The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your little one will spend most of her time in the crib, so it's a smart idea to invest in one that's elegant and secure. Search for cribs that are 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. They can pose a major strangulation hazard for babies. Look for cribs with simple hardware so that it doesn't get caught in your baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
The crib of a baby will be their home away from home for a long period of period of time, so it's vital to ensure that it's secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific guidelines for cribs, such as solid wood construction and sturdy mattress supports. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified a variety of cribs to meet additional security measures.
Find cribs constructed of solid wood rather than particle board. Also, choose one that is sturdily built and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could pinch your baby. Verify that the hardware is firmly attached and will not come loose due to humidity or frequent use.
Many cribs have different mattress support heights which means they can be adjusted as your baby grows. The lowest level is best for infants and you should leave it at this height until your child can begin to stand up typically around the age of nine months. Some cribs also come with an infant bed conversion kit that lets you convert the crib into a toddler bed when your child is old enough to move out of your room.
Certain cribs come with decorative features or cutouts which could create a risk of choking for your baby So, look for cribs that do not have these kinds of decorations. Also, avoid putting decorative objects like mobiles in the crib as these can also be a danger for young babies.
Swivel cribs let you monitor your baby from anywhere in the room. This is particularly beneficial for babies recovering from C-sections as well as other births in hospitals. The Graco Sweet2Sleep is well-respected option that has a 360-degree swivel that a parent said "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. This crib has a lowering side wall to allow for maximum accessibility and closeness. It's also small enough to be moved from room to room effortlessly, thanks to lockable wheels.
Style
The crib is likely to be the most important furniture piece in your baby's nursery. The crib will take up most of the floor space in your nursery, so it should be elegant and match the style of the nursery.
A lot of cribs have an elegant, modern design that can be used with any style. Some cribs come with flat panels or different slat arrangements at the ends. Some have finials or drop sides that provide a more traditional look. Whichever you choose, make sure it meets the safety standards set 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 wooden slats or a spring wire grid. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter as it is more stable and is a better structure to support the weight of your baby's body.
It should have a non-toxic, smooth finish that is easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib your baby can grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys and pillows. If you are planning to decorate your crib, bear in mind that children are very clingy and may grab or bite ornaments. This could cause injury or remove them.
Some parents prefer to use a baby bassinet until their child is ready for a crib. Based on how active your baby is, a bassinet may only last six months or more. If this is your situation, consider this crib that offers all the advantages of a bassinet with a large-sized crib. This crib has a side-to-side swivel that makes it easy to reach in and out of the crib. It also comes with a patent-pending reflux incline that helps with colic.
Another fashionable option is this eco-friendly crib that has more than 2500 rave reviews from real moms as well as a top 4.8-star rating on Amazon. This crib is made of sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and can transform a drab nursery into a magazine-worthy one. It has four levels of adjustable height for the mattress and a feature that can come in handy as your baby grows.
most recommended cribs is a crucial baby item that promotes secure sleep by reducing the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or entrapment, as well as suffocation. Cribs must meet specific safety standards, however there are cribs that come that come with a range of features to suit your preferences and budget.
For a crib that blends into modern nursery styles, try the Ikea Gulliver, which has sleek, well-rounded lines and slats that can be incorporated into any decor. It's also compact, so it will fit through most doors in the interior without disassembling and can be easily moved from room to room. It comes with only two mattress height options, making it a great choice for newborns. However other models come with four or three different settings.
If you prefer a more traditional look The Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib comes with a sleigh-style frame and sturdy build. It's certified by GreenGuard, so you can rest assured that it meets environmental standards. The numerous finishes allow you to match the crib with any style of decor. It's also one of the most expensive options, but it can last for many children. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed, and then into a daybed.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, which has a unique design that's perfect for modern nurseries and has a lot of features, including one of the lowest the heights of a sitting mattress. That might make it easier for petite parents to reach their child, but it's also higher than the other cribs we've reviewed and can be a problem for shorter adults worried about their baby falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more traditional option, and it's GREENGUARD certified. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed and later a daybed with the purchase of separate conversion components. It's an investment that your family will appreciate for many years. It's not as elegant as the Sloane or the Evolur, but it has an elegant look and comes in a variety of different colors to suit any nursery.
Budget
Even if you intend to share a bed with your child or use the crib that your parents rescued from their basement, a quality crib that is safe and secure is an investment piece. The modern safety standards allow you to find sturdy cribs that look great too. The best cribs for newborns come with a simple, easy assembly and a style that won't quickly look old-fashioned or outdated by the current fashion trends.
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" crib. There are numerous cribs of good quality that are affordable and will provide a safe and secure environment for your baby to rest in.
When buying a crib, ensure it's endorsed by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also be in compliance with all safety standards applicable. It is also essential to stay clear of buying second-hand cribs as they may have worn-out or missing hardware that could pose a safety risk to your child. If you choose to buy an old crib, ensure that you have it thoroughly inspected by a trained professional prior to using it.
Apart from the essential safety features, a great crib must be stable, solid and easy to assemble. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and make sure all parts are included and properly fitted, says Thistel. If you encounter any problems, don't make your own solution. Instead, contact the manufacturer to request replacement screws or bolts instead.
Cradlewise is a great option for new parents who are seeking a chic and stylish crib that will grow with their child. It's a heavy box with easy-to-follow directions and a solid construction. It comes with an organic 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 thanks to its small footprint and sleek, minimalist style. It is made from eco-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 help you rest your back and stop your baby from climbing out before they're ready.