The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your child will spend the majority of her time in the crib So it's a good idea to choose one that is fashionable and safe. Search for cribs that are up to current with the most up-to-date safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations.
Avoid cribs with slats that are too close together, or drop-side cribs. These can be dangerous for strangulation to babies. Also, consider an infant crib with simple hardware that won't get caught on the baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
It is crucial that a crib be safe for your child. It is their place of residence when they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific requirements for cribs, which include robust wood and strong mattress supports. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified many cribs for additional security measures.
Find cribs made from solid wood, rather than particle board. Pick a crib that's solid and doesn't have rough edges that could irritate your child. Make sure that the hardware is securely fixed and won't become loose due to humidity or excessive usage.
There are many cribs that offer various levels of mattress support so you can alter them as your baby grows. The lowest level is ideal for babies, and you should keep it at this level until your child can begin to lift themselves up typically around nine months. Some cribs come with an infant bed conversion kit that allows you to convert the crib into a toddler bed when your child is ready to move out of your room.
Find cribs that do not have ornamental features or cutouts. They could pose an choking risk to your baby. Also, avoid decorative items such as mobiles in the crib since they can also be a hazard for young babies.
A swiveling crib allows you to watch your newborn from any spot in the room, and is especially beneficial for those recovering from c-sections and other deliveries that are hospital-based. The Sweet2Sleep crib by Graco is a popular option. It has an swivel 360 degrees, which one parent tester found "was the perfect way to reach out and comfort the child without having to get up from bed," especially helpful during the recovery process following a c-section. The crib features a lowering side wall to allow for maximum accessibility and intimacy. The locking casters allow you to easily move from one room to another.
Style
The crib is probably the most important furniture piece in your baby's nursery. It will occupy the most space on the floor and, therefore, it must be designed to fit the style of your nursery.
A lot of cribs have an elegant, modern design that can be used with any style. Some cribs feature flat panels or arrangement of slats on the ends. Some have finials or drop sides which give them a more an old-fashioned style. Whatever you decide on, ensure that it meets the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The majority of cribs have a metal or wood-slat mattress support that can be a solid one-piece piece board or a grid of wood-slats or a spring-wire grid frame. The latter is recommended by What to Expect and Baby Bargains since it provides greater stability and is a more solid structure to support your baby's weight.
It should have a non-toxic, smooth finish that is easy to clean. Be careful not to place things in the crib that your baby could pull or grab like toys, blankets or pillows. If you're planning to decorate your crib, bear in mind that infants are very sensitive and could grab or bite ornaments. This could hurt or even remove them.
Some parents choose to use a bassinet for their baby until their baby is ready for a crib. Based on the level of activity your baby has the bassinet could last up to six months or more. This crib is a combination of both a bassinet and a full-size bed. This model features the ability to swivel side-to-side that makes it simple to move from and into the crib. It also has an incline of reflux that has been patented for colic.
Another stylish option is this eco-friendly crib that has more than 2,000 rave reviews from real moms as well as a top 4.8-star rating on Amazon. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is the ultimate design statement that will transform ho-hum nurseries into magazines-worthy rooms. 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 an essential baby product that helps promote safe sleep by reducing the danger of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as well as entrapment and suffocation. Cribs must comply with safety standards. However, you can choose cribs with many features that suit 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 compact enough to pass through most doors inside without disassembly and it is able to be moved from room to room. It has two mattress heights, so it's a good choice for infants however it's not as flexible as other models that have 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 build. It's GREENGUARD-certified, which means you can be sure it complies with the requirements of the environment. The numerous finishes allow you to match the crib to any decor. It's also one of the most expensive options, but it will last for multiple children. It can be converted to a toddler bed, and then into a daybed.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, which has a unique design that's ideal for modern nursery designs and includes a number of features, including one of the tiniest levels of a mattress for sitting. It may be easier for parents with smaller statures to reach their children, but it is also taller than the other cribs we've reviewed, which can 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 bed, and then into a daybed with the purchase of separate conversion parts and is an investment that will last your family for years to come. It may not be as elegant as the Evolur or the Sloane however, it has a classic look.
Budget
Even if you plan to co-sleep with your baby or use the crib that your parents saved for you in their basement, a high-quality crib that is safe and secure is an investment piece. Modern safety standards make it possible to find durable cribs with a great design. The best cribs for newborns are easy to assemble and have a design that will not be quickly out of date with the current fashions.
Considering a crib is the most important purchase you'll make for your child. You may feel compelled to spend big bucks for the "perfect" one. However, there are a variety of low-cost, high-quality cribs that can make your baby's first sleeping space comfortable and secure.
When purchasing a crib make sure it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also meet all applicable safety standards. Avoid buying second-hand cribs as they may be worn or damaged hardware that could pose a threat to your baby's safety. If you decide to purchase an older crib, make sure you ensure that it is thoroughly examined by a qualified professional before using it.
A crib that is safe should have all the safety features needed and be easy to put together. Read the instructions carefully to ensure that all components are included and fit correctly according to Thistel. If you encounter problems, don't come up with a solution. Contact the manufacturer for replacement screws or bolts instead.
Cradlewise is a great choice for parents who are looking for a stylish crib that can expand with their child. It comes in a very heavy box, with simple instructions and a sturdy structure. It comes with a natural CoconutCoir mattress (VOC and PU foam free) that's 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 makes it work with its compact footprint and sleek, minimalist design. It's made of eco-conscious, sustainable New Zealand pine wood and comes in a range of modern colors that instantly turn ho-hum nurseries into magazines-worthy spaces. It also has four adjustable mattress height settings to protect your back and prevent your baby from climbing out before they're ready.