The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your baby will spend most of her time in the crib, so it's a smart option to buy one that's stylish and safe. Make sure you choose a crib that meets 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 dangerous for strangulation to babies. Look for cribs with simple hardware, so that it doesn't get caught in your baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
A baby's crib will be their home away from home for a very long period of time, so it's vital to ensure 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. Many cribs are additionally certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to ensure additional safety measures.
Choose a crib that is made of solid wood instead of particleboard. Also, choose one that is sturdy and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could irritate your baby. Check that the hardware is firmly attached and will not come loose over time due to humidity or frequent use.
Many cribs have different mattress support heights and can be adjusted as your baby grows. The lowest level is ideal for infants, and you should keep it at this height until your child can begin to lift themselves up, which is usually around nine months. Some cribs are also equipped with an infant bed conversion kit that lets you convert the crib to a toddler bed once your child is old enough to leave your room.
Some cribs have decorative features or cutouts that may pose a choking risk for your baby So, look for cribs that are free of these kinds of decorations. Also, avoid decorative items such as mobiles in the crib, as they could also be a danger for infants.
A crib that swivels allows you to monitor your baby from any position in the room. It is especially beneficial for those recovering from c-sections and other hospital-based deliveries. The Graco Sweet2Sleep is a highly regarded choice that has a 360-degree swivel that one parent tester observed "was the ideal way to get in touch with and soothe the baby without having to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a csection. This crib has a lower side wall to allow for maximum accessibility and comfort. The lockable casters allow you to easily move from one room to the next.
Style
The crib is the most crucial piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. The crib will occupy most of the area in your nursery, therefore 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 come with flat panels or slat arrangements at the ends. Some have finials or drop sides that give them an older-fashioned look. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure it meets the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs come with a metal or wood-slat mattress support that can be one-piece solid board, a wood-slat grid, or a spring-wire grid frame. The latter is suggested by What to Expect and Baby Bargains since it provides greater stability and a better structure to support the weight of your baby.
It must have a non-toxic and smooth surface that is easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib that your baby can grab and pull. This includes toys, blankets or pillows. If you want to decorate your crib, bear in mind that infants can be extremely affectionate and may bite or pull on ornaments. This could cause them be injured or even separated.
Some parents opt to use a bassinet for their baby until they are ready for the crib. A bassinet can last for up to six months, depending on how active your child is. If this is the case, consider this crib that is a combination of all the benefits of a bassinet along with a full-size crib. This crib features a side-toside swing that makes it easy to reach into and out of the crib. It also has an incline for reflux that is trademarked for colic.
Another stylish option is this eco-conscious crib that has received over 2,000 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 true design statement that can transform ho-hum nurseries into magazine-worthy spaces. It has four adjustable mattress height levels, a feature that will help you as your baby grows.
Convenience
A crib is a crucial baby product that can help promote safe sleep by reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), entrapment and suffocation. Cribs have to meet certain safety standards, however there are cribs that come with a variety of features that will fit your preferences and budget.
Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which features thin, nicely-rounded slats, and simple lines to complement any style. It's also compact, so it will fit through most interior doorways without disassembling and can be easily moved from room to room. It comes with only two mattress height options, making it a great choice for infants. However other models come with three or four different settings.
The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great choice for those who prefer a more traditional design. It features an extremely sturdy frame that has an sleigh-like design. It's certified by GreenGuard which means it is in compliance with environmental standards, and its many options allow you to match it to any style. It's also one of the more expensive options we've looked at in our review, but it will last through many children and eventually be converted into a toddler bed, and later as a daybed.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, with an innovative design that is perfect for contemporary nurseries and comes with a variety of features including one of the most low the heights of a sitting mattress. It might be easier for parents with smaller heights to reach their children however, it's also higher than the other cribs reviewed which could be problems for adults who are smaller.
The DaVinci Jayden is a popular option. 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 components, so it's an investment that will serve your family for years to come. It may not be as elegant as the Evolur or the Sloane, but it still has a classic look.
Budget
A high-quality crib is a fantastic investment whether you plan to cosleep or use the crib your parents have in their basement. The modern safety standards make it easy to find sturdy cribs that are stylish too. The best cribs for babies are easy to set up and have a design that is not easily out of date with the most recent fashion trends.
Considering a crib is the most important purchase you make for your child, you might feel pressured to spend huge sums of money for the "perfect" crib. But there are plenty of low-cost, high-quality cribs that will provide your baby with a sleeping space comfortable and secure.
When you are looking for a crib, ensure whether it's endorsed by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and is in compliance with all safety standards that are applicable. Avoid buying second-hand cribs as they may be worn or broken hardware, which could pose a risk to your baby's safety. If you choose to buy an older crib, make sure you have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional before using it.
Apart from the essential safety features, a good crib must be stable, solid and simple to put together. Thistel says to check the instructions thoroughly and make sure that all parts are included. If you encounter any issues it is recommended to contact the manufacturer for replacement screws or bolts.
For new parents seeking a stylish, budget-friendly crib that grows with their child The Cradlewise is the perfect choice. It arrives in a single, very heavy box (enough to warrant calling your friends for help) and comes with easy-to-follow instructions and a solid build. It comes with an Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam free).
The Babyletto Hudson is the perfect crib for small spaces. Its small footprint and minimalist design make it easy to install. It's made of eco-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and comes in an array of contemporary colors that instantly transform a boring nursery into a magazine-worthy one. It also has four mattress settings that are adjustable to stop your cheap baby cots from climbing on the bed before they are ready.