The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea select a crib that is both 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 have slats too close together, or drop-side cribs. They pose an extremely strangulation risk for infants. Also, choose an infant crib with simple hardware that won't snag your baby's clothing or hair.
Safety
A baby's crib will be their place of refuge for a very long time, so it's important to ensure that it's safe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific requirements to be adhered to when building a crib including strong mattress supports and durable wood. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified a number of cribs for additional security measures.
Choose a crib that is made from solid wood, instead of particle board. Select a crib that is sturdy and does not have any rough edges that could hurt your child. Check that the hardware is securely attached and will not come loose over time due to humidity or heavy usage.
There are many cribs with different mattress support heights which means they can be adjusted as your baby grows. It is recommended to keep the crib at the lowest point until your child is able to stand independently, which usually happens around nine months. Some cribs come with a conversion kit to convert the crib into an adult bed when your child is ready.
Find cribs that do not have ornamental features or cutouts. These can pose the risk of choking your baby. Also, avoid decorative items like mobiles and other toys in the crib as these can also be a hazard for infants.
A swiveling crib allows you to keep an eye on your baby from any place in the room. It is particularly useful for parents recovering from c-sections and other deliveries that are hospital-based. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a highly regarded choice with a 360-degree swing that one tester for parents observed "was the perfect way to reach in and comfort your baby without needing to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a c-section. This crib has a lower side wall to allow for maximum accessibility and intimacy. It's also small enough that it can be moved from room to room easily due to locking wheels.
Style
The crib is the most crucial piece of furniture in your baby's nursery. It will occupy the most space on the floor and therefore must be designed in a way that is compatible with your nursery's aesthetic.
Many cribs have modern, minimalist designs that will work with any style. Some cribs have different slat configurations or flat panels at the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides which provide a more traditional look. Whichever one you choose 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 is either one-piece solid board or a wood-slat grid or spring-wire grid frames. The latter is suggested by What to Expect and Baby Bargains as it offers more stability and is a more solid structure to support your baby's weight.
It must have a non-toxic, smooth finish that is easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib your baby could grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys, or pillows. Decorate your crib with attention. Babies may be clingy and they may bite or pull at ornaments. This can hurt or detach them.
Some parents decide to use a bassinet for their infant until they are ready to transition to cribs. Based on how active your baby is the bassinet could last up to six months or more. This crib combines the best of both a bassinet as well as a full-size bed. This model has an swivel that is side-to-side, making it easy to get in and out of crib. It also has a patented reflux incline for colic.
Another fashionable option is this eco-friendly crib that boasts over 2,000 rave reviews from real moms and a high 4.8-star rating on Amazon. The crib is made from sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and can transform a dull nursery into a magazine-worthy one. It has four different mattress heights, which will be useful as your child grows.
Convenience
Cribs are an essential baby product that helps promote secure sleep by reducing the danger of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), entrapment and suffocation. Cribs have to meet certain safety standards, however you can find ones that come with a range of features to suit your preferences and budget.
Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which has slats that are thin and nicely rounded, and simple lines to fit in with any decor. It's also relatively compact, which means it can fit through the majority of doors without requiring disassembly. Full File can also be moved easily from room to room. It only has two mattress height options, which makes it a good option for newborns. However other models come with three or four different options.
If you like traditional style The Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib has an sleigh-style frame with a sturdy construction. It's GreenGuard certified and therefore meets environmental standards, and its many finishes allow you to blend it with any decor. It's also among the most expensive options, but it can last for many children. It can be converted to an infant bed, and then into an adult daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. It has a unique design, perfect for modern nurseries, and a number of features, including one of the smallest levels of the mattress for sitting. It may be easier for parents with smaller statures to reach their children, but it is also taller than the other cribs we've reviewed and could pose problems for adults who are shorter.
The DaVinci Jayden is a more traditional option. It's also GREENGUARD certified. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, and then into a daybed with the purchase of separate conversion pieces It's an investment that will serve your family for many years to come. It's not as elegant as the Evolur or the Sloane, but it still has a traditional look.
Budget
A high-quality crib is a fantastic investment whether you intend to sleep with a partner or use the crib your parents have in their basement. Modern safety standards make it possible to find sturdy cribs with an attractive design. The best cribs for newborns are easy to put together and a design that won't soon appear old-fashioned or outdated by the current fashion trends.
When you think about a crib as the most important purchase you make for your child, and you might feel pressured to spend huge sums of money for the "perfect" crib. There are numerous cribs of good quality that are priced reasonably and provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest in.
When you are looking for a crib, check that it is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and meets all safety standards applicable to it. It's also important to avoid purchasing secondhand cribs as they may have missing or worn-out hardware that could pose a security danger to your child. If you decide to purchase a used crib, have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional before using it.
Aside from the critical safety features, a quality crib should be stable, sturdy and simple to put together. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and make sure all parts are included and fitted correctly according to Thistel. If you encounter any issues, it's best to contact the manufacturer for replacement screws or bolts.
For parents who are new and looking for a stylish and affordable crib that will grow with their baby The Cradlewise fits the bill. It arrives in a single, very heavy box (enough to warrant calling your friends for help), and has easy-to-follow instructions and a sturdy construction. It comes with an Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam free).
If you're squeezing a crib into a tight space, the Babyletto Hudson will make it work with its compact footprint and sleek, minimalist style. It's made from environmentally-friendly sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors to instantly transform a boring nursery into a magazine-worthy one. It also comes with four mattress settings that are adjustable to stop your baby from climbing up before they're ready.