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's stylish and safe. Look for cribs that meet the latest safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid cribs that are too close together, as well as drop-side cribs that could create strangulation risks for babies. Also, consider an infant crib with simple hardware that won't get caught on the baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
It is essential that the crib is safe for your child. It is their place of residence when they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific standards to be adhered to when making a crib, with sturdy mattress supports as well as robust wood. Many cribs are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to provide additional safety measures.
Choose cribs constructed of solid wood rather than particle board. Also, select a crib which is built well and doesn't have rough edges or areas that could hurt your baby. Also, make sure to check that the hardware is securely attached and won't break over time from humidity or heavy use.
Many cribs have different levels of mattress support, which means you can adjust them as your baby grows. It is recommended to keep the crib at its lowest position until your child can stand independently, which usually happens around nine months. Some cribs come with a conversion kit to convert the crib into a bed for adults when your child is ready.
Choose cribs with no ornamental features or cutouts. These can pose an choking risk to your baby. Avoid mobiles and other decorative items as they can pose dangerous for babies.
Swivel cribs allow you to monitor your baby from anyplace in the room. This is particularly useful for those recovering from C-sections as well as other births in hospitals. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a highly regarded choice with a 360-degree swivel that a parent noted "was the ideal way to get in touch with and soothe your baby without needing to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a c-section. This crib has a lowering side wall to allow for maximum accessibility and comfort. It's also compact 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 for your baby's nursery. The crib will occupy most of the floor space in your nursery, therefore it must be stylish and in line with the overall design.
A majority of cribs come with a modern, minimalist design that can be incorporated with any style. Some cribs have flat panels or arrangement of slats on the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides which provide a more traditional look. Whatever you decide on, ensure that it is in compliance with the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics or 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 a spring-wire grid frame. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter since it provides more stability and is a stronger structure to support the weight of your baby's body.
It should also have a non-toxic, smooth finish and be easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib your baby could grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys and pillows. If you are planning to decorate your crib, bear in mind that infants can be very sensitive and could pull or bite at ornaments. This could hurt or even remove them.
Some parents choose to use a bassinet their newborn until they are ready to move to cribs. A bassinet can last for up to six months depending on the level of activity your child has. This crib offers the best of both a bassinet and a large bed. best infant cribs features a side-toside swing that makes it easy to reach in and out of the crib. It also comes with a patent-pending reflux incline to help with colic.
Another option that is stylish is this eco-friendly crib which boasts over 2500 rave reviews from real moms and a premium 4.8-star rating on Amazon. This crib is made of sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and can transform a boring nursery into a magazine-worthy space. It comes with four levels of adjustable height for the mattress which will be useful as your baby grows.
Convenience
Cribs are an essential baby product that can help promote safety and sleep by reducing risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), entrapment and suffocation. Cribs must meet specific safety standards, but there are cribs that come that come with a range of features to fit your taste and budget.
For a crib that fits into modern nursery styles, try the Ikea Gulliver, which has thin, nicely rounded frames and simple lines that can be incorporated into any décor. It's also relatively compact, which means it can fit through most interior doorways without disassembling and can be moved easily from room to room. It only has two mattress height options, which makes it a good option 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 option for those who prefer a traditional style. It is built with an extremely sturdy frame that has the sleigh design. It's certified by GreenGuard, so you can be certain that it meets the environmental standards. The many finishes also allow you to match the crib to any style. It's also one of the more expensive options we've looked at in our review, but it will last through multiple children and can be eventually converted into a toddler bed and later a daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. It features unique design, which is perfect for modern nurseries and comes with several features including one of lowest levels of the mattress for sitting. That might help petite parents to reach their child but it's also a bit taller than other cribs reviewed which could be a challenge for shorter adults worried about their baby falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden is a popular choice. It's also GREENGUARD-certified. It can be converted into a toddler bed and it can be converted into a daybed by the purchase of separate conversion parts and is an investment that will last your family for many years to be. It may not be as stylish as the Evolur or the Sloane however, it is a classic design.
Budget
Even if you intend 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 standards of safety make it simple to find sturdy cribs that look great too. The best newborn cribs are simple to put together and have a design that is not easily obsolete by the current fashions.
You may feel pressured to purchase the "perfect" crib, since it's the most significant purchase you'll make for your child. But there are many affordable, high-quality cribs available that can make your baby's first sleeping space comfortable and secure.
When looking for a crib, ensure whether it's endorsed by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and meets all applicable safety standards. Avoid buying second-hand cribs because they may be worn or missing hardware that could pose a risk to your baby's safety. If you choose to purchase a used crib ensure that it's thoroughly examined by a professional prior to its use.
A quality crib should include all the necessary safety features and be easy to assemble. Thistel says to check the instructions thoroughly and make sure all components are included. If you encounter any problems, don't improvise--it's best to call the manufacturer for replacement bolts or screws instead.
For new parents looking for a stylish, budget-friendly crib that grows with their child, the Cradlewise fits the bill. It arrives in a single, very heavy box (enough to make you want to call your friends for assistance), and has easy-to-follow instructions and a sturdy construction. It comes with an organic CoconutCoir mattress (VOC & PU foam free) that is suitable for infants and toddlers and is Greenguard GOLD certified.
If you're squeezing the crib into a small space, the Babyletto Hudson makes it work with its compact footprint and sleek, minimalist style. It's made from eco-friendly, sustainable New Zealand pine wood and comes in a wide range of modern colors that will instantly transform dull nursery spaces into spaces worthy of magazines. Additionally, it comes with four adjustable mattress heights to save your back and prevent your baby from climbing out before they're ready.