The Best Crib Newborn Success Story You'll Never Be Able To

Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed will look gorgeous in the Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible, as it has three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler.

Cribs take up a lot of space, so bassinets may be a better choice if your house is small. However, many parents prefer a crib for security reasons.

Safety

The health and wellbeing of your baby is dependent on the crib you select. You should ensure that it conforms to current safety standards and is free of dangers that could harm your baby while they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or pose a choking risk. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer to set up and use the crib and to regularly inspect the crib.

Be sure to measure the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches to prevent your baby from falling over or getting their legs trapped between them. You should be in a position to be able to see and reach your child in the crib. If you can't then the slats are close together and should be larger.

Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It must be adjustable to various heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your child grows. This will reduce the risk of your baby leaving the crib, which is a common event as they begin to crawl.

Other safety features to consider include a fitted sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way as well as a stable and sturdy construction. It is also recommended to choose a crib with fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which can be hazardous for your baby. It's also better to share a room as your baby for six months or so, and then transfer them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be watched when they are sleeping on their own.

The last thing to do is make sure the crib is placed away from radiators and windows, and that hanging items such as blind cords or curtains are not in reach. You should also remove objects that could pose a choking hazard like pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying used cribs since they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards or have been recalls.

Design

While cribs might appear similar, it's crucial to remember that every crib must meet strict safety regulations. The majority of cribs we reviewed are designed in a similar fashion to ensure structural solidity. For example, most have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag the baby. We also assessed and rated each crib on how easy it was to use and assemble. More parts can lead to more confusion, so we recommend choosing a crib that comes with a few easy-to-follow directions to reduce frustration.

One of our favorites is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which is designed with an elegant, contemporary design and comes in several color options, including some two-toned. Additionally, it features a universal mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could release gas into the nursery.

Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib comes in different designs and four mattress heights, so your baby can use it as a toddler or newborn. We tested the crib and found it to be solid and stable, without flexing or creaking when a heavy toddler climbed inside.

Convertible cribs are a fantastic option if you are planning to have more children. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, offering an excellent value for your price. Our test parents loved the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib top marks as an example of a convertible bed. The drop-down side rail was praised by many parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also noted that the crib was spacious enough room for the baby to rest comfortably while dad and mom slept.

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 is a classic design that is compatible with the majority of nursery decors. It comes with three different heights for the mattress however, certain parents and toddlers may consider it too shallow.

Mattress

Babies are messy and a clean crib mattress is a must. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become dirty and damp, resulting in mildew or bacteria that could affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be washed with a cloth or cleaned with mild cleaner, and select a mattress cover that is waterproof to stop fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health issues.

Look for mattresses that are designed to last up to 10 years, so it's ready for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've reviewed here are reversible, with a toddler and infant side. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed.

A firm crib mattress is best for infants, because it will provide the greatest support for their growing spines. A mattress that is firm and sturdy can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because a soft mattress increases the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.

If you are looking for a firm crib mattress be sure to examine the label to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for flammability, waterproofing, lead and other chemicals that could pose risk to infants. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for volatile organic compounds that could affect infants' respiratory and nervous systems.

Another consideration is the weight of a crib mattress. If you are unable to lift heavy objects or you don't want to move a heavy item then you might want a mattress that is lighter. For instance the Newton Wovenaire is incredibly light at just 8 lbs, while the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness is 20 pounds, making it the heaviest in this review. It is also made from foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it easier to move around as compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.

Assembly

New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to assemble. You should look for a crib with firmly-secured hardware and with no 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 compatible with the current safety standards.

If you're looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably require a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are offered separately by a majority of manufacturers. These kits are usually inexpensive and will assist your child to make the transition from a smaller bed more easily.

Many new parents appreciate the long-lasting quality that is offered by the convertible crib, and they're a good choice for families with several children. They are designed to last, and typically can be converted 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 comes with four mattress heights.  cot sets  in white or slate grey to match the decor of any nursery. The crib is simple to move around and comes with locking wheels. It is suitable for most twin beds. Our test participants found that the crib was very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to complete.

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 has a minimalist, stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the tiniest cribs we tried, weighing just 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for transport.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous prizes from parenting magazines such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design and can be converted from an infant crib to a toddler bed that has a rail or into a daybed with no rail. It is easy to assemble and also has a lot of visual appeal. However the slick finish could be scratched in normal use.