The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your child will spend most of her time in the crib It's a good option to buy one that's both stylish and safe. Find cribs that meet the latest 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 can pose a major strangulation hazard for infants. Also, look for a crib with simple hardware that won't snag your baby's clothing or hair.
Safety
The crib of a baby will be their place of refuge for a long period of period of time, so it's vital to ensure it's secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific guidelines for cribs, such as durable wood and strong mattress supports. A majority of cribs are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) for added safety measures.
Choose a crib that is made from solid wood, not particleboard. Also, pick one that is sturdily built and doesn't have rough edges or areas that could pinch your baby. Make sure that the hardware is securely fixed and won't become loose with time due to humidity or heavy usage.
Many cribs have multiple mattress support levels, so you can adjust them as your baby grows. You should keep the crib at its lowest level until your child is able to stand up independently, which usually happens around nine months. Some cribs also come with the toddler bed conversion kit that allows you to convert the crib to a toddler bed once your child is ready to leave your room.
Choose cribs with no ornamental features or cutouts. They can be an choking risk to your baby. Avoid items with decorative features such as mobiles as they can be dangerous for babies.
A crib that swivels allows you to keep an eye on your newborn from any spot in the room, and is especially useful for those recovering from c-sections or other deliveries that are hospital-based. The Sweet2Sleep crib from Graco is a popular option. It has an swivel 360 degrees, which one parent test participant discovered "was the ideal solution to reach out and soothe your child without having to get up from the bed," especially helpful during recovery after a c section. This crib has a lower side wall for maximum accessibility and intimacy. It's also small enough that it can be moved from room to room with ease, thanks to lockable wheels.
Style
The crib is the most crucial piece of furniture in your baby's nursery. It will take up the most floor space, so it should also be designed to fit the aesthetic of your nursery.
A majority of cribs have a minimalist, modern style that is compatible with any design. Some cribs have different slat configurations or flat panels at the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides that provide the appearance of traditional. 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 have a metal or wood-slat mattress support, which is a solid one-piece piece board, a wood-slat grid, or a spring-wire grid frame. The latter is recommended by What to Expect and Baby Bargains because it provides more stability and a stronger structure to support 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. If you're planning to decorate your crib, keep in mind that children are very clingy and may pull or bite at ornaments. This could hurt or even remove them.
Some parents decide to use a bassinet their infant until they are ready to move to a crib. The bassinet is able to last up to six months depending on the level of activity your child has. This crib is a combination of both a bassinet and a bed that is full size. This model has the ability to swivel side-to-side that makes it simple to get into and out of the crib. It also has a patented reflux incline to help with colic.
This eco-conscious crib has over 2500 rave reviews from real moms, as well as a high rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. Made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a true style statement that can transform boring nursery spaces into magazines-worthy rooms. It has four different mattress heights that will be useful as your child grows.
Convenience
A crib is an essential baby item that promotes secure sleep by reducing the danger of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or entrapment, as well as suffocation. Cribs must meet specific safety standards, but you can find ones with a variety of features to suit your style and budget.
For a crib that blends into modern nursery designs, consider the Ikea Gulliver, which has sleek, well-rounded lines and slats that complement any décor. It's also compact enough to fit through the majority of doors in the interior without disassembling, and is easily moved from room-to-room. It comes with two mattress height settings making it a great choice for infants however it's not as flexible as other models that offer three or four different options.
If you like a more traditional look The Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib has an sleigh-style frame with a sturdy build. It's GREENGUARD certified, so you know it meets environmental standards. Additionally, its numerous colors allow you to match it to any style. It's also among the more expensive options we've looked at in our review but it's a solid choice through many children and eventually be converted into a toddler bed and then it can be used as a daybed.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, which has an innovative design that is ideal for modern nursery designs and includes a number of features, including one of the tiniest levels of a mattress for sitting. This could make it easier for petite parents to reach their child, but it's also a bit higher than the other cribs in the review, which can be challenging for smaller adults who are concerned about their child falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more traditional choice, and it's also certified by GreenGuard. It can be converted into a toddler's bed and then a daybed, by purchasing separate conversion components. This is a great investment that your family will appreciate for many years. It's not as fancy as the Evolur or the Sloane, but it still has a traditional look.
Budget
A high-quality crib is a fantastic investment whether you want to sleep in a cosleep or use the crib your parents have in their basement. Modern safety standards make it possible to find sturdy cribs that have excellent design. The best newborn cribs are easy to set up and feature a style that will not be quickly out of date with the current fashion trends.
You may feel pressured to purchase the "perfect" crib, as it's the most significant purchase you'll make for your child. There are many cribs with high quality that are priced reasonably and will provide a safe and secure environment for your baby to rest in.
When buying a crib, ensure that it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also meet all applicable safety standards. Avoid buying second-hand cribs since they could be damaged or broken hardware that could be a risk to your baby's safety. If you decide to purchase an older crib, make sure you have it thoroughly inspected by a certified professional prior to using it.
Apart from the essential safety features, a good crib should be sturdy, stable and simple to put together. Check the instructions carefully to make sure all parts are included and fitted correctly, says Thistel. If you encounter any problems, don't try 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 will grow with their child. top rated cots comes in a very heavy box, with simple directions and a solid construction. It comes with an organic CoconutCoir mattress (VOC and PU foam free) that's 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 install. It's made from eco-friendly sustainable New Zealand pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors that will instantly transform dull nursery spaces into magazines-worthy spaces. Additionally, it comes with four adjustable mattress heights to protect your back and prevent your baby from getting out before they're ready.