The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea choose a crib that is both stylish and secure for your baby. Look for cribs that meet the latest safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid cribs that have slats too close together, as well as drop-side cribs. These can be a major strangulation hazard for babies. Look for cribs with simple hardware, so that it doesn't snag your baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
The crib of a baby is their place of refuge for a long period of time, so it's important to ensure it's secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific guidelines for cribs, including durable wood and strong mattress supports. Many cribs are additionally certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to ensure additional safety measures.
Choose a crib made from solid wood, not particleboard. Also, pick one that is sturdily built and doesn't have rough edges or areas that could irritate your baby. Finally, check that the hardware is securely attached and won't loosen over time from the elements or prolonged use.
There are many cribs with multiple mattress support heights and can be adjusted as your baby grows. The lowest level is best for infants and you should keep it at this height until your child is able to walk up and down typically around the age of nine months. Some cribs come with a conversion kit to convert the crib into an adult bed when your child is ready.
Some cribs are decorated with features or cutouts which could create a risk of choking for your child So, look for cribs that do not have these kinds of decorations. Avoid mobiles and other decorative items because they could pose dangerous for babies.
Swivel cribs let you monitor your baby from anywhere within the room. This is especially beneficial for babies recovering from c-sections and other hospital-based births. The Sweet2Sleep crib from Graco is a popular option. It features an swivel 360 degrees, which one parent discovered "was the perfect solution to reach and soothe the child without having to get up from bed," especially helpful during recovering from a c-section. This crib has a lowering side wall to allow for maximum accessibility and comfort. It's also small enough to be moved from room to room with ease, thanks to lockable rolling casters.
Style
The crib is the most important piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. The crib will take up most of the area in your nursery, so it should be elegant and fit with the aesthetic.
A lot of cribs have an elegant, modern design that will work with any style. Some cribs come with flat panels or different slat arrangements at the ends. Some have finials or drop sides that give them a more the traditional look. Whichever you choose be sure that it is in compliance with the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs have an slat made of wood or metal mattress frame, which can be a solid board or a grid of wood slats, or even a spring wire grid. The latter is recommended by What to Expect and Baby Bargains because it provides more stability and is a more solid structure to support your baby's weight.
It must have a non-toxic and smooth surface that is easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib your baby can grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys, or pillows. Decorate your crib with attention. Babies are prone to clinging, and they can grab or bite ornaments. This could cause them to be injured or even detached.
Some parents opt to use a bassinet for their baby until their baby is ready for a crib. A bassinet can last for up to six months depending on the level of activity your child has. If this is the case then you should consider this crib that offers all the advantages of a bassinet and a large-sized crib. This crib has a side-to-side pivot that makes it simple to get in and out of the crib. It also features a patent-pending reflux incline to help with colic.
This eco-conscious crib has over 2,000 rave reviews by real moms, and a premium rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a design statement that can transform boring nursery spaces into magazines-worthy rooms. It has four levels of adjustable height for the mattress, a feature that will help you as your baby grows.
Convenience
A crib is an essential baby product. It helps promote sleep safety by reducing risks of SIDS, entrapment, and suffocation. Cribs must conform to safety standards. However cribs are available with numerous features that match your style and budget.
For a crib that fits with contemporary nursery designs, consider the Ikea Gulliver, which has sleek, well-rounded frames and simple lines that match any decor. It is also compact enough to fit through the majority of doors in the interior without disassembling, and is easily moved from room to room. It has only two mattress height options, which makes it a great choice for babies. However other models offer three or four different settings.
If you like traditional style The Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib features a sleigh-style frame and sturdy construction. cot bed sales certified which means it meets environmental standards, and its many colors let you match it with any decor. It's also one of the more expensive options in our review, but it will last through many children and be eventually converted into a toddler bed and later it can be used as a daybed.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, with an innovative design that is ideal for modern nursery designs and comes with a variety of features including one of the most low the heights of a sitting mattress. It might be easier for parents with smaller heights to reach their children however, it's also higher than the other cribs reviewed, which can pose problems for those who are taller.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more conventional choice, and is certified by the GreenGuard. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, and later into a daybed through the purchase of separate conversion components, so it's an investment that will last your family for years to be. It's not as elegant as the Sloane or the Evolur however it does have an elegant look and comes in a variety of different colors to suit any nursery.
Budget
Even if you plan to co-sleep with your baby or want to use the crib your parents rescued for you from their basement, a top-quality crib that is safe and secure is an investment piece. Modern standards of safety make it simple to find sturdy cribs that look stylish too. The best cribs for newborns are easy to put together and a design that won't quickly look outdated or dated by the new trends in fashion.
When you think about a crib as the most important purchase you make for your child. You might feel pressured to spend big bucks for the "perfect" one. There are many cribs with high quality that are priced reasonably and will provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your child to sleep in.
When you are looking for a crib, check that it is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and meets all safety standards applicable to it. It's also important to avoid buying secondhand cribs, as they can have worn-out or missing hardware that could pose a safety risk for your baby. If you decide to purchase a used crib be sure that it has been thoroughly inspected by an expert prior to its using it.
In addition to the crucial safety features, a good crib must be stable, solid and simple to put together. Thistel advises you to read the instructions thoroughly and ensure that all the components are included. If you run into any issues, don't attempt to make your own solution. Instead, contact the manufacturer to request replacement screws or bolts instead.
For new parents looking for a stylish, budget-friendly crib that grows with their baby Cradlewise Cradlewise fits the bill. It's a heavy box, with easy-to-follow directions and a solid construction. It comes with a Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam is not included).
If you're trying to squeeze the crib into a small space, the Babyletto Hudson can help with its compact footprint and sleek, minimalist design. It's made of environmentally-friendly sustainable New Zealand pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors that instantly transform boring nursery spaces into spaces worthy of magazines. It also comes with four adjustable mattress settings to stop your baby from climbing on the bed before they are ready.