The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea to pick a crib that's stylish and secure for your baby. Find cribs that are up-to date with the latest safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations.
Avoid cribs with slats too close together, as well as drop-side cribs. They pose an extremely strangulation risk for babies. Also, choose a crib with a simple hardware that won't snag the baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
It is essential that a crib be 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 sturdy mattress supports. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified a variety of cribs to meet additional security measures.
Find a crib constructed from solid wood instead of particle board. Also, choose one which is built well and doesn't have rough edges or areas that could irritate your baby. Verify that the hardware is securely fixed and won't become loose over time due to humidity or heavy usage.
Many cribs offer multiple mattress support levels, so you can adjust them as your baby grows. It is recommended to keep the crib at the lowest point until your child can stand independently typically at around nine months. Some cribs come with an adapter kit that can convert the crib into an adult bed when your child is ready.
Choose cribs with no ornamental features or cutouts. They could pose an choking risk to your baby. Also, avoid decorative items such as mobiles in the crib as these can also be a danger for infants.
Swivel cribs allow you to monitor your baby from any place in the room. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections or other births that are hospital-based. The Graco Sweet2Sleep is well-respected option with a 360-degree swivel that a parent noted "was the ideal method to reach in and comfort your baby without having to leave the bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a c-section. The crib also comes with a lowering side panel for maximum comfort and access. It's also small enough to be moved from room to room effortlessly with the help of lockable casters.
Style
The crib is the most important piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. The crib will occupy the majority of the floor space in your nursery, so it should be elegant and match the style of the nursery.
Many cribs have modern, minimalist designs that can be used with any style. Some cribs have different slat configurations or flat panels at the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides, which provide the appearance of traditional. Whatever you decide to go with ensure that it complies with the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most 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 spring-wire grid frames. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter because it provides more stability and is a more sturdy structure to support the weight of your baby's body.
It should also have a smooth, non-toxic finish and be easy to clean. Avoid putting anything in the crib that your baby might pull or grab like blankets, toys, or pillows. If you're planning to decorate your crib, bear in mind that children are very sensitive and could pull or bite at ornaments. This can hurt or cause them to fall off.
Some parents choose to use a bassinet their baby until they are ready to move into the crib. Depending on how active your baby is and how active they are, a bassinet can last up to six months or more. If this is your situation then you should consider this crib that combines all of the benefits of a bassinet with a large-sized crib. This model has a side-to-side swivel that makes it easy to reach into and out of the crib. It also has an incline of reflux that has been patented for colic.
Another stylish option is this eco-conscious crib that has received over 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 boring nursery into a magazine-worthy space. It comes with four mattress heights that will be useful as your child grows.
Convenience
A crib is an essential baby product that helps promote safe sleep by reducing the danger of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or entrapment, as well as suffocation. Cribs have to meet certain safety standards, but you can find cribs with a wide range of features that will fit your preferences and budget.
For a crib that fits into modern nursery styles, try the Ikea Gulliver, which has thin, nicely rounded lines and slats that can be incorporated into any décor. It's also quite compact, which means it can fit through the majority of doors without requiring disassembly. It can also be moved easily from room to room. It comes with only two mattress height options, making it a good choice for newborns. However, other models have three or four different options.
The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a fantastic choice for those who prefer a more traditional design. It has an extremely sturdy frame that has the sleigh design. It's GREENGUARD-certified, which means you can be certain that it is in line with environmental standards. The many finishes also allow you to match the crib with any style. It's also one of the more expensive options we've looked at in our review but it's a solid choice through multiple children and can eventually be converted into a toddler bed, and later 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 has a lot of features including one of the tiniest the heights of a sitting mattress. This could make it easier for smaller parents to reach their child but it's also higher than the other cribs we've reviewed, which can be challenging for shorter adults worried about their baby falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more traditional choice, and is GREENGUARD certified. It can be converted into a toddler's crib and later a daybed with the purchase of separate conversion components. This is a great investment that your family will appreciate for a long time. It's not as fancy as the Sloane or the Evolur however, it has an elegant look and comes in several different color options to fit any nursery.
Budget
A high-quality crib is a fantastic investment whether you plan to cosleep or use the crib your parents have in their basement. Modern safety standards make it possible to find durable cribs with excellent design. The best cribs for babies are easy to set up and have a design that will not be quickly outdated by the current fashion trends.
Considering a crib is the most important purchase you'll make for your child, and you might be tempted to shell out big bucks for the "perfect" one. There are many cribs with high quality that are affordable and will provide a safe and comfortable environment for your child to sleep in.
When buying a crib, ensure that it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also be in compliance with all applicable safety standards. Avoid buying second-hand cribs because they could be damaged or broken hardware which could pose a risk to your baby's safety. If you choose to purchase a secondhand crib ensure that it's thoroughly examined by an expert prior to its using it.
A quality crib should include all the necessary safety features and be easy to assemble. Check the instructions carefully to make sure all parts are included and fit correctly according to Thistel. If you experience any issues, it's best to contact the manufacturer to obtain replacement bolts or screws.
For parents who are new and looking for a chic, budget-friendly crib that grows with their baby Cradlewise Cradlewise will meet your needs. It arrives in one large, heavy box (enough to make you want to call your friends for help), and has easy-to-follow instructions and a sturdy construction. It comes with an organic CoconutCoir mattress (VOC & PU foam free) that's suitable for infants and toddlers and is Greenguard GOLD certified.
The Babyletto Hudson is the perfect crib for a small space. cots and tots 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 will instantly turn ho-hum nurseries into magazines-worthy spaces. It also comes with four mattress settings that are adjustable to prevent your child from gaining height before they are ready.