The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your child will spend the majority of his time in the crib So it's a good idea to invest in one that's both stylish and safe. Search for 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 too close together, as well as drop-side cribs, which could create strangulation risks for infants. Also, choose a crib with a simple hardware that won't catch on your baby's clothes or hair.
Safety
The crib of a baby is their place of refuge for a very long period of time, so it's vital to ensure it's safe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific standards for cribs, including solid wood construction and sturdy mattress supports. A majority of cribs are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) for added safety measures.
Select a crib made from solid wood, not particleboard. Also, choose one that is sturdy and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could irritate your baby. Also, make sure to make sure that the hardware is securely attached and won't come loose in the course of time due to the elements or prolonged use.
Many cribs have multiple mattress support heights which means they can be adjusted as your baby grows. The lowest level is ideal for babies and you should keep the mattress at this level until your child is able to walk up and down at around the age of nine months. Some cribs come with the toddler bed conversion kit that lets you convert the crib into a toddler bed once your child is ready to move out of your room.
Some cribs are decorated with features or cutouts which could create a risk of choking for your child So, look for cribs that are free of these kinds of decorations. Also, avoid decorative items like mobiles in the crib since they can also pose a risk to young babies.
A crib that swivels allows you to monitor your newborn from any spot in the room, and is especially beneficial for those recovering from c-sections or other deliveries in hospitals. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a well-respected option with a 360-degree swing that one tester for parents said "was the ideal method to get in touch with and comfort your baby without needing to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a c-section. This crib also offers the option of lowering the side panel to provide the most complete closeness and access. The locking casters allow you to easily move from one room to the next.
Style
The crib is probably the most important piece of furniture in your baby's nursery. It occupies the most floor space and, therefore, it must be designed in a way that is compatible with your nursery's aesthetic.
Many cribs come with a modern, minimalist style that is compatible with any design. Some cribs have different slat configurations or flat panels at the ends. Some have finials or drop sides which give them a more a traditional look. Whichever one you choose ensure that it complies with the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs come with a metal or wooden slat frame for mattresses that could be a solid board or a grid of wood slats, or even a spring wire grid. The latter is suggested by What to Expect and Baby Bargains since it provides greater stability and a stronger structure to support the weight of your baby.
It must also have a non-toxic, smooth finish and be easy to clean. Avoid placing best cot beds in the crib that your baby can grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys and pillows. Decorate your crib with consideration. Babies can be clingy, and they can pull or bite at the ornaments. This could hurt or even remove them.
Some parents prefer to use a baby bassinet until they are ready to move into a crib. The bassinet is able to last up to six months depending on how active your child is. This crib combines the best of both a bassinet and a bed that is full size. This model has the ability to swivel side-to-side, making it easy to get into and out of the crib. It also has an incline of reflux that has been patented for colic.
Another option that is stylish is this eco-conscious crib that has more than 2000 rave reviews from actual moms and a high 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 adjustable levels of mattress height and a feature that can be useful as your baby grows.
Convenience
Cribs are a must-have baby product. It helps promote secure sleeping by reducing dangers of SIDS as well as entrapment and suffocation. Cribs must adhere to specific safety standards, but you can find ones with a wide range of features to suit your taste and budget.
For a crib that fits in with modern nursery styles, check out the Ikea Gulliver, which has slim, well-rounded frames and simple lines that can be incorporated into any decor. It's also small enough to fit through most doors in the interior without disassembling, and is easily moved from room to room. It comes with only two mattress height options, making it a good option for infants. However, other models have three or four different options.
If you like an older-fashioned look, the Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib has frames that resemble sleighs and are built with a solid construction. It is GREENGUARD-certified, so you can be certain that it is in line with the environmental standards. The various finishes allow you to match the crib with any style of decor. It's also one of the more expensive options in our review however it's durable enough to last through many children and be eventually converted into a toddler bed and later a daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. It features a unique design, perfect for modern nurseries, and a number of features including one of lowest the heights of a sitting mattress. This can make it easier for petite parents to reach their child however, it's higher than the other cribs in the review and can be a problem for shorter adults concerned about their child falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden is a more conventional option. It's also GREENGUARD certified. It can be turned into a toddler bed and then into a daybed with the purchase of separate conversion components, so it's an investment that will benefit your family for years to be. It's not as stylish as the Sloane or the Evolur however, it has an elegant look and comes in a variety of different colors that will fit any nursery.
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. Modern safety standards allow you to find durable cribs with excellent design. The best cribs for babies are easy to set up and have a design that will not be quickly obsolete by the latest fashions.
You may feel pressured 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 available that can make your baby's first sleep environment comfortable and safe.
When you are looking for a crib, check whether it's endorsed by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and conforms to all safety standards that are applicable. Avoid buying second-hand cribs because they may be worn or missing hardware which could pose a risk to your baby's safety. If you decide to purchase a used crib, ensure that it is thoroughly examined by a certified professional prior to using it.
A crib that is safe should have all the safety features you need and be simple to put together. Check the instructions carefully to make sure all parts are included and fit correctly, says Thistel. If you have any problems you're having trouble, you should contact the manufacturer to get replacement bolts or screws.
If you're a new parent seeking a stylish and affordable crib that will grow with their baby Cradlewise Cradlewise is the perfect choice. It comes in a single extremely heavy box (enough to warrant calling your friends for assistance), and has easy-to-follow instructions as well as a solid construction. It comes with a natural CoconutCoir mattress (VOC and PU foam-free) 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 makes it easy to fit. It's made from environmentally-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and is available in a variety modern colors that instantly transform a drab nursery into a magazine-worthy one. Plus, it has four adjustable mattress height settings to protect your back and prevent your baby from climbing out before they're ready.