The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your baby will spend most of her time in the crib So it's a good option to buy one that is fashionable and safe. Search for cribs that are kept up to current with the most up-to-date safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations.
Avoid cribs with slats too close together or drop-side cribs, which could create strangulation risks for infants. Also, choose a crib with a simple hardware that won't catch on your baby's clothes or hair.
Safety
The crib of a baby will be their home away from home for a long period of time, so it's important to ensure it's safe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific guidelines that must be met when manufacturing a crib, including strong mattress supports and durable wood. A majority of cribs are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to ensure additional security measures.
Choose a crib made from solid wood, rather than particle board. Select a crib that is sturdy and does not have rough edges that could hurt your child. Make sure that the hardware is firmly fixed and won't become loose over time due to humidity or heavy usage.
There are many cribs that have multiple mattress support heights, so they can be adjusted as your baby grows. You should keep the crib at its lowest position until your child is able to stand up independently and walk around, which is usually around nine months. Some cribs come with a toddler bed conversion kit that allows you to transform the crib into a toddler bed once your child is ready to move out of your room.
Some cribs are decorated with features or cutouts which could create a risk of choking for your baby So, look for cribs that do not have these kinds of decorations. Avoid mobiles and other decorative items because they could pose a danger to young babies.
Swivel cribs allow you monitor your baby from anywhere in the room. best crib is particularly useful for those recovering after C-sections or other births that are hospital-based. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a highly regarded choice that has a 360-degree swing that one tester for parents observed "was the ideal 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 the most complete closeness and access. It's also compact enough to be moved from room to room effortlessly due to locking casters.
Style
The crib is the most essential piece of furniture you can put in the nursery of your baby. The crib will occupy most of the space in your nursery, which is why it should be elegant and match the style of the nursery.
A lot of cribs have an elegant, modern design that can be used with any style. Some cribs have flat panels or different designs of slats at the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides that provide a more traditional look. Whatever you choose, ensure it is in compliance with the safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs have a metal or wood-slat mattress support that is either a solid one-piece piece board or a wood-slat grid or spring-wire grid frames. The latter is recommended by What to Expect and Baby Bargains since it provides greater stability and a stronger structure to support the weight of your baby.
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 you want to decorate your crib, keep in mind that infants can be very clingy and may grab or bite ornaments. This can cause them to be injured or even detached.
Some parents opt to use a bassinet their baby until they are ready to transition to a crib. Based on how active your baby is and how active they are, a bassinet can last six months or more. If this is your situation then you should consider this crib that combines all of the benefits of a bassinet along with a full-size crib. This crib has the ability to swivel side-to-side, making it easy to get in and out of crib. It also has an incline for reflux that is patent-pending for colic.
This eco-conscious crib has over 2,000 rave reviews by real moms, as well as a high rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is the ultimate style statement that can transform boring nurseries into magazine-worthy spaces. It comes with four adjustable mattress height levels, a feature that will be useful as your baby grows.
Convenience
A crib is an essential baby item that promotes safe sleep by reducing the danger of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as well as entrapment and suffocation. Cribs must meet specific safety standards, however you can find cribs with a wide range of features that will fit your preferences and budget.
For a crib that blends in with modern nursery designs, consider the Ikea Gulliver, which has thin, nicely rounded lines and slats that complement any decor. It is also compact enough to pass through most doors in the interior without disassembling, and it is able to be moved from room to. It comes with only two mattress height options, which makes it a good choice for babies. However, other models have three or four different options.
If you like an older-fashioned look then the Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib comes with frames that resemble sleighs and are built with a solid build. It's certified by GreenGuard, so you know it meets environmental standards. Additionally, its numerous finishes allow you to match it to any style. It's also among the more expensive options we've reviewed, but it will last through multiple children and eventually be transformed into a toddler bed, and later it can be used as a daybed.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, that has a unique design that's perfect for contemporary nurseries and comes with a variety of features that include one of the tiniest sitting mattress heights. It could be more convenient for parents of smaller heights to reach their children but it is also taller than the other cribs we've reviewed which could be a problem for adults who are smaller.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more conventional option, and it's certified by the GreenGuard. It can be turned into a toddler's crib and then a daybed by purchasing separate conversion pieces. This is an investment that your family will enjoy for many years. It's not as stylish as the Evolur or the Sloane however it has a traditional look.
Budget
Even if you are planning to sleep with your baby or you want to use the crib your parents rescued for you from their basement, a high-quality, safe crib is an investment piece. Modern safety standards allow you to find sturdy cribs that have an attractive design. The best newborn cribs have simple, intuitive assembly and a design that doesn't appear old-fashioned or outdated by the new trends in fashion.
You may feel pressured to purchase the "perfect" crib, as it is the most important purchase you'll make for your child. However, there are a variety of low-cost, high-quality cribs that will provide your baby with a sleeping space comfortable and secure.
When buying a crib, ensure that it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also meet all safety standards applicable. It's also important to avoid purchasing secondhand cribs, since they could have worn-out or missing hardware that could pose a safety risk to your child. If you decide to purchase a used crib be sure that it has been thoroughly examined by a professional before using it.
A good crib should have all the necessary safety features and be simple to put together. Check the instructions carefully to ensure that all components are included and fitted correctly, says Thistel. If you encounter any issues, don't attempt to come up with a solution. Contact the manufacturer for replacement bolts or screws instead.
Cradlewise is a great option for new parents looking for a stylish crib that can evolve with their child. It's a heavy box with easy-to-follow directions and a solid construction. It comes with a Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam are not included).
If you're squeezing the crib into a small space, the Babyletto Hudson will make it work with its compact footprint and sleek, minimalist design. It's made of eco-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and is available in a variety modern colors to instantly transform a drab nursery into a magazine-worthy one. Plus, it has four adjustable height settings for the mattress to protect your back and prevent your baby from climbing out before they're ready.