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 choose one that is stylish and safe. Look for cribs that meet modern safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid cribs with slats too close together, as well as drop-side cribs, which could pose major strangulation hazards for babies. Look for cribs with simple hardware, so that it doesn't get caught in your baby's hair or clothing.
Safety
The crib of a baby is their home away from home for a long period of duration, so it's crucial to ensure it's secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific requirements to be adhered to when manufacturing a crib, including strong mattress supports and durable wood. A majority of cribs are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to ensure additional security measures.
Select a crib made of solid wood rather than particleboard. Also, pick one which is built well and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could irritate your baby. Check that the hardware is securely fixed and won't become loose with time due to humidity or excessive usage.
There are many cribs with various mattress support levels and can be adjusted as your baby grows. The lowest level is ideal for babies, and you should keep it at this level until your child can begin to lift themselves up typically around the age of nine months. Some cribs come with the option of converting the crib into a bed for adults when your child is ready.
Some cribs are decorated with features or cutouts that may cause choking danger for your child So, look for cribs that are free of these kinds of decorations. Likewise, avoid decorative objects such as mobiles in the crib as these can also be a hazard for infants.
Swivel cribs let you monitor your baby from anyplace within the room. This is especially beneficial for those recovering after C-sections as well as other births in hospitals. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a well-liked option. It features a 360-degree swivel, which one parent discovered "was the perfect solution to reach into and soothe the baby without having to get up from their bed," especially helpful during the recovery process following a c-section. This crib has a lower side wall to allow for maximum accessibility and intimacy. It's also compact enough to be moved from room to room easily due to locking wheels.
Style
The crib is probably the most significant furniture piece in your baby's nursery. The crib will take up most of the area in your nursery, therefore it must be stylish and fit with the aesthetic.
A lot of cribs have a minimalistic, modern design that will work with any style. Some cribs feature flat panels or slat arrangements at the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides which give them the appearance of traditional. Whatever you decide to go with ensure that it complies with the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs have an slat made of wood or metal mattress frame, which can be a solid board or a grid of wood slats, or even a spring wire grid. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter since it is more stable and is a stronger structure to support the weight of your baby's body.
It must also have a non-toxic, smooth finish and be easy to clean. Be careful not to place anything in the crib your baby could grasp and pull, such as blankets, toys or pillows. Decorate your crib with attention. Babies may be clingy and they might grab or bite ornaments. This could cause them be injured or even detached.
Some parents decide to use a bassinet for their infant until they are ready to transition to a crib. Depending on the level of activity your baby has, a bassinet may only last six months or more. This crib is a combination of both a bassinet as well as a bed that is full size. This model has a side-to-side swivel that makes it easy to reach into and out of the crib. It also features a patent-pending reflux incline to help with colic.
This eco-conscious crib has over 2,000 rave reviews by real moms, as well as a high rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. The crib is constructed of sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and can transform a dull nursery into an appealing space for magazines. It has four levels of adjustable height for the mattress, a feature that will come in handy as your baby grows.
Convenience
A crib is a must-have baby product. It can help promote sleep safety by reducing risks of SIDS, entrapment, and suffocation. Cribs are required to conform to safety standards. However you can pick cribs with a variety of features that fit your style and budget.
For a crib that blends with contemporary nursery styles, check out the Ikea Gulliver, which has thin, nicely rounded lines and slats that match any decor. It's also relatively compact, so it will fit through most interior doorways without disassembling and can be easily moved from room to room. It has two mattress height settings which makes it a great choice for infants, but not as flexible as other models that 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 design. It has a sturdy frame with an sleigh-like design. It's GREENGUARD-certified, which means you can be certain that it is in line with the requirements of the environment. The various finishes allow you to match the crib with any style. It's also among the more expensive options we've reviewed, but it will last through multiple children and can be eventually converted into a toddler bed and then a daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. It features a unique design, perfect for modern nurseries and comes with several features including one of lowest the heights of a sitting mattress. This could make it easier for petite parents to reach their child however, it's higher than the other cribs reviewed which could be a challenge for shorter adults worried about their baby falling out of the crib.
cot sale Cots For Tots 4-in-1 is a more traditional option, and it's certified by the GreenGuard. It can be turned into a toddler's crib and later a daybed with the purchase of separate conversion parts. This is a great investment that your family can enjoy for a long time. It's not as stylish as the Evolur or the Sloane however, it has a classic look.
Budget
A crib of high-end quality is a good investment whether you plan to cosleep or use the crib that your parents have in their basement. The modern safety standards make it easy to find sturdy cribs that look great too. The best newborn cribs come with a simple, easy assembly and a design that won't quickly look old-fashioned or outdated by the current fashion trends.
If you are considering a crib as the most important purchase you'll make for your child. You might feel pressured to spend large sums of money to purchase the "perfect" crib. There are many cribs with high quality that are affordable and will provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby to sleep in.
When looking for a crib, ensure whether it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and meets all safety standards applicable to it. Avoid buying second-hand cribs as they may be worn or broken hardware, which could be a risk to your baby's safety. If you choose to buy an old crib, ensure that you make sure it is thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional before using it.
A quality crib should include all the necessary safety features and be easy to assemble. Read the instructions carefully to make sure all parts are included and fit correctly, says Thistel. If you experience any issues, it's best to contact the manufacturer to obtain replacement screws or bolts.
Cradlewise is a great option for new parents who are looking for a stylish crib that can evolve with their child. It's a heavy box with easy-to-follow instructions and a sturdy construction. It comes with a Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam is not included).
If you're squeezing an infant's crib into a tiny space the Babyletto Hudson can help thanks to its small footprint and sleek, minimalist style. It is made from eco-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and comes in an array of modern colors to instantly transform a drab nursery into an appealing space for magazines. It also has four adjustable mattress settings to prevent your baby from climbing on the bed before they're ready.