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's elegant and secure. Find cribs that are kept up to current with the most recent 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, and drop-side cribs. They pose an extremely strangulation risk for infants. Also, choose a crib with a simple hardware that won't catch on the baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
The crib of a baby will be their place of refuge for a long period of time, so it's vital that it be secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific requirements that must be met when building a crib including sturdy mattress supports and durable wood. Many cribs are additionally certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to ensure additional safety measures.
Choose a crib made of solid wood instead of particleboard. Also, choose one that is sturdily built and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could hurt your baby. Lastly, be sure to ensure that the device is securely attached and won't come loose over time from extreme humidity or use.
Many cribs offer different levels of mattress support, 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 independently typically around nine months. Some cribs also come with an infant bed conversion kit that lets you convert the crib into a toddler bed once your child is ready to leave your room.
Some cribs have decorative features or cutouts that may create a risk of choking for your child, so look for ones that do not have these kinds of decorations. Also, avoid decorative items such as mobiles in the crib since they can also pose a risk to infants.
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 Graco Sweet2Sleep is a highly regarded choice that has a 360-degree swing that one tester for parents said "was the ideal way to reach in and comfort your baby without having to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a c-section. The crib also comes with the option of lowering the side panel to provide ultimate closeness and accessibility. 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 the most crucial piece of furniture in your baby's nursery. It occupies the most space on the floor, so it should also be designed to fit your nursery's aesthetic.
Many cribs feature a minimalistic, modern design that can work with any style. Some cribs have flat panels or arrangement of slats on the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides, which give them the appearance of traditional. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure it meets the safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The majority of cribs have a metal or wood-slat mattress support, which is a solid one-piece piece board, a wood-slat grid, or a spring-wire grid frame. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter since it is more stable and is a stronger structure to support your baby's body weight.
It must also have a non-toxic, smooth finish and be easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib that your baby could grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys and pillows. If you're planning to decorate your crib, bear in mind that children can be extremely clingy and may bite or pull on ornaments. This could cause injury or detach them.
Some parents opt to use a bassinet for their newborn until they are ready to transition to the crib. Based on how active your baby is the bassinet could last six months or more. If this is the case for you, consider this crib that offers all the advantages of a bassinet with a large-sized crib. This crib features a side-toside swivel that makes it easy to get in and out of the crib. It also has a patented reflux incline to help with colic.
This eco-conscious crib has over 2000 rave reviews from real moms, as well as a high 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 that will be useful as your child grows.
Convenience
A crib is a must-have baby item. It can help promote sleep safety by reducing dangers of SIDS, entrapment, and suffocation. Cribs are required to comply with safety standards. However you can pick cribs with a variety of features that fit your preferences and budget.
If you're looking for a crib that fits into modern nursery designs, consider the Ikea Gulliver, which has slim, well-rounded frames and simple lines that complement any decor. It is also compact enough to fit through most interior doors without disassembly, and it is able to be moved from room-to-room. It has only two mattress height options, which makes it a great choice for babies. However, other models have three or four different options.
The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a fantastic choice for those who prefer a traditional style. It has solid frame and the sleigh design. It's GreenGuard certified and therefore is in compliance with environmental standards. Its numerous colors allow you to match it to any style. It's also among the more expensive options we've looked at in our review however it's durable enough to last through multiple children and eventually be transformed into a toddler bed, and then a daybed.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, with a unique design that's ideal for modern nursery designs and comes with a variety of features including one of the lowest levels of a mattress for sitting. It may be easier for parents of smaller heights to reach their children, but it is also taller than the other cribs 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 transformed into a toddler bed and later into a daybed through the purchase of separate conversion pieces and is an investment that will serve your family for years to be. infant cot bed may not be as elegant as the Evolur or the Sloane however, it has a traditional look.
Budget
A crib of high-end quality is a great investment, whether you want to sleep in a cosleep or use the crib that your parents have in their basement. The modern standards of safety make it simple to find sturdy cribs that look great too. The best cribs for newborns are simple to put together and feature a style that won't be outdated by the latest fashions.
It is tempting to purchase the "perfect" crib, as it is the biggest investment you will make for your child. But there are many affordable, high-quality cribs that will make your baby's first sleeping space comfortable and secure.
When looking for a crib, check whether it's endorsed by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and meets all safety standards that are applicable. It is also essential to avoid buying secondhand cribs, as they can contain worn-out or damaged hardware that could pose a safety risk for your baby. If you choose to purchase a used crib be sure that it has been thoroughly examined by an expert prior to its using it.
In addition to the crucial safety features, a good crib should be stable, sturdy and easy to assemble. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and ensure that all components are included and properly fitted, says Thistel. If you encounter problems, don't try to improvise--it's best to call the manufacturer for replacement screws or bolts instead.
Cradlewise is a great option for parents looking for a stylish crib that will evolve with their child. It comes in a very heavy box, with simple directions and a solid construction. It comes with an organic CoconutCoir mattress (VOC and PU foam free) that's suitable for toddlers and infants and is Greenguard GOLD certified.
The Babyletto Hudson is the perfect crib for a small space. Its small footprint and minimalist design make it easy to fit. It's made of eco-friendly sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and comes in an array of contemporary colors that instantly transform a drab nursery into a magazine-worthy one. It also has four adjustable mattress settings to stop your baby from climbing on the bed before they're ready.