The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea to select a crib that is elegant and secure for your baby. Look for cribs that are up to current with the most up-to-date safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations.
Avoid cribs with slats that are too close together, or drop-side cribs. They can pose dangerous for strangulation to babies. Choose cribs that have simple hardware, so that it doesn't get caught in your baby's hair or clothing.
Safety
It is crucial that the crib is safe for your child. It will be their home while they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific requirements for cribs, which include solid wood construction and strong mattress supports. Many cribs are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to provide 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 pinch your baby. Finally, ensure that the device is securely secured and won't loosen over time from humidity or heavy use.
There are many cribs that offer different levels of mattress support, which means you can adjust them as your baby grows. You should keep the crib at the lowest point until your child is able to stand on their own, which usually happens around nine months. Some cribs come with the option of converting the crib into a bed for adults when your child is ready.
Look for crib sets without decorative features or cutouts. These can pose a choking hazard for your baby. Avoid mobiles and other decorative items as they can be dangerous for babies.
A swiveling crib allows you to watch your baby from any position in the room, and is especially useful for those recovering from c-sections and other deliveries in hospitals. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a favorite. It features a 360-degree swivel, which one parent discovered "was the perfect way to reach out and comfort a child without having to get up from their bed," especially helpful during recovery after a c section. This crib has a lower side wall to allow for maximum accessibility and closeness. The locking casters make it easy to move from one room to the next.
Style
The crib is likely to be the most significant piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby. The crib will take up most of the floor space in your nursery, therefore it should be elegant and match the style of the 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 which give them a more a traditional appearance. Whatever you decide on, ensure that it is in compliance with the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The majority of cribs have the option of a wood-slat or metal mattress support that can be a solid one-piece piece board or a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire grid frame. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter as it offers more stability and is a better structure to support the weight of your baby's body.
It should have a non-toxic, smooth finish that is easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib your baby could grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys and pillows. Decorate your crib with attention. Babies are prone to clinging, and they may pull or bite at the ornaments. This could cause injury or cause them to fall off.
Some parents prefer to use a bassinet for their baby until they are ready to move into the crib. Based on the level of activity your baby has and how active they are, a bassinet can last for six months or more. If this is the case for you look into this crib which is a combination of all the benefits of a bassinet and a large-sized crib. This crib features a side-toside swivel that makes it easy to get in and out of the crib. It also has a patented reflux incline that helps with colic.
This eco-conscious crib has over 2500 rave reviews from real moms, and a premium rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. The crib is made from sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and can transform a boring nursery into an appealing space for magazines. It has four adjustable mattress height levels which will help you as your baby grows.
Convenience
Cribs are an essential baby item that promotes safe sleep by reducing the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), entrapment and suffocation. Cribs must adhere to specific safety standards, but there are cribs that come with a variety of features to fit your taste and budget.
For a crib that blends with contemporary nursery styles, try the Ikea Gulliver, which has thin, nicely rounded frames and simple lines that complement any decor. It is also compact enough to pass through most doors in the interior without disassembling, and is easily moved from room to room. It has two mattress height settings, so it's a good option for newborns but it's not as versatile as other models with three or four different options.
If you prefer an older-fashioned look then the Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib has frames that resemble sleighs and are built with a solid build. Best cot for newborn 's certified by GreenGuard, so you know it is in compliance with environmental standards, and its many colors allow you to blend it to any style. It's also one of the more expensive options in our review however it's durable enough to last through many children and eventually be transformed into a toddler bed, and then it can be used as a daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. It has unique design, which is perfect for modern nurseries and comes with several features, including one of the smallest the heights of a sitting mattress. It could be more convenient for parents with smaller statures to reach their children, but it is also taller than the other cribs we've reviewed, which can pose problems for adults who are smaller.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a classic option, and it's certified by GreenGuard. It can be converted into a toddler's crib and then a daybed by purchasing separate conversion pieces. It's an investment that your family will enjoy for a long time. It's not as fancy as the Sloane or the Evolur, but it has an appealing traditional design and comes in a few different colors that will fit any nursery.
Budget
A high-quality crib is a fantastic investment whether you plan to cosleep or use the crib that your parents have in their basement. Modern safety standards make it possible to find sturdy cribs that have an attractive design. The best cribs for newborns are simple to put together and feature a style that is not easily obsolete by the latest fashion trends.
You may feel pressured to buy the "perfect" crib, considering that it's the most significant investment you will make for your child. There are numerous cribs of good quality that are reasonably priced and provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep in.
When shopping for a crib, ensure that it is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and is in compliance with all safety standards applicable to it. It is also essential to avoid purchasing secondhand cribs, since they could have worn-out or missing hardware which could pose a safety danger to your child. If you decide to purchase an older crib, make sure you make sure it is thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional before using it.
In addition to the crucial safety features, a quality crib should be stable, sturdy and easy to assemble. Thistel says to check the instructions thoroughly and ensure that all parts are included. If you run into any issues, don't attempt to improvise--it's best to call the manufacturer for replacement bolts or screws instead.
Cradlewise is a great option for parents looking for a stylish crib that can expand with their child. It arrives in one, very heavy box (enough to be a reason to ask your friends for help) and comes with easy-to-follow instructions and a solid build. It comes with a Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam free).
The Babyletto Hudson is the perfect crib for small spaces. Its small footprint and minimalist design make it easy to fit. It's made of eco-conscious sustainable New Zealand pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors that instantly transform boring nursery spaces into magazines-worthy spaces. Additionally, it comes with four adjustable mattress heights to save your back and prevent your baby from climbing out before they're ready.