The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea select a crib that is stylish and safe for your child. Look for cribs that meet modern safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid cribs with slats too close together, as well as drop-side cribs. They can pose a major strangulation hazard for babies. Also, consider a crib with simple hardware that won't snag the baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
A baby's crib will be their home away from home for a long time, so it's important that it be secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific guidelines to be adhered to when making a crib, with sturdy mattress supports as well as sturdy wood. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified many cribs for additional safety measures.
Look for a crib made from solid wood, rather than particle board. Select a crib that is solid and doesn't have rough edges that could irritate your child. Check that the hardware is securely fixed and won't become loose with time due to humidity or heavy usage.
Many cribs have different mattress support heights, so they can be adjusted as your baby grows. The lowest level is best for babies, and you should keep the mattress at this level until your child can begin to lift themselves up, which is usually 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.
Certain cribs come with decorative features or cutouts which could cause choking danger for your child So, look for cribs that do not have these kinds of ornaments. Avoid decorative items like mobiles because they could pose an issue for infants.
A swiveling crib allows you to watch your baby from any place in the room. It is particularly useful for parents recovering from c-sections or other hospital-based deliveries. The Sweet2Sleep crib by Graco is a popular option. It features 360-degree swivel that one parent tester found "was the ideal solution to reach into and soothe your child without getting up from the bed," especially helpful during the recovery process following a c-section. This crib also offers an adjustable side panel that can be lowered for ultimate closeness and accessibility. It's also small enough to be moved from room to room effortlessly, thanks to lockable rolling casters.
Style
The crib is the most essential piece of furniture you can put in your baby's nursery. It occupies the largest amount of floor space and therefore must be designed in a way that is compatible with the aesthetic of your nursery.
Many cribs have a minimalistic, modern design that can work with any style. Some have different slat configurations or flat panels at the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides that give them a more an old-fashioned style. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure it is in compliance with the safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs have a metal or wooden slat mattress frame, which can be a solid board or a grid of wood slats, or a spring wire grid. The latter is suggested by What to Expect and Baby Bargains because it provides more stability and a better structure to hold your baby's weight.
It should also have a non-toxic, smooth finish and be easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib your baby could grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys, or pillows. Decorate your crib with care. Cot Bed are prone to clinging, and they may pull or bite at the ornaments. This can cause them to be injured or even separated.
Some parents decide to use a bassinet their newborn until they are ready to move into cribs. The bassinet is able to last up to six months, depending on how active your child is. If this is your situation, consider this crib that is a combination of all the benefits of a bassinet along with a large-sized crib. This model has an swivel that is side-to-side which makes it easy to get in and out of crib. It also has a reflux incline that is trademarked for colic.
Another fashionable option is this eco-friendly crib which boasts over 2,000 rave reviews from real moms and a premium 4.8-star rating on Amazon. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a design statement that will transform boring nurseries into magazines-worthy rooms. It comes with four mattress heights that will be beneficial as your child grows.
Convenience
A crib is a crucial baby product that helps promote safety and sleep by reducing risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or entrapment, as well as suffocation. Cribs have to meet safety standards. However you can pick cribs with numerous features that match your style and budget.
For a crib that fits with contemporary nursery designs, consider the Ikea Gulliver, which has thin, nicely rounded slats and simple lines that can be incorporated into any decor. It's also quite compact, so it fits through the majority of doors without disassembly and can be easily moved from room to room. It comes with two mattress height settings making it a great option for newborns, but not as flexible as other models that have three or four different options.
If you like an older-fashioned look The Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib has a sleigh-style frame and sturdy build. It is GREENGUARD-certified, so you can be sure it complies with the requirements of the environment. The various finishes allow you to match the crib to any style. Baby Crib 's also one of the more expensive options we've looked at in our review, but it will last through multiple children and can eventually be converted into a toddler bed, and then it can be used as a daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. It comes with a unique design, perfect for modern nurseries and comes with several features, including one of the lowest sitting mattress heights. It might be easier for parents of smaller heights to reach their children, but it is also taller than the other cribs we've reviewed which could be an issue for those who are taller.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more traditional choice, and is GREENGUARD certified. It can be turned into a toddler's crib and then a daybed by purchasing separate conversion components. This is an investment that your family can enjoy for a long time. It may not be as elegant as the Evolur or the Sloane however it is a classic design.
Budget
A crib of high-end quality is a good investment whether you intend to sleep with a partner or use the crib that your parents have in their basement. Modern safety standards make it possible to find durable cribs with excellent design. The best newborn cribs are easy to assemble and have a design that is not easily out of date with the latest fashions.
You might feel pressured to purchase the "perfect" crib, considering that it is the most important purchase you'll ever make for your child. There are numerous cribs of good quality that are affordable and will provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your child to sleep in.
When you are looking for a crib, ensure whether it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and conforms to all safety standards that are applicable. It's also important to avoid buying secondhand cribs as they may contain worn-out or damaged hardware that could pose a safety risk for your baby. If you decide to purchase an old crib, ensure that you have it thoroughly inspected by a trained professional prior to using it.
A good crib should have all the safety features you need and be simple to put together. Thistel says to check the instructions thoroughly and make sure all the components are included. If you encounter any problems, don't make your own solution. Instead, contact the manufacturer for replacement screws or bolts instead.
Cradlewise is a great option for parents who are looking for a chic crib that will expand with their child. It arrives in a single extremely heavy box (enough to make you want to call your friends for assistance) and comes with easy-to-follow instructions and a sturdy construction. It comes with an 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 thanks to its small footprint and sleek, minimalist design. It's made of eco-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and comes in an array of contemporary colors that instantly transform a drab nursery into a magazine-worthy one. It also comes with four mattress settings that are adjustable to prevent your baby from gaining height before they are ready.