The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea to choose a crib that is both stylish and secure for your baby. Find cribs that are kept up to current with the most up-to-date safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations.
Avoid cribs that are too close together, as well as drop-side cribs, which can cause strangulation issues for infants. Find cribs with simple hardware so that it won't catch your baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
A baby's crib will be their home away from home for a long period of time, so it's vital to ensure that it's secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific standards for cribs, such as durable wood and sturdy mattress supports. Many cribs are additionally certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) for added security measures.
Choose a crib that is made of solid wood instead of particleboard. Choose a crib that is solid and doesn't have any rough edges that could pinch your child. Also, make sure to ensure that the device is securely secured and won't break as time passes due to extreme humidity or use.
Many cribs have multiple mattress support heights, so they can be adjusted as your baby grows. The lowest level is best for babies and you should keep it at this level until your child is able to lift themselves up typically around the age of nine months. Some cribs come with a conversion kit to convert the crib into an adult bed when your child is ready.
Certain cribs come with decorative features or cutouts which could pose a choking risk for your baby So, look for cribs that do not have these types of embellishments. Also, avoid decorative items like mobiles in the crib since they can also pose a risk to infants.
Swivel cribs let you monitor your baby from anyplace in the room. This is especially beneficial for those recovering after C-sections or other births that are hospital-based. The Sweet2Sleep crib by Graco is a popular option. It features a 360-degree swivel, which one parent test participant found "was the perfect way to reach and comfort a child without having to get up from their bed," especially helpful during recovery after a c section. This crib also offers the option of lowering the side panel to provide maximum comfort and accessibility. It's also compact enough that it can be moved from room to room effortlessly, thanks to lockable casters.
Style
The crib is probably the most prominent furniture piece in the nursery of your baby. The crib will occupy the majority of the space in your nursery, which is why it should be elegant and in line with the overall design.
Many cribs feature a minimalistic, modern design that can be used with any style. Some cribs come with flat panels or different arrangement of slats on the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides that give them more of a traditional style. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure it meets the safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs come with a metal or wooden slat mattress frame, which can be a solid board or a grid of wood slats or a spring wire grid. The latter is suggested by What to Expect and Baby Bargains since it provides greater stability and a stronger structure to hold your baby's weight.
It must have a non-toxic, smooth finish that is easy to clean. Be careful not to place anything in the crib your baby might pull or grab, such as blankets, toys or pillows. Decorate your crib with care. Babies may be clingy and they may grab or bite ornaments. This can cause them to be injured, or even to fall off.
Some parents opt to use a bassinet for their baby until they are ready to transition to cribs. Based on the level of activity your baby has the bassinet could last six months or more. If this is the case look into this crib which offers all the advantages of a bassinet with a large-sized crib. This model features the ability to swivel side-to-side, making it easy to get into and out of the crib. It also has a patented reflux incline that helps with colic.
Another stylish option is this eco-friendly crib which boasts over 2,000 rave reviews from real moms as well as a top 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 a must-have baby item. It can help promote safe sleeping by reducing the risks of SIDS, entrapment, and suffocation. Cribs are required to meet safety standards. However cots 4 tots can pick cribs with a variety of features that fit your preferences and budget.
For a crib that blends in with modern nursery styles, try the Ikea Gulliver, which has thin, nicely rounded frames and simple lines that complement any décor. It's also relatively compact, so it fits through most interior doorways without disassembling and can be moved easily from room to room. It has two height settings for the mattress making it a great choice for infants, 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 has an sleigh-style frame with a sturdy construction. It is GREENGUARD-certified, so you can rest assured that it complies with the requirements of the environment. The various finishes allow you to match the crib to any style of decor. It is also one of the most expensive options, however it can last for many children. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed, and later a daybed.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, that has a unique design that's perfect for contemporary nurseries and has a lot of features that include one of the tiniest sitting mattress heights. This could make it easier for smaller parents to reach their child, but it's also taller than other cribs reviewed and can be a problem for shorter adults concerned about their child falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden is a more traditional choice. It's also GREENGUARD certified. It can be converted into a toddler's bed, and then a daybed by purchasing separate conversion parts. It's an investment that your family will enjoy for many years. It's not as stylish as the Sloane or the Evolur however, it has a nice traditional look and comes in a variety of different colors that will fit any nursery.
Budget
A high-quality crib is a good investment whether you plan to cosleep or use the crib your parents have in their basement. Modern safety standards make it easy to find durable cribs that look stylish too. The best cribs for babies have simple, intuitive assembly and a design that won't appear outdated or dated by the current fashion trends.
It is tempting to purchase the "perfect" crib, since it is the biggest investment you will make for your child. But there are plenty of affordable, high-quality cribs available that will make your baby's first sleep environment comfortable and safe.
When buying a crib, ensure that it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It must also meet all safety standards applicable. It's also important to stay clear of buying second-hand cribs as they may have worn-out or missing hardware that could pose a safety risk to your child. If you decide to purchase a used crib, have it thoroughly inspected by a certified professional prior to using it.
In addition to the crucial safety features, a great crib should be stable, sturdy and easy to assemble. Thistel says to check the instructions carefully and make sure all components are included. If you encounter any issues, don't attempt to make your own solution. Instead, contact the manufacturer to request replacement screws or bolts instead.
If you're a new parent seeking a stylish, budget-friendly crib that grows with their child, the Cradlewise is the perfect choice. It's a heavy box, with easy-to-follow instructions and a sturdy structure. It comes with an Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam free).
The Babyletto Hudson is the perfect crib for a small space. Its small footprint and minimalist design make it easy to fit. It's made from eco-friendly sustainable New Zealand pine wood and comes in a wide range of modern colors that instantly transform boring nursery spaces into magazine-worthy spaces. It also comes with four mattress settings that are adjustable to prevent your child from climbing up before they're ready.