The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea to pick a crib that's stylish and secure for your baby. Look for cribs that are kept up to current with the most recent safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations.
Avoid cribs with slats too close together, and drop-side cribs. These can be a major strangulation hazard for infants. Also, look for a crib with simple hardware that won't snag the baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
It is essential that the crib is safe for your baby. It is their place of residence when they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific standards for cribs, such as durable wood and sturdy mattress supports. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified many cribs for additional security measures.
Find a crib constructed from solid wood instead of particle board. Also, choose one that is sturdily built and doesn't have rough edges or areas that could pinch your baby. Check that the hardware is firmly fixed and won't become loose due to humidity or frequent use.
Many cribs have various mattress support levels, so they can be adjusted as your baby grows. The lowest level is ideal for infants and you should keep it at this height until your child can begin to walk up and down, which is usually around nine months. Some cribs also come with a toddler bed conversion kit that lets you transform the crib to a toddler bed once your child is ready to leave your room.
Some cribs have decorative features or cutouts which could pose a choking risk for your baby, so look for ones that are free of these kinds of decorations. Also, avoid decorative items like mobiles in the crib as these can also pose a risk to infants.
A swiveling crib lets you to keep an eye on your newborn from any spot in the room. It is especially useful for those recovering from c-sections and other deliveries in hospitals. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a well-regarded option with a 360-degree swivel that one parent tester observed "was the ideal way to reach into and comfort a baby without having to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a c-section. This crib also offers an adjustable side panel that can be lowered for maximum comfort and access. It's also small enough that it can be moved from room to room easily, thanks to lockable wheels.
Style
The crib is the most important piece of furniture you can put in your baby's nursery. The crib will take up most of the space in your nursery, therefore it must be stylish and match the style of the nursery.
A lot of crib options have a minimalist, modern look that will fit in with any style. Certain cribs have different slat layouts or flat panels at the ends. Some have finials or drop sides that give them more of a traditional appearance. Whichever one you choose ensure that it complies 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, which is a solid one-piece board or 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 non-toxic, smooth finish and be easy to clean. Do not place anything in the crib that your baby might grasp and pull, such as toys, blankets or pillows. If you are planning to decorate your crib, keep in mind that infants are very affectionate and may grab or bite ornaments. This can cause them to be injured or even separated.
Some parents decide to use a bassinet their newborn until they are ready to move to a crib. Based on infant cot bed of activity your baby has and how active they are, a bassinet can last for six months or more. If this is the case look into this crib which offers all the advantages of a bassinet and a large-sized crib. This model has a side-to-side swivel that makes it easy to reach in and out of the crib. It also has an incline for reflux that is trademarked for colic.
Another fashionable option is this eco-conscious crib that boasts over 2000 rave reviews from actual moms as well as a top 4.8-star rating on Amazon. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is the ultimate style statement that can transform ho-hum nurseries into magazines-worthy spaces. It comes with four levels of adjustable height for the mattress which will come in handy as your baby grows.
Convenience
Cribs are a must-have baby product. It assists in promoting sleep safety by reducing risks of SIDS, entrapment, and suffocation. Cribs must meet specific safety standards, however you can find ones that come with a range of features to suit your taste and budget.
For a crib that fits into modern nursery designs, consider the Ikea Gulliver, which has slim, well-rounded slats and simple lines that can be incorporated into any decor. It's also relatively compact, so it will fit through the majority of doors without disassembling and can be moved easily from room to room. It comes with only two mattress height options, which makes it a good choice for newborns. However other models offer four or three different settings.
If you prefer a more traditional look then the Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib features an sleigh-style frame with a sturdy build. It's certified by GreenGuard and therefore meets environmental standards. Additionally, its numerous colors let you match it with any decor. It's also one of the more expensive options we've reviewed but it's a solid choice through multiple children and can be eventually converted into a toddler bed, and then as a daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. It has a unique design, perfect for modern nursery designs, and a number of features, including one of the smallest levels of the mattress for sitting. It might be easier for parents of smaller heights to reach their children but it's also a bit taller than the other cribs we've reviewed which could be an issue for adults who are smaller.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a classic choice, and is certified by the GreenGuard. It can be turned into a toddler's crib and then a daybed by purchasing separate conversion pieces. This is a great investment that your family will appreciate for a long time. It's not as stylish as the Sloane or the Evolur however it does have an elegant look and comes in a few different colors to suit any nursery.
Budget
A high-quality crib is a good investment whether you plan to cosleep or use the crib that your parents have in their basement. Modern safety standards allow you to find durable cribs with excellent design. The best cribs for newborns are easy to put together and a design that doesn't appear outdated or dated by the new trends in fashion.
If you are considering a crib as the most important purchase you make for your child. You may feel compelled to spend large sums of money to purchase the "perfect" crib. But there are plenty of low-cost, high-quality cribs that can make your baby's first sleeping space comfortable and secure.
When buying a crib, ensure that it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It must also meet all applicable safety standards. It's also important to avoid purchasing secondhand cribs as they may have missing or worn-out hardware that could pose a security risk to your child. If you choose to buy a crib that is used, make sure it is thoroughly inspected by an expert prior to its using it.
A quality crib should include all the safety features needed and be simple to put together. Thistel advises you to read the instructions thoroughly and make sure all the components are included. If you encounter any problems, don't try to make your own solution. Instead, contact the manufacturer for replacement bolts or screws instead.
For new parents looking for a stylish and affordable crib that will grow with their baby, the Cradlewise is the perfect choice. It arrives in a single, very heavy box (enough to warrant calling your friends for help) and comes with simple instructions and a solid build. It comes with a Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam is not included).
The Babyletto Hudson is the ideal crib for small spaces. Its compact footprint and minimalist design make it easy to install. 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 an appealing space for magazines. Baby Cot Bed has four adjustable height settings for the mattress to help you rest your back and prevent your baby from getting out before they're ready.