The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea to select a crib that is stylish and safe for your child. Make sure you choose a crib that meets modern safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid cribs that are too close together and drop-side cribs that could cause strangulation issues for babies. Also, choose a crib with a simple hardware that won't get caught on the baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
It is crucial that the crib is safe for your baby. It will be their sanctuary when they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific requirements for cribs, which include robust wood and strong mattress supports. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified a number of cribs for additional security measures.
Choose a crib that is made of solid wood instead of particleboard. Also, pick one which is built well and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could pinch your baby. Also, make sure to check that the hardware is securely secured and won't loosen in the course of time due to the elements or prolonged use.
Many cribs have multiple mattress support levels, so you can adjust them as your baby grows. It is recommended to keep the crib at its lowest level until your child is able to stand up independently, which usually happens at around nine months. Some cribs also come with an infant bed conversion kit that allows you to convert the crib to a toddler bed once your child is old enough to leave your room.
Some cribs have decorative elements or cutouts that could cause choking danger for your baby, so look for ones that are free of these types of embellishments. Avoid items with decorative features such as mobiles as they can be dangerous for babies.
A swiveling crib allows you to watch your baby from any place in the room. It is especially beneficial for those recovering from c-sections or other deliveries that are hospital-based. The Graco Sweet2Sleep is highly regarded choice with a 360-degree swivel that a parent observed "was the ideal way to get in touch with and comfort the baby without having to leave the bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a csection. This crib has a lower side wall to allow for maximum accessibility and intimacy. The casters lockable make it easy to move from one room to another.
Style
The crib is the most crucial piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It will occupy the most space on the floor, so it should also be designed in a way that is compatible with the aesthetic of your nursery.
A majority of cribs come with a modern, minimalist look that will fit in with any style. Some cribs feature flat panels or different slat arrangements at the ends. Others have finials or drop sides that give them a more an old-fashioned look. Whichever you choose, make sure it meets the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs come with an slat made of wood or metal mattress frame, which can be a solid board, a grid of wood slats or a spring wire grid. The latter is recommended by What to Expect and Baby Bargains as it offers more stability and a better structure to hold your baby's weight.
It must also have a smooth, non-toxic finish and be easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib your baby can grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys and pillows. Decorate your crib with consideration. Babies can be clingy, and they can grab or bite ornaments. This could cause injury or remove them.
Some parents opt to use a bassinet for their infant until they are ready to move into a 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 the case for you look into this crib which combines all of the benefits of a bassinet with a large-sized crib. This model features the ability to swivel side-to-side that makes it simple to move from and into the crib. It also comes with a patent-pending reflux incline that helps with colic.
This eco-friendly crib has more than 2500 rave reviews from real moms, as well as a high rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a true design statement that will transform ho-hum nurseries into magazine-worthy spaces. It comes with four adjustable levels of mattress height and a feature that can be useful as your baby grows.
Convenience
Cribs are an essential baby product that can help promote safety and sleep by reducing chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or entrapment, as well as suffocation. Cribs have to meet certain safety standards, however you can find cribs that come with a range of features to suit your preferences and budget.
Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which is made of slats with a nice, rounded appearance and clean lines that complement any style. It's also quite compact, so it fits through most interior doorways without disassembly and can be moved easily from room to room. It comes with two mattress heights which makes it a great option for newborns, but not as flexible as other models with three or four different options.
If you prefer a more traditional look, the Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib comes with an sleigh-style frame with a sturdy construction. It's GREENGUARD certified which means it meets environmental standards. Its numerous options let you match it to any style. It is also one of the most expensive options, however it can last for many children. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, and then into an adult daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. It has an innovative design, ideal for modern nursery designs and comes with a variety of features, including one of the smallest levels of the mattress for sitting. This could help petite parents to reach their child, but it's also higher than the other cribs we've reviewed which could be a challenge for smaller adults who are concerned about their child falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a classic choice, and it's also certified by GreenGuard. It can be turned into a toddler's crib and later a daybed with the purchase of separate conversion parts. This is an investment that your family will enjoy for a long time. It may not be as elegant as the Evolur or the Sloane however it has a classic look.
Budget
A crib of high-end quality is a good investment whether you plan to cosleep or use the crib that your parents have in their basement. The modern safety standards make it easy to find sturdy cribs that are stylish too. The best newborn cribs are simple to put together and have a design that is not easily out of date with the most recent fashion trends.
You may feel pressured to buy the "perfect" crib, considering that it is the most important purchase you'll make for your child. But there are plenty of affordable, high-quality cribs available that can make your baby's first sleeping space comfortable and secure.
When you purchase a crib, ensure it's endorsed by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also meet all safety standards applicable. Avoid buying small cot beds -hand cribs since they may be worn or damaged hardware that could pose a threat to your baby's safety. If you decide to purchase an old crib, ensure that you ensure that it is thoroughly examined by a certified professional prior to using it.
A good crib should have all the necessary safety features and be simple to put together. Thistel advises you to read the instructions carefully and ensure that all components are included. If you encounter any issues you're having trouble, you should contact the manufacturer to obtain replacement screws or bolts.
If you're a new parent looking for a chic and affordable crib that will grow with their baby Cradlewise Cradlewise fits the bill. It comes in a very heavy box with easy-to-follow instructions and a sturdy construction. It comes with an organic CoconutCoir mattress (VOC & PU foam free) that is suitable for infants and toddlers and is Greenguard GOLD-certified.
The Babyletto Hudson is the ideal crib for small spaces. Its compact footprint and minimalist design make it easy to fit. It's made from eco-friendly sustainable New Zealand pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors that instantly transform dull nursery spaces into spaces worthy of magazines. Plus, it has four adjustable height settings for the mattress to help you rest your back and stop your baby from climbing out before they're ready.