The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your little one will spend the majority of her time in the crib It's a good idea to choose one that's stylish and safe. Look for 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, or drop-side cribs. They pose a major strangulation hazard for babies. Find cribs with simple hardware, so that it doesn't snag your baby's hair or clothing.
Safety
It is crucial that the crib is safe for your baby. It will be their sanctuary when they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific requirements for cribs, which include robust wood and sturdy mattress supports. Many cribs are additionally certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to provide additional security 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 irritate your baby. Lastly, be sure to make sure that the hardware is securely attached and won't break as time passes due to humidity or heavy use.
There are many cribs that offer various levels of mattress support so you can adjust them as your baby grows. The lowest level is best for newborns and you should keep it at this level until your child can begin to stand up typically around nine months. Some cribs come with the option of converting the crib into a bed for adults when your child is ready.
Certain cribs come with decorative elements or cutouts that could cause choking danger for your baby, so look for ones that are free of these kinds of decorations. Likewise, avoid decorative objects such as mobiles in the crib, as they could also be a hazard for infants.
A swiveling crib lets you to monitor your baby from any position in the room. It is particularly useful for parents recovering from c-sections or other deliveries in hospitals. The Graco Sweet2Sleep is a well-respected option that has a 360-degree swivel that one parent tester observed "was the ideal method to reach in and soothe a baby without needing to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a c-section. This crib has a lower side wall for maximum accessibility and comfort. It's also small enough that it can be moved from room to room easily with the help of lockable casters.
Style
The crib is probably the most significant piece of furniture in your baby's nursery. The crib will take up the majority of the floor space in your nursery, which is why it must be stylish and fit with the aesthetic.
A lot of cribs have modern, minimalist designs that can be used with any style. Some cribs have different slat configurations or flat panels at the ends. Some have finials or drop sides that give them more of the traditional appearance. Whichever one you choose ensure that it complies with the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs have an aluminum or wood-slat mattress support that is either a solid one-piece piece board or a grid of wood-slats or spring-wire grid frames. 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 smooth, non-toxic finish and be easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib that your baby can grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys, or pillows. Decorate your crib with care. Babies may be clingy and they might bite or pull at ornaments. This could hurt or even detach them.
Some parents opt to use a bassinet their newborn 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. If this is the case for you then you should consider this crib that is a combination of all the benefits of a bassinet and a full-size crib. This model has a side to side swivel that makes it simple to get into and out of the crib. It also has a reflux incline that is trademarked for colic.
This eco-friendly crib has more than 2,000 rave reviews by real moms, and a top rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a design statement that can transform ho-hum nurseries into magazines-worthy spaces. It comes with four mattress heights that can be helpful as your child grows.
Convenience
A crib is an essential baby product. It can help promote safe sleeping by reducing the dangers of SIDS as well as entrapment and suffocation. Cribs must meet specific safety standards, however you can find cribs that come with a range of features that will fit your style and budget.
Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which features thin, nicely-rounded slats, and simple lines to fit in with any style. It's also quite compact, so it will fit through most interior doorways without disassembling and can be easily moved from room to room. It has two height settings for the mattress which makes it a great option for babies however it's not as flexible as other models that have 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 build. It's GREENGUARD-certified, which means you can be certain that it is in line with the environmental standards. The numerous finishes allow you to match the crib to any decor. It is also one of the most expensive options, but it will last for multiple children. It can be converted to a toddler bed, and then the daybed.
Another alternative is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, which has an innovative design that is perfect for contemporary nurseries and includes a number of features including one of the tiniest levels of a mattress for sitting. That might make it easier for petite parents to reach their child but it's also a bit higher than the other cribs in the review and can be a problem for those who are shorter and concerned about their child falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more conventional choice, and is certified by GreenGuard. It can be turned into a toddler bed, and later into a daybed through the purchase of separate conversion parts, so it's an investment that will benefit your family for years to come. It's not as stylish as the Sloane or the Evolur however, it has an elegant look and comes in several different colors that will fit any nursery.
Budget
Even if you intend to co-sleep with your baby or use the crib your parents saved for you in their basement, a quality, safe crib is an investment piece. Modern safety standards allow you to find durable cribs that are stylish too. The best cribs for babies are simple to put together and have a design that won't be obsolete by the latest fashion trends.
You may feel pressured to purchase the "perfect" crib, considering that it is the most important purchase you'll ever make for your child. There are many cribs with high quality that are reasonably priced and will provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest in.
When shopping for a crib, ensure whether it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and conforms to all safety standards applicable to it. Avoid buying second-hand cribs because they may have worn or missing hardware which could pose a threat to your baby's safety. If you choose to purchase a secondhand crib be sure that it has been thoroughly examined by an expert before using it.
Apart from the essential safety features, a great crib should be stable, sturdy and simple to put together. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and make sure all parts are included and fitted correctly, says Thistel. If you encounter any issues, don't attempt to come up with a solution. Contact the manufacturer to request replacement screws or bolts instead.
Cradlewise is a great option for parents who are looking for a stylish crib that will evolve with their child. It arrives in a single large, heavy box (enough to warrant calling your friends for assistance) and comes with simple instructions and a solid build. It comes with an organic CoconutCoir mattress (VOC & PU foam free) that's suitable for infants and toddlers and is Greenguard GOLD-certified.
If you're trying to squeeze a crib into a tight space, the Babyletto Hudson makes it work thanks to its small footprint and sleek, minimalist style. It's made of eco-conscious, sustainable New Zealand pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors that instantly transform dull nursery spaces into magazine-worthy spaces. Plus, good cribs has four adjustable mattress heights to protect your back and stop your baby from climbing out before they're ready.