The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your little one will spend the majority of his time in the crib So it's a good option to buy one that's both elegant and secure. Find cribs that meet modern safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid cribs with slats that are too close together, and drop-side cribs. They can pose a major strangulation hazard for babies. Also, choose an infant crib with simple hardware that won't get caught on your baby's clothes or hair.
Safety
The crib of a baby is their home away from home for a very long time, so it's important that it be safe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific guidelines for cribs, such as solid wood construction and strong mattress supports. Many cribs are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to provide additional security measures.
Look for a crib made from solid wood, rather than particle board. Select a crib that is sturdy and does not have rough edges that could irritate your child. Also, make sure to 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 and can be adjusted as your baby grows. The crib should be kept at its lowest level until your child is able to stand up on their own typically 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 cutouts or decorative features. They could pose the risk of choking your baby. Avoid decorative items like mobiles as they can pose an issue for infants.
A swiveling crib lets you to keep an eye on your baby from any position in the room, and is especially useful for those recovering from c-sections or other deliveries in hospitals. The Sweet2Sleep crib by Graco is a well-liked option. It features a 360-degree swivel, cots4tots which one parent found "was the perfect way to reach into and soothe the child without having to get up from their bed," especially helpful during the recovery process following a c-section. The crib also comes with an adjustable side panel that can be lowered for ultimate closeness and access. The locking casters allow you to easily move from one room to another.
Style
The crib is probably the most significant piece of furniture in your baby's nursery. It occupies the most space on the floor and, therefore, it must be designed in a way that is compatible with your nursery's aesthetic.
A lot of crib options have a minimalist, modern look that will fit in with any design. Certain cribs have different slat layouts or flat panels at the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides, which give them an older-fashioned look. Whichever one you choose ensure that it complies with the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs have the option of a wood-slat or metal mattress support that can be one-piece solid board or a grid of wood-slats 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 have a non-toxic, smooth finish that is easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib your baby can grab and pull. This includes toys, blankets or pillows. If you're planning to decorate your crib, keep in mind that children can be extremely sensitive and could pull or bite at ornaments. This could cause them be injured or even detached.
Some parents opt to use a bassinet baby until their child is ready for the crib. Based on the level of activity your baby has and how active they are, a bassinet can last six months or more. If this is the case for you look into this crib which combines all of the benefits of a bassinet with a full-size crib. This crib features a side-toside swivel that makes it easy to get in and out of the crib. It also comes with a patent-pending reflux incline that helps with colic.
Another fashionable option is this eco-friendly crib which has more than 2,000 rave reviews from real moms and a high 4.8-star rating on Amazon. Made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a design statement that will transform boring nursery spaces into magazine-worthy spaces. It comes with four adjustable mattress height levels and a feature that can be useful as your baby grows.
Convenience
A crib is a crucial baby product that can help promote safety and sleep by reducing risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as well as entrapment and suffocation. Cribs must conform to safety standards. However you can pick cribs with many features that suit your style and budget.
For a crib that fits into modern nursery styles, try the Ikea Gulliver, which has sleek, well-rounded slats and simple lines that complement any décor. It's also quite compact, which means it can fit through most interior doorways without requiring disassembly. It can also be easily moved from room to room. It comes with two mattress heights, so it's a good option for newborns however it's not as flexible as other models that offer three or four different options.
The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great option for those who prefer a more traditional design. It is built with solid frame and the sleigh design. It is GREENGUARD-certified, so you can be certain that it meets the requirements of the environment. The various finishes allow you to match the crib with any decor. It is also one of the most expensive options, however it can last for many children. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed, and later the daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. It comes with a unique design, perfect for modern nurseries and comes with several features including one of lowest levels of the mattress for sitting. This could make it easier for petite parents to reach their child however, it's 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 more traditional choice. It's also certified by GreenGuard. It can be turned into a toddler's bed and then a daybed by purchasing separate conversion components. It's an investment that your family can enjoy for many years. It's not as fancy as the Sloane or the Evolur however it does have an appealing traditional design and comes in a variety of different colors that will fit any nursery.
Budget
Even if you are planning to co-sleep with your baby or you want to use the crib your parents saved for you in their basement, a high-quality, safe crib is an investment piece. Modern safety standards make it possible to find sturdy cribs with excellent design. The best cribs for babies are easy to set up and have a design that will not be quickly out of date with the most recent fashion trends.
Considering a crib is the most important purchase you make for your child, and you might feel pressured to spend huge sums of money for the "perfect" crib. However, there are a variety of affordable, high-quality cribs that will provide your baby with a bed a comfortable and safe.
When shopping for a crib, ensure whether it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and conforms to all safety standards that are applicable. It's also important to avoid buying secondhand cribs, since they could have worn-out or missing hardware that could pose a safety risk for your baby. If you choose to purchase a used crib, make sure it is thoroughly examined by an expert prior to using it.
A crib that is safe should have all the safety features you need and be simple to put together. Thistel recommends that you read the instructions carefully and ensure that all components are included. If you encounter issues, don't attempt to make your own solution. Instead, contact the manufacturer for replacement screws or bolts instead.
Cradlewise is a great choice for new parents who are looking for a chic crib that can expand with their child. It comes in a very 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 are not included).
If you're squeezing a crib into a tight space, the Babyletto Hudson will make it work with its compact footprint and sleek, minimalist design. It's made of eco-friendly sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and comes in an array of modern colors that instantly transform a dull nursery into an appealing space for magazines. It also has four different mattress settings that can be adjusted to prevent your baby from climbing on the bed before they are ready.