The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your baby will spend the majority of his time in the crib It's a good option to buy one that is fashionable and safe. Look for cribs that are kept up to current with the most up-to-date safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations.
Avoid cribs that are too close together, as well as drop-side cribs that could cause strangulation issues for infants. Also, consider a crib with a simple hardware that won't snag the baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
A baby's crib will be their home away from home for a long time, so it's important that it be secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific standards that must be met when manufacturing a crib, including sturdy mattress supports and durable wood. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified a number of cribs for additional security measures.
Look for a crib that is made from solid wood, rather than particle board. Choose a crib that is sturdy and does not have rough edges that could irritate your child. Check that the hardware is firmly attached and will not come loose over time due to humidity or frequent use.
Many cribs have different levels of mattress support, so you can adjust them as your baby grows. The crib should be kept at its lowest position until your child is able to stand on their own and walk around, which is usually at around nine months. Some cribs include a conversion kit to convert the crib into an adult bed when your child is ready.
Find cribs that do not have ornamental features or cutouts. These can pose a choking hazard for your baby. Also, avoid decorative items like mobiles and other toys in the crib as these can also be a danger for infants.
A swiveling crib allows you to keep an eye on your newborn from any spot in the room, and is especially beneficial for those recovering from c-sections or other hospital-based deliveries. The Sweet2Sleep crib from Graco is a favorite. It has an swivel 360 degrees, which one parent discovered "was the ideal solution to reach into and soothe a child without getting up from the bed," especially helpful during recovery after a c section. This crib also offers an adjustable side panel that can be lowered for ultimate closeness and access. It's also small enough to be moved from room to room with ease with the help of lockable rolling casters.
Style
The crib is the most essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. The crib will occupy the majority of the floor space in your nursery, therefore it needs to be stylish and in line with the overall design.
Many cribs are modern and minimalist in design that can be incorporated with any design scheme. Some have different slat configurations or flat panels at the ends. Others have finials or drop sides which give them a more a traditional style. Whatever you choose, ensure it meets the safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs have a metal or wooden slat mattress frame, which can be a solid board or a grid of wood slats, or even a spring wire grid. The latter is recommended by What to Expect and Baby Bargains because it provides more 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 placing anything in the crib your baby could grab and pull. This includes toys, blankets or pillows. Decorate your crib with care. Babies can be clingy, and they may pull or bite at the ornaments. This could cause them to be injured, or even to fall off.
Some parents prefer to use a bassinet for their baby until they are ready for a crib. Depending on how active your baby is the bassinet could last up to six months or more. If this is the case, consider this crib that offers all the advantages of a bassinet along with a large-sized crib. This crib has a side-to-side swivel that makes it easy to reach in and out of the crib. It also has a patented reflux incline for colic.
This eco-friendly crib has received over 2500 rave reviews from real moms, and a top rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. This crib is made of sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and can transform a boring nursery into an appealing space for magazines. It has four different mattress heights, which will be beneficial as your child grows.
Convenience
A crib is an essential baby item that promotes secure sleep by reducing the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as well as entrapment and suffocation. Cribs must meet specific safety standards, however you can find cribs with a variety of features that will fit your preferences and budget.
Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which is made of slats with a nice, rounded appearance and simple lines to fit in with any style. It is also compact enough to pass through most doors inside without disassembly and can be easily moved from room to. It has two height settings for the mattress which makes it a great option for babies, but not as flexible as other models that offer three or four different options.
If you prefer an older-fashioned look The Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib comes with an sleigh-style frame with a sturdy construction. It's GREENGUARD certified which means it meets the environmental standards. Its numerous finishes let you match it to any style. It's also one of the more expensive options in our review however it's durable enough to last through many children and eventually be converted into a toddler bed, and later a daybed.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, which has an innovative design that is ideal for modern nursery designs and includes a number of features that include one of the lowest sitting mattress heights. It might be easier for parents with smaller statures to reach their children, but it's also a bit taller than the other cribs we've reviewed which could be an issue for those who are taller.
infant cot bed is a more conventional 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 benefit your family for years to be. It may not be as elegant as the Evolur or the Sloane however, it has a classic look.
Budget
Even if you intend to co-sleep with your baby or use the crib your parents saved for you in their basement, a top-quality, safe crib is an investment piece. Modern safety standards allow you to find durable cribs with a great design. The best cribs for newborns are easy to set up and feature a style that will not be quickly obsolete by the latest fashion trends.
If you are considering a crib as the most important purchase you make for your child, you might feel pressured to spend large sums of money to purchase the "perfect" one. But there are plenty of affordable, high-quality cribs that can make your baby's first bed a comfortable and safe.
When looking 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 damaged hardware, which could pose a threat to your baby's safety. If you decide to purchase an old crib, ensure that you have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional before using it.
A quality crib should include all the safety features you need and be simple to put together. Check the instructions carefully to ensure that all components are included and fitted correctly, says Thistel. If you have any problems, it's best to contact the manufacturer to get bolts or screws that are replaced.
For new parents seeking a stylish affordable crib that can grow with their child Cradlewise Cradlewise will meet your needs. 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 as well as a solid construction. It comes with an Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam are not included).
If you're trying to squeeze an infant's crib into a tiny space The Babyletto Hudson makes it work with its compact footprint and sleek, minimalist style. It's made of environmentally-friendly, sustainable New Zealand pine wood and comes in a wide range of modern colors that instantly transform dull nursery spaces into magazine-worthy spaces. It also has four different mattress settings that can be adjusted to stop your baby from gaining height before they are ready.