The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea select a crib that is both stylish and safe for your child. Find cribs that are 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 or drop-side cribs that could create strangulation risks for infants. Also, look for a crib with a simple hardware that won't get caught on the baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
It is essential that a crib be 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, such as durable wood and strong mattress supports. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified many cribs for additional safety measures.
Choose a crib that is made from solid wood, not particleboard. Select a crib that is solid and doesn't have any rough edges that could pinch your child. Verify that the hardware is firmly secured and won't come loose over time due to humidity or frequent use.
There are many cribs that offer multiple mattress support levels, so you can alter them as your baby grows. The lowest setting is the best for babies, and you should keep it at this level until your child is able to stand up, which is usually around nine months. Some cribs include a conversion kit to convert the crib into an adult bed when your child is ready.
Some cribs are decorated with elements or cutouts that could cause choking danger for your baby So, look for cribs that are free of these types of embellishments. Also, avoid putting decorative objects like mobiles and other toys in the crib as these can also be a danger for young babies.
A swiveling crib lets you to watch your baby from any position in the room, and is especially useful for those recovering from c-sections and other deliveries in hospitals. The Graco Sweet2Sleep is well-respected option with a 360-degree swing that one tester for parents noted "was the perfect way to get in touch with and soothe the baby without having to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a c-section. This crib has a lowering side wall for maximum accessibility and closeness. It's also compact enough to be moved from room to room easily with the help of lockable wheels.
Style
The crib is the most crucial piece of furniture you can put in your baby's nursery. cheap cot beds will occupy the majority of the space in your nursery, therefore it needs to be stylish and fit with the aesthetic.
Many cribs have modern, minimalist designs that will work with any style. Some cribs feature flat panels or other designs of slats at the ends. Some have finials or drop sides, which give them a more traditional look. Whichever one you choose be sure that it is in compliance with the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The majority of cribs have an aluminum or wood-slat mattress support, which is a solid one-piece piece board, a wood-slat grid, or a spring-wire grid frame. The latter is recommended by What to Expect and Baby Bargains because it provides more stability and a better structure to support the weight of your baby.
It must also have a smooth, non-toxic finish and be easy to clean. Avoid putting anything in the crib your baby might pull or grab like toys, blankets or pillows. Decorate your crib with consideration. Babies are prone to clinging, and they may pull or bite at the ornaments. This could cause them be injured or even separated.
Some parents choose to use a bassinet for their baby until they are ready to move to cribs. A bassinet can last for up to six months, depending on how active your child is. This crib offers the best of both a bassinet and a full-size bed. This crib features a side-toside swing that makes it easy to get in and out of the crib. It also features a patent-pending reflux incline for colic.
Another stylish option is this eco-friendly crib that boasts over 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 true style statement that can transform boring nursery spaces into magazines-worthy rooms. It has four different mattress heights, which can be helpful as your child grows.
Convenience
Cribs are 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 have to meet safety standards. However, you can choose cribs with a variety of features that fit your preferences and budget.
Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which features thin, nicely-rounded slats and clean lines that fit in with any decor. It's also compact enough to fit through the majority of doors inside without disassembly and is easily moved from room to. It only has two mattress height options, making it a good choice for newborns. However other models come with three or four different settings.
The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great choice for those who prefer a traditional style. It features solid frame and a sleigh style. It is GREENGUARD-certified, so you can rest assured that it is in line with the requirements of the environment. The many finishes also allow you to match the crib with any decor. It's also one of the more expensive options we've looked at in our review but it's a solid choice through multiple children and can eventually be converted into a toddler bed, and then as a daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. It features unique design, which is perfect for modern nurseries and comes with a variety of features, including one of the smallest levels of the mattress for sitting. This could make it easier for smaller parents to reach their child but it's also a bit higher than the other cribs we've reviewed, which can be challenging for shorter adults concerned about their child falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more traditional choice, and it's also certified by the GreenGuard. It can be turned into a toddler bed and then into a daybed with the purchase of separate conversion pieces and is an investment that will benefit your family for many years to come. It's not as elegant as the Sloane or the Evolur however it does have a nice traditional look and comes in a few different colors that will fit any nursery.
Budget
Even if you are planning to co-sleep with your baby or want to use the crib your parents saved for you in their basement, a top-quality crib that is safe and secure is an investment piece. The modern safety standards make it easy to find sturdy cribs that look stylish too. The best cribs for babies have simple, intuitive assembly and a design that won't quickly look outdated or out of date with the current fashion trends.
You may feel pressured to purchase the "perfect" crib, considering that it's the most significant purchase you'll ever make for your child. There are numerous cribs of good quality that are affordable and will provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep in.
When you purchase a crib, make sure it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also meet all applicable safety standards. It's also important to avoid purchasing secondhand cribs, since they could contain worn-out or damaged hardware that could pose a safety risk for your baby. If you decide to purchase a secondhand crib ensure that it's thoroughly examined by a professional prior to use.
Apart from the essential safety features, a great crib must be stable, solid and simple to put together. Check the instructions carefully to ensure that all components are included and fitted correctly, says Thistel. If you encounter issues, don't attempt to come up with a solution. Contact the manufacturer for replacement bolts or screws instead.
For new parents seeking a stylish affordable crib that can grow with their child, the Cradlewise is the perfect choice. It comes in a single extremely heavy box (enough to make you want to call your friends for help), and has easy-to-follow instructions as well as a solid construction. It comes with an organic CoconutCoir mattress (VOC and PU foam free) that's suitable for infants and toddlers and is Greenguard GOLD certified.
The Babyletto Hudson is the perfect crib for a small space. Its compact footprint and minimalist design makes it easy to fit. It's made from environmentally-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and is available in a variety of contemporary colors that instantly transform a boring nursery into a magazine-worthy one. Plus, it has four adjustable mattress height settings to save your back and stop your child from stepping out before they're ready.