The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your little one will spend most of her time in the crib So it's a good idea to invest in one that's both stylish and safe. Look for cribs that meet modern safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid slats that are too close together and drop-side cribs that could create strangulation risks for infants. Find cribs with simple hardware, so that it doesn't snag your baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
It is essential that the crib you choose to use is safe for your baby. It will be their sanctuary when they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific standards for cribs, including solid wood construction and strong mattress supports. A majority of cribs are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to provide additional security measures.
Choose a crib 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. Finally, make sure that the hardware is securely secured and won't break over time from humidity or heavy use.
There are many cribs with different mattress support heights which means they can be adjusted as your baby grows. The crib should be kept at the lowest point until your child can stand on their own, which usually happens around nine months. Some cribs include the option of converting the crib into a bed for adults when your child is ready.
Find cribs that do not have decorative features or cutouts. These can pose the risk of choking your baby. Avoid items with decorative features such as mobiles because they could pose an issue for infants.
Swivel cribs let you monitor your baby from anywhere within the room. This is particularly useful for those recovering after C-sections or other births that are hospital-based. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a well-regarded option, with a 360 swing that one tester for parents noted "was the perfect way to reach in and soothe a baby without needing to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a csection. This crib has a lowering side wall for maximum accessibility and comfort. The lockable casters allow you to easily move from one room to another.
Style
The crib is most likely the most important furniture piece in the nursery of your baby. It occupies the largest amount of floor space and therefore must have a style that fits your nursery's aesthetic.
A lot of cribs have modern, minimalist designs that can work with any style. Some cribs feature flat panels or arrangement of slats on the ends. Some have finials or drop sides which give them a more an old-fashioned appearance. Whatever you decide on, ensure that it meets the safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs come with an slat made of wood or metal mattress frame that can be a solid board or a grid of wood slats, or a spring wire grid. The latter is recommended by What to Expect and Baby Bargains since it provides greater stability and is a more solid structure to hold your baby's weight.
It should also have a smooth, non-toxic finish and be easy to clean. Avoid putting things in the crib that your baby might pull or grab like toys, blankets or pillows. Decorate your crib with consideration. Babies may be clingy and they might bite or pull at ornaments. This could hurt or even remove them.
Some parents decide to use a bassinet their infant until they are ready to transition to cribs. Based on the level of activity your baby has, a bassinet may only last for six months or more. This crib combines the best of both a bassinet and a bed that is full size. This model has a side-to-side swivel that makes it easy to reach into and out of the crib. It also has a patented reflux incline for colic.
This eco-friendly crib has received over 2,000 rave reviews by real moms, and a premium rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. The crib is constructed of sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and can transform a boring nursery into a magazine-worthy space. It has four different mattress heights, which can be helpful as your child grows.
Convenience
A crib is an essential baby item. It helps promote sleep safety by reducing risks of SIDS as well as entrapment and suffocation. Cribs must adhere to specific safety standards, however you can find cribs with a wide range of features to suit your style and budget.
For a crib that blends into modern nursery styles, check out the Ikea Gulliver, which has slim, well-rounded frames and simple lines that match any decor. It's also compact enough to fit through most doors in the interior without disassembling, and is easily moved from room to room. It only has two mattress height options, making it a good option for babies. However other models offer three or four different options.
If you like a more traditional look The Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib comes with a sleigh-style frame and sturdy construction. It's GREENGUARD-certified, which means you can rest assured that it is in line with environmental standards. The numerous finishes allow you to match the crib to any style. It's also one of the more expensive options we've reviewed but it's a solid choice through many children and eventually be transformed into a toddler bed and then a daybed.
cots offers is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, with a unique design that's ideal for modern nursery designs and comes with a variety of features, including one of the lowest levels of a mattress for sitting. This could make it easier for smaller parents to reach their child but it's also higher than the other cribs we've reviewed which could be a challenge for smaller adults who are worried about their baby falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more conventional option, and it's certified by the GreenGuard. It can be turned into a toddler's bed and later a daybed with the purchase of separate conversion parts. This is an investment that your family will enjoy for many years. It might not be as stylish as the Evolur or the Sloane, but it still has a classic look.
Budget
A crib of high-end quality is a great investment, whether you want to sleep in a cosleep or use the crib your parents have in their basement. The modern safety standards make it easy to find sturdy cribs that look stylish too. The best cribs for babies are easy to set up and feature a style that won't be obsolete by the current fashion trends.
You might feel pressured to buy the "perfect" crib, considering that it is the biggest purchase you'll make for your child. However, there are a variety of low-cost, high-quality cribs that will provide your baby with a bed a comfortable and safe.
When buying a crib, make sure it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also meet all safety standards applicable. Avoid buying second-hand cribs because they may have worn or damaged hardware which could be a risk to your baby's safety. If you decide to buy a crib that is used be sure that it has been thoroughly inspected by an expert prior to use.
A crib that is safe should have all the necessary safety features and be simple to put together. Thistel advises you to read the instructions thoroughly and make sure that all the components are included. If you encounter any problems, don't try to come up with a solution. Contact the manufacturer to request replacement screws or bolts instead.
For parents who are new and looking for a stylish and affordable crib that will grow with their baby Cradlewise Cradlewise is the perfect choice. It's a heavy box, with simple directions and a solid construction. It comes with a natural CoconutCoir mattress (VOC and PU foam free) suitable for toddlers and infants and is Greenguard GOLD-certified.
If you're trying to squeeze the crib into a small space, the Babyletto Hudson can help with its compact footprint and sleek, minimalist style. It's made of eco-conscious, sustainable New Zealand pine wood and comes in a range of modern colors that instantly transform dull nursery spaces into magazines-worthy spaces. It also has four adjustable height settings for the mattress to help you rest your back and stop your baby from climbing out before they're ready.