The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea to choose a crib that is stylish and secure for your baby. Look for cribs that meet modern safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid cribs with slats too close together or drop-side cribs, which can create strangulation risks for babies. Find cribs with simple hardware to ensure that it won't catch your baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
The crib of a baby will be their place of refuge for a long period of period of time, so it's vital to ensure that it's secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific standards for cribs, including durable wood and strong mattress supports. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified a number of cribs for additional security measures.
Look for a crib that is made from solid wood, instead of particle board. Choose a crib that is solid and doesn't have rough edges that could pinch your child. Make sure that the hardware is firmly attached and will not come loose over time due to humidity or frequent use.
Many cribs offer multiple mattress support levels, so you can adjust them as your baby grows. The crib should be kept at the lowest point until your child can stand on their own and walk around, which is usually at around nine months. Some cribs come with an adapter kit that can convert the crib into a bed for adults when your child is ready.
Some cribs are decorated with elements or cutouts that could create a risk of choking for your child So, look for cribs that do not have these types of embellishments. Also, avoid decorative items such as mobiles in the crib as these can also be a hazard for young babies.
Swivel cribs let you monitor your baby from anywhere within the room. This is especially beneficial for babies recovering from C-sections as well as other births in hospitals. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a popular option. It has an swivel 360 degrees, which one parent tester found "was the ideal solution to reach out and soothe a child without getting up from the bed," especially helpful during recovery after a c section. The crib features a lowering side wall for maximum accessibility and comfort. The lockable casters allow you to easily move from one room to another.
Style
The crib is the most essential piece of furniture in your baby's nursery. The crib will take up most of the space in your nursery, so it needs to be stylish and match the style of the nursery.
Many cribs feature a minimalistic, modern design that can be used with any style. Some cribs have flat panels or other slat arrangements at the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides that give them a more the traditional style. Whatever you decide to go with be sure that it is in compliance with the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The majority of cribs have a wooden or metal slat mattress frame that can be a solid board or a grid of wooden slats, or a spring wire grid. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter because it is more stable and is a more sturdy structure to support the weight of your baby's body.
It should also have a non-toxic, smooth finish and be easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib that your baby can grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys and pillows. If you want to decorate your crib, bear in mind that babies can be extremely affectionate and may bite or pull on ornaments. This could hurt or even detach them.
Some parents choose to use a bassinet for their newborn until they are ready to move into a crib. The bassinet is able to last up to six months depending on how active your child is. If this is the case look into this crib which offers all the advantages of a bassinet with a large-sized crib. This model has the ability to swivel side-to-side which makes it easy to get in and out of crib. It also has a reflux incline that is patent-pending for colic.
Another option that is stylish is this eco-conscious crib that has more than 2,000 rave reviews from real moms and a high 4.8-star rating on Amazon. This crib is made of sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and can transform a dull nursery into a magazine-worthy space. It has four levels of adjustable height for the mattress and a feature that can come in handy as your baby grows.
Convenience
Cribs are an essential baby product that can help promote secure sleep by reducing the danger of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), entrapment and suffocation. Cribs are required to meet safety standards. However you can pick cribs with numerous features that match your preferences and budget.
Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which is made of slats with a nice, rounded appearance, and simple lines to match any decor. It's also relatively compact, which means it can fit through most doors in the interior without requiring disassembly. Baby beds can also be moved easily from room to room. It comes with two mattress height settings, so it's a good option for babies however it's not as flexible as other models with three or four different options.
If you prefer an older-fashioned look, the Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib features an sleigh-style frame with a sturdy build. It's certified by GreenGuard, so you can be sure it complies with the requirements of the environment. The numerous finishes allow you to match the crib with any decor. It's also among the more expensive options in our review however it's durable enough to last through multiple children and eventually be converted into a toddler bed, and then a daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. It has unique design, which is perfect for modern nurseries, and a number of features, including one of the lowest the heights of a sitting mattress. This could make it easier for smaller parents to reach their child, however, it's higher than the other cribs we've reviewed and can be a problem for smaller adults who are worried about their baby falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden is a more traditional option. It's also GREENGUARD certified. It can be turned into a toddler's bed, and then a daybed by purchasing separate conversion pieces. This is an investment that your family will enjoy for a long time. It's not as stylish as the Sloane or the Evolur, but it has an appealing traditional design and comes in several different colors that will fit any nursery.
Budget
Even if you are planning to sleep with your baby or you want to use the crib that your parents rescued from their basement, a top-quality crib that is safe and secure is an investment piece. Baby beds allow you to find sturdy cribs that are stylish too. The best cribs for newborns are simple to put together and come with a design that is not easily obsolete by the current fashions.
If you are considering a crib as the most important purchase you'll make for your child, and you might feel pressured to spend large sums of money to purchase the "perfect" crib. But there are many low-cost, high-quality cribs that will provide your baby with a sleep environment comfortable and safe.
When shopping for a crib, ensure that it is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and meets all safety standards applicable to it. Avoid buying second-hand cribs as they may be worn or broken hardware, which could pose a threat to your baby's safety. If you choose to buy an old crib, ensure that you have it thoroughly inspected by a trained professional prior to using it.
Aside from the critical safety features, a great crib should be sturdy, stable and simple to put together. Check the instructions carefully to ensure that all the components are included and fit correctly according to Thistel. 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 new parents seeking a chic and stylish crib that will expand with their child. It comes in a very heavy box with easy-to-follow directions and a solid construction. It comes with an Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam free).
The Babyletto Hudson is the perfect crib for a small space. Its compact footprint and minimalist design make it easy to install. It's made from eco-friendly, sustainable New Zealand pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors that will instantly turn ho-hum nurseries into spaces worthy of magazines. It also comes with four different mattress settings that can be adjusted to prevent your child from climbing on the bed before they are ready.