The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea choose a crib that is stylish and secure for your baby. Look 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. They pose a major strangulation hazard for babies. Look for cribs with simple hardware so that it doesn't snag your baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
It is important that the crib is safe for your child. It will be their home while they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific standards for cribs, such as robust wood and sturdy mattress supports. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified many cribs for additional safety measures.
Look for cribs constructed from solid wood instead of particle board. Also, pick one that is sturdy and doesn't have rough edges or areas that could irritate your baby. Make sure that the hardware is securely secured and won't come loose due to humidity or heavy usage.
There are infant cot bed that offer multiple mattress support levels, so you can adjust them as your baby grows. The crib should be kept at the lowest point until your child can stand on their own, which usually happens at around nine months. Some cribs also come with an infant bed conversion kit that allows you to convert the crib into a toddler bed once your child is old enough to leave your room.
Some cribs are decorated with 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 be a danger for infants.
Swivel cribs allow you monitor your baby from anywhere in the room. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections or other births that are hospital-based. The Graco Sweet2Sleep is a well-regarded option that has a 360-degree swing that one tester for parents observed "was the ideal method to reach into and soothe your baby without having to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a c-section. The crib also has an adjustable side panel that can be lowered for maximum comfort and accessibility. The lockable casters make it easy to move from one room to another.
Style
The crib is the most important piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It will occupy the most space on the floor and therefore must have a style that fits the aesthetic of your nursery.
A majority of cribs come with a modern, minimalist style that is compatible with any style. Some cribs have different slat configurations or flat panels at the ends. Some have finials or drop sides that give them a more a traditional look. Whichever one you choose ensure that it complies with the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The majority of cribs have 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 better structure to support your baby's weight.
Mini Cot Bed must also have a non-toxic, smooth finish and be easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib your baby could grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys, or pillows. If you're planning to decorate your crib, bear in mind that babies can be extremely sensitive and could grab or bite ornaments. This can cause them to be injured or even separated.
Some parents opt to use a bassinet for their infant until they are ready to move into the crib. Depending on the level of activity your baby has the bassinet could last six months or more. This crib offers the best of both a bassinet as well as a large bed. This crib has a side-to-side pivot that makes it simple to reach in and out of the crib. It also has a reflux incline that is trademarked for colic.
Another stylish option is this eco-conscious crib that has more than 2500 rave reviews from real moms as well as a top 4.8-star rating on Amazon. Made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is the ultimate style statement that can transform boring nursery spaces into magazines-worthy rooms. It comes with four adjustable mattress height levels and a feature that can be useful as your baby grows.
Convenience
Cribs are a must-have baby product. It helps promote sleep safety by reducing risks of SIDS, entrapment, and suffocation. Cribs have to meet certain safety standards, but you can find ones that come with a range of features to suit your taste and budget.
If you're looking for a crib that fits with contemporary nursery styles, check out 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 requiring disassembly. It can also be moved easily from room to room. It only has two mattress height options, making it a great choice for newborns. However other models come with four or three different settings.
The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great option for those who prefer a traditional style. It features a sturdy frame with an sleigh-like design. It's certified by GreenGuard, so you can be certain that it complies with environmental standards. The many finishes also allow you to match the crib with any style. It's also one of the more expensive options we've looked at in our review, but it will last through multiple children and can eventually be converted into a toddler bed and later a daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. It has unique design, which is perfect for modern nursery designs and comes with a variety of features, including one of the smallest the heights of a sitting mattress. It might be easier for parents with smaller statures to reach their children, but it is also taller than the other cribs reviewed which could be problems for adults who are shorter.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a classic option, and it's certified by the GreenGuard. It can be turned into a toddler's bed, and later a daybed with the purchase of separate conversion components. This is a great investment that your family can enjoy for many years. It's not as stylish as the Sloane or the Evolur however it does have an appealing traditional design and comes in several different colors to suit any nursery.
Budget
Even if you plan to sleep with your baby or use the crib your parents rescued from their basement, a top-quality, safe crib is an investment piece. Fortunately, modern safety standards make it easy to find durable cribs that are stylish too. The best newborn cribs are easy to set up and have a design that will not be quickly out of date with the most recent fashion trends.
You might feel pressured to buy the "perfect" crib, considering that it is the most important investment you will make for your child. However, there are a variety of low-cost, high-quality cribs that will make your baby's first sleep environment comfortable and safe.
When purchasing a crib ensure that it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also be in compliance with all applicable safety standards. It's also important to avoid buying secondhand cribs, as they can have worn-out or missing hardware which could pose a safety danger to your child. If you choose to buy a crib that is used be sure that it has been thoroughly examined by an expert prior to use.
A good crib should have all the necessary safety features and be simple to put together. Thistel advises you to read the instructions thoroughly and ensure that all the components are included. If you encounter any issues, it's best to contact the manufacturer to obtain bolts or screws that are replaced.
For new parents looking for a stylish, budget-friendly crib that grows with their baby, the Cradlewise fits the bill. It arrives in a single, very heavy box (enough to warrant calling your friends for assistance), and has easy-to-follow instructions and a sturdy construction. It comes with an organic CoconutCoir mattress (VOC and PU foam-free) that is suitable for infants and toddlers and is Greenguard GOLD certified.
If you're trying to squeeze a crib into a tight space The Babyletto Hudson makes it work thanks to its small footprint and sleek, minimalist style. It's made from eco-friendly sustainable New Zealand pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors that instantly transform boring nursery spaces into magazines-worthy spaces. It also comes with four adjustable mattress settings to stop your baby from climbing up before they're ready.