The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea select a crib that is stylish and safe for your little one. Find cribs that are kept up to date with the latest safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations.
Avoid cribs with slats that are too close together, and drop-side cribs. They pose a major strangulation hazard for infants. Also, consider an infant crib with simple hardware that won't catch on your baby's clothing or hair.
Safety
The crib of a baby is their place of refuge for a long period of duration, so it's crucial to ensure it's secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific guidelines that must be met when manufacturing a crib, including strong mattress supports and sturdy wood. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified a variety of cribs to meet additional safety measures.
Choose a crib that is made of solid wood rather than particleboard. Select a crib that is solid and doesn't have rough edges that could pinch your child. Verify that the hardware is firmly fixed and won't become loose with time due to humidity or heavy usage.
Many cribs have multiple mattress support levels, which means you can adjust them as your baby grows. The crib should be kept at the lowest point until your child is able to stand up on their own typically around nine months. Some cribs also come with the toddler bed conversion kit that lets you transform the crib into a toddler bed when your child is ready to move out of your room.
Certain cribs come with decorative features or cutouts which could cause choking danger for your child So, look for cribs that do not have these kinds of ornaments. Likewise, avoid decorative objects like mobiles and other toys in the crib as these can also be a hazard for young babies.
Swivel cribs let you monitor your baby from anyplace in the room. This is especially beneficial for those recovering from c-sections and other hospital-based births. The Sweet2Sleep crib by Graco is a well-liked option. It has an swivel 360 degrees, which one parent discovered "was the perfect solution to reach into and comfort your baby without having to get up from the bed," especially helpful during recovering from a c-section. The crib features a lowering side wall to allow for maximum accessibility and closeness. It's also small enough to be moved from room to room with ease, thanks to lockable casters.
Style
The crib is likely to be the most prominent piece of furniture in your baby's nursery. The crib will take up most of the area in your nursery, which is why it needs to be stylish and fit with the aesthetic.
Many cribs have modern, minimalist designs that can be used with any style. Some cribs feature flat panels or different arrangement of slats on the ends. Some have finials or drop sides, which provide a more traditional look. Whatever you decide to go with be sure that it is in compliance with the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs come with the option of a wood-slat or metal mattress support that can be a solid one-piece board, a wood-slat grid, or spring-wire grid frames. The latter is recommended by What to Expect and Baby Bargains because it provides more stability and a stronger structure to support the weight of your baby.
It should also have a non-toxic, smooth finish and be easy to clean. Be careful not to place anything in the crib your baby could pull or grab like blankets, toys or pillows. Decorate your crib with attention. Babies can be clingy, and they may grab or bite ornaments. This could cause injury or cause them to fall off.
Some parents decide to use a bassinet for their newborn until they are ready to move to the crib. Based on the level of activity your baby has the bassinet could last up to six months or more. best cots offers the best of both a bassinet and a full-size bed. This crib has a side to side swivel, making it easy to get into and out of the crib. It also comes with a patent-pending reflux incline that helps with colic.
Another stylish option is this eco-friendly crib that has received over 2500 rave reviews from real moms as well as a top 4.8-star rating on Amazon. The crib is constructed of sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and can transform a boring nursery into an appealing space for magazines. It comes with four levels of adjustable height for the mattress, a feature that will come in handy as your baby grows.
Convenience
A crib is a crucial baby item that promotes safe sleep by reducing the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or entrapment, as well as suffocation. Cribs must meet specific safety standards, however you can find cribs with a variety of features that will fit your style and budget.
For a crib that fits into modern nursery styles, try the Ikea Gulliver, which has slim, well-rounded slats and simple lines that match any décor. It's also relatively compact, which means it can fit through the majority of doors without disassembly and can be easily moved from room to room. It comes with only two mattress height options, which makes it a great choice for infants. However other models come with three or four different settings.
The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great option for those who prefer a traditional style. It has an extremely sturdy frame that has a sleigh style. small cot beds is GREENGUARD-certified, so you can be sure it meets environmental standards. The many finishes also allow you to match the crib with any style of decor. It's also one of the most expensive options, however it will last for multiple children. It can be converted to a toddler bed, and then the daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. It has an innovative design, ideal for modern nursery designs and comes with several features, including one of the lowest levels of the mattress for sitting. It might be easier for parents of smaller heights to reach their children but it is also taller than the other cribs we've reviewed and could pose a problem for adults who are smaller.
The DaVinci Jayden is a more conventional choice. It's also GREENGUARD-certified. It can be turned into a toddler's bed, and then a daybed, by purchasing separate conversion parts. This is a great investment that your family will appreciate for many years. It's not as elegant as the Evolur or the Sloane, but it still is a classic design.
Budget
Even if you intend to co-sleep with your baby or you want to use the crib your parents rescued from their basement, a quality, safe crib is an investment piece. Fortunately, modern standards of safety make it simple to find sturdy cribs that look stylish too. The best cribs for babies are simple to put together and feature a style that is not easily outdated by the most recent fashions.
You might feel pressured to buy the "perfect" crib, considering that it is the biggest purchase you'll make for your child. There are many cribs of high quality that are affordable and will provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep in.
When you are looking for a crib, check whether it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and meets all safety standards applicable to it. Avoid buying second-hand cribs since they may have worn or damaged hardware, which could be a risk to your baby's safety. If you decide to purchase a secondhand crib be sure that it has been thoroughly examined by a professional prior to its use.
A crib that is safe should have all the safety features needed and be easy to put together. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and ensure that all components are included and properly fitted, says Thistel. If you encounter any problems, don't try to improvise--it's best to call the manufacturer to request replacement screws or bolts instead.
Cradlewise is a great choice for parents who are looking for a stylish crib that will evolve with their child. It comes in a very heavy box, with simple instructions and a sturdy construction. It comes with an organic CoconutCoir mattress (VOC & PU foam free) that is suitable for infants and toddlers and is Greenguard GOLD certified.
If you're squeezing an infant's crib into a tiny space, the Babyletto Hudson can help with its compact footprint and sleek, minimalist design. It's made from environmentally-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors that instantly transform a drab nursery into an appealing space for magazines. It also has four adjustable mattress height settings to help you rest your back and stop your child from stepping out before they're ready.