20 Resources That'll Make You More Successful At Best Crib Newborn

Choosing the Best Crib Newborn

The Westport Cot Bed is an elegant crib that will look stunning in a Scandi-design nursery. It's also very adaptable because it comes with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be transformed into an infant's bed.

Bassinets are a good option for those with a small home. Cribs can take up more space. However, a lot of parents prefer a crib due to safety reasons.

Safety

Choosing the best crib newborn is crucial to your baby's health and well-being. You should ensure that it meets the current safety standards, and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be strong and well-constructed, with no loose parts that could catch on clothing or create dangers of choking. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and check the crib regularly for indications of wear or damage.

The first thing you need to check is the spacing between slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep your baby's head or limbs from being trapped between them. You must also be able to easily reach and observe your baby in the crib. If you aren't, the slats are too close together and need to be a bit wider.

Another aspect of the crib to be considered is the mattress support system. It is important to adjust the heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will lower the chance that your baby will fall out of the crib when they begin to crawl.

Other security features to look out for include the fitted sheet that is able to fit the mattress with ease and solid and stable construction. 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 be in the same room as your baby until they are old enough for them to sleep alone.

Not least, make sure the crib is kept away from radiators and windows, and that any hanging objects such as curtains or blind cords are out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could be a choking hazard like blankets or pillows. Be cautious of purchasing second-hand cribs as they may not be in compliance with the safety standards of today or been recalled for other reasons.

Design

While cribs might appear similar, it's important to keep in mind that all must comply with strict safety standards. Most of the cribs that we reviewed are designed in a similar way to ensure the structural integrity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag babies. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its user-friendliness and assembly. More parts can mean more confusion, so we suggest selecting a crib with a few easy-to-follow directions to avoid frustration.

One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, modern design and comes in a variety of color options, including some 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 could release gas into the nursery.

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in design. It's ideal for modern nurseries. The crib comes in various finishes and four different mattress heights so that your baby can use it as a toddler or a newborn. We tested this crib and found it to be extremely solid and stable, with no creaking or flexing when a child weighed a lot of weight inside.

Convertible cribs are a great option if you plan to have more children.  cheap cots  can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a full-size mattress, offering an excellent value for your money. Our test parents have given the Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of a convertible bed. Several of them commented that the side rails with a drop-down feature made feeding at night easier and safer and that the crib was roomy enough for the baby to be at ease while dad and mom were sleeping.

The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is a fantastic option for those who prefer traditional design. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft and features a classic style that is perfect for every nursery. It has three different heights for the mattress, but some parents and toddlers might feel it is a bit low.

Mattress

Newborns are messy creatures, and a crib mattress that is washable is an essential. Spitting up from diapers, baby spills and other accidents can leave mattresses damp and filthy which can lead to mildew and bacteria that may be harmful to infants. Choose a mattress that can be washed with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to help prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health problems.

Look for a mattress rated for up to 10 years so it is suitable for toddlers. A majority of the mattresses that we have reviewed are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This lets you use them from the time of birth until your child is old enough to be their own bed size.

A firm mattress for the crib is ideal because it supports their spines while they're developing. A firm sleeping surface will also lower the chance of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the possibility that a child's head will sink into it.

Look over the label of the mattress to make sure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing, flammability, lead and other chemicals that might pose risk to infants. You'll also see certifications like Greenguard CertiPUR, GOTS and CertiPURUS which are a good indication that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.

Another factor to consider is the weight of a crib mattress. Regular nighttime sheet changes require that you lift and move the mattress, so if you are unable to lift heavy objects or aren't able to carry a heavy item then consider getting a lighter crib mattress. 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 from foam instead of woven-core inners. This makes it more comfortable to move around as compared to a heavier traditional coil mattress.

Assembly

A crib that is easy to put together is ideal for parents with young children. Find one with hardware that is securely secured with no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Also, stay clear of cribs with drop-sides or cutouts for headboards and footboards -- these features aren't compatible with today's safety standards.

When you're searching for a crib, bear in mind that you'll probably need to buy a separate toddler bed conversion kit (if you opt for a convertible crib). The majority of manufacturers offer these kits separately. These kits are often cheap and can assist your child to make the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.

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

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It has a traditional style and is available in slate or white grey to match every nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and comes with locking wheels. It fits most twin mattresses. Our test participants found that the crib was very easy to put together - it took 23 minutes to put together.

Another top-rated crib, the Sprout Crib is made with a sustainably harvested Baltic birch, and it meets all U.S., Canadian, Australian and European safety standards. It also features a chic, minimalist design that won't clash 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 travel.

The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is made from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has won several awards from different parenting publications such as BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height design and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed that has rail, or to a daybed with no rail. It's easy to assemble and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the thin finish is prone to scratches when used regularly.