle or pinch the baby. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its ease of use and assembly. More components can cause confusion, so we recommend choosing one that has a few easy-to-follow directions to reduce frustration.

One of our favorite cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which comes with an elegant, contemporary style and comes in a variety of color options, including some two-toned. It also has an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having minimal volatile organic compound (VOCs).

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. This crib is sleek and modern, with minimal details, making it ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various finishes and has four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, without flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.

Convertible cribs are an excellent option if you plan to have more children. A lot of these cribs can be converted into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed giving you a long-lasting investment for your money. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of convertible beds. Several of them commented that the side rails that drop down made nighttime feedings easier and safer, and that the crib was spacious enough for the baby to be at ease while dad and mom were asleep.

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

Mattress

Newborns are messy creatures, and a clean crib mattress is an essential. Spitting up from diapers, baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy that can cause mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Select a mattress that can be easily cleaned using a mild cleaner or a cloth. Also, consider a waterproof cover to stop liquids from getting into the mattress.

Look for a mattress that is rated for up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've discussed here are reversible with toddler and infant sides. This allows you to use them from the moment of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed size.

A firm crib mattress is the best crib newborn choice for infants because it provides the greatest support for their growing spines. A mattress that is extremely firm helps reduce the chance of SIDS which is more likely to occur when an infant's head sinks into a soft mattress.

If you are in search of a mattress that is firm for your crib, look over the label to be sure that 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 risk to infants. There are also certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a great sign that the mattress has been tested for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm infants their nervous and respiratory systems.

The weight of the crib mattress is a further factor to take into consideration. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or you don't wish to move an item that weighs a lot it is possible to choose a lighter 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 largest in this review. It is also made of foam, not inner woven-core, making it much easier to move around when compared to the heavier coil mattress.

Assembly

New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to build. You should choose a crib with firmly-secured hardware, and no sharp edges or rough patches that could rub the skin of your baby. Also, stay clear of cribs that have drop-sides or cutouts for the headboard and footboard as they aren't compatible with today's safety standards.

When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you choose a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are often inexpensive and will help your child make the transition to a bigger bed more easily.

Many new parents appreciate the longevity that is offered by convertible cribs and are a great choice for families with several children. These cribs are designed to last and are typically able to be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, 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's available in white or slate grey to complement any nursery decor. The crib comes with locking wheels that allow you to easily move it from room to place and accommodates the majority of twin mattresses. The crib took our testers just 23 minutes to put together.

Another top-rated crib one of the top cribs, the Sprout Crib is made with an environmentally-friendly harvest of Baltic birch and meets 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 one of the lightest cribs we test at 6kg, which makes it easy to move around and has an ideal travel bag.

A runner-up in our tests, the Oeuf Modern Crib is built using sustainably harvested New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from different parenting publications, including BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed with or without rail. It's easy to set up and has plenty of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.