The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea pick a crib that's elegant and safe for your child. Find cribs that meet the latest safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid cribs with slats that are too close together, or drop-side cribs. These can be dangerous for strangulation to infants. Also, consider an infant crib with simple hardware that won't get caught on your baby's clothes or hair.
Safety
A baby's crib will be their home away from home for a very long duration, so it's crucial to ensure that it's safe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific standards for cribs, such as robust wood and strong mattress supports. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified a variety of cribs to meet additional safety measures.
Find a crib that is constructed from solid wood instead of particle board. Also, pick one which is built well and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could pinch your baby. Check that the hardware is securely fixed and won't become loose over time due to humidity or excessive usage.
Many cribs have various levels of mattress support 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 typically at around nine months. Some cribs include an adapter kit that can convert the crib into an adult bed when your child is ready.
Look for cribs without cutouts or decorative features. These can pose the risk of choking your baby. Also, avoid putting decorative objects like mobiles and other toys in the crib as these can also be a danger for infants.
Swivel cribs allow you to monitor your baby from anywhere in the room. This is particularly useful for babies recovering from C-sections as well as other births in hospitals. The Graco Sweet2Sleep is a well-regarded option that has a 360-degree swing that one tester for parents observed "was the perfect way to get in touch with and comfort a baby without having to leave the bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a c-section. This crib also offers a lowering side panel for ultimate closeness and accessibility. It's also compact enough that it can be moved from room to room with ease due to locking rolling casters.
Style
The crib is the most crucial piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. The crib will occupy most of the floor space in your nursery, therefore it must be stylish and match the style of the nursery.
A majority of cribs are modern and minimalist in look that will fit in 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 the traditional style. Whatever you decide on, ensure that it meets the safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics or 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 even a spring wire grid. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter as it offers more stability and is a more sturdy structure to support the weight of your baby's body.
It should have a non-toxic, smooth surface that is easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib your baby can grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys, or pillows. If cot beds are planning to decorate your crib, keep in mind that children can be very sensitive and could bite or pull on ornaments. This could cause them be injured or even detached.
Some parents opt to use a bassinet their infant until they are ready to move to cribs. The bassinet is able to last up to six months, depending on the level of activity your child has. This crib offers the best of both a bassinet as well as a bed that is full size. This model has a side-to-side pivot that makes it simple to get in and out of the crib. It also has a patented reflux incline for colic.
Another option that is stylish is this eco-conscious crib that has received over 2500 rave reviews from real moms and a high 4.8-star rating on Amazon. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a style statement that can transform boring nursery spaces into magazines-worthy rooms. It has four adjustable levels of mattress height which will help you as your baby grows.
Convenience
Cribs are an essential 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 comply with safety standards. However, you can choose 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 complement any style. It's also quite compact, which means it can fit through most interior doorways without disassembly and can be moved easily from room to room. It has two height settings for the mattress making it a great option for newborns, but not as flexible as other models with three or four different options.
The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great choice for those who prefer a more traditional design. It has solid frame and an sleigh-like design. It's certified by GreenGuard, so you can be certain that it meets the environmental standards. The various finishes allow you to match the crib with any style of decor. It's also among the more expensive options we've reviewed but it's a solid choice through many children and eventually be transformed into a toddler bed, and later it can be used as a daybed.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, that has a unique design that's perfect for modern nurseries and comes with a variety of features that include one of the tiniest sitting mattress heights. That might help petite parents to reach their child, however, it's taller than other cribs reviewed, which can be challenging for those who are shorter and 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 converted into a toddler bed and later into a daybed through the purchase of separate conversion pieces It's an investment that will last your family for many years to be. It's not as fancy as the Sloane or the Evolur however it does have an appealing traditional design and comes in a few different color options to fit any nursery.
Budget
Even if you plan to sleep with your baby or you want to use the crib that your parents rescued for you from their basement, a quality, safe crib is an investment piece. Fortunately, modern standards of safety make it simple to find sturdy cribs that look stylish too. The best cribs for newborns are easy to put together and a design that won't soon appear outdated or dated by the new trends in fashion.
It is tempting to purchase the "perfect" crib, considering that it is the biggest purchase you'll make for your child. However, there are a variety of affordable, high-quality cribs that can make your baby's first bed a comfortable and safe.
When you purchase a crib, make sure it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also meet all applicable safety standards. Avoid buying second-hand cribs as they may be worn or missing hardware that could pose a risk to your baby's safety. If you choose to purchase a secondhand crib, make sure it is thoroughly examined by a professional prior to using it.
A good crib should have all the safety features needed and be simple to put together. Thistel advises you to read the instructions thoroughly and ensure that all the components are included. If you run into any problems, don't try to make your own solution. Instead, contact the manufacturer to request replacement screws or bolts instead.
Cradlewise is a great option for new parents who are looking for a chic 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 has easy-to-follow instructions and a solid build. It comes with a Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam free).
Baby Crib is the ideal crib for a small space. Its compact footprint and minimalist design make it easy to fit. It's made of eco-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors that instantly transform a dull nursery into a magazine-worthy one. Additionally, it comes with four adjustable height settings for the mattress to protect your back and stop your baby from climbing out before they're ready.