The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea to choose a crib that is stylish and safe for your child. Look for cribs that meet modern safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid cribs with slats that are too close together, as well as drop-side cribs. They pose dangerous for strangulation to infants. Choose cribs that have simple hardware so that it doesn't get caught in your baby's hair or clothing.
Safety
The crib of a baby is their place of refuge for a very long duration, so it's crucial to ensure it's safe. Cots For Tots has specific guidelines that must be met when building a crib including sturdy mattress supports and durable wood. Many cribs are additionally certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to provide additional security measures.
Select a crib made from solid wood, not particleboard. Also, pick one which is built well and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could irritate your baby. Lastly, be sure to ensure that the device is securely secured and won't come loose over time from the elements or prolonged use.
There are many cribs that offer different levels of mattress support, so you can adjust them as your baby grows. You should keep the crib at its lowest level until your child can stand on their own, which usually happens at around nine months. Some cribs are also equipped with a toddler bed conversion kit that allows you to transform the crib into a toddler bed once your child is old enough to leave your room.
Certain cribs come with decorative features or cutouts which could cause choking danger for your child Therefore, you should choose a crib that do not have these kinds of ornaments. Also, avoid putting decorative objects like mobiles in the crib as these can also be a hazard for young babies.
Swivel cribs allow you to monitor your baby from anyplace in the room. This is particularly useful for those recovering after c-sections and other hospital-based births. The Graco Sweet2Sleep is a well-regarded option with a 360-degree swivel that a parent noted "was the ideal way to reach in and comfort your baby without having to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a csection. This crib has a lower side wall for maximum accessibility and comfort. It's also small enough that it can be moved from room to room with ease due to locking casters.
Style
The crib is the most essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It will occupy the most space on the floor and, therefore, it must be designed in a way that is compatible with your nursery's aesthetic.
A majority of cribs come with a modern, minimalist style that is compatible with any style. Some cribs have flat panels or arrangement of slats on the ends. Others have finials or drop sides that give them more of the traditional appearance. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure it is in compliance with the safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs come with an aluminum or wood-slat mattress support that is either one-piece solid board or a grid of wood-slats or spring-wire grid frames. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter as it provides more stability and is a better structure to support your baby's body weight.
It must also have a non-toxic, smooth finish and be easy to clean. Do not place things in the crib that your child could grab and pull like blankets, toys or pillows. Decorate your crib with consideration. Babies may be clingy and they may bite or pull at ornaments. This could hurt or even cause them to fall off.
Some parents choose to use a bassinet for their baby until they are ready for a crib. A bassinet can last for up to six months, depending on how active your child is. If this is your situation look into this crib which offers all the advantages of a bassinet along with a large-sized crib. This model features 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 patent-pending for 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 comes with four mattress heights that can be helpful as your child grows.
Convenience
Cribs are a must-have baby item. It helps promote secure sleeping by reducing risks of SIDS, entrapment, and suffocation. Cribs must conform to safety standards. However, you can choose cribs with many features that suit your style and budget.
For a crib that fits with contemporary nursery designs, consider the Ikea Gulliver, which has sleek, well-rounded lines and slats that match any décor. It is also compact enough to pass through most interior doors without disassembly, and is easily moved from room-to-room. It has only two mattress height options, which makes it a good option for infants. However, other models have four or three different settings.
If you like a more traditional look then the Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib comes with a sleigh-style frame and sturdy build. It's GREENGUARD-certified, which means you can rest assured that it complies with environmental standards. The various finishes allow you to match the crib to any decor. It is also one of the most expensive options, however it can last for many children. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, and then the daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. It features an innovative design, ideal for modern nurseries and comes with several features, including one of the smallest the heights of a sitting mattress. 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 can pose problems for adults who are smaller.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more traditional choice, and it's also 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 enjoy for many years. It's not as fancy as the Sloane or the Evolur however it does have an appealing traditional design and comes in several different colors that will fit any nursery.
Budget
A crib of high-end quality is a good investment whether you intend to sleep with a partner or use the crib that your parents have in their basement. The modern safety standards allow you to find durable cribs that look great too. The best cribs for babies are simple to put together and come with a design that won't be obsolete by the latest fashions.
When you think about a crib as the most important purchase you'll make for your child, and you might be tempted to shell out large sums of money to purchase the "perfect" one. There are many cribs of high quality that are affordable and provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for your baby to rest in.
When looking for a crib, make sure whether it's endorsed by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and meets all applicable safety standards. Avoid buying second-hand cribs since they could be damaged or broken hardware which could pose a threat to your baby's safety. If you choose to purchase a used crib ensure that it's thoroughly examined by a professional prior to its use.
In addition to the crucial safety features, a good crib should be sturdy, stable and easy to assemble. Check the instructions carefully to ensure that all the components are included and fit correctly, says Thistel. If you encounter problems, don't try to make your own solution. Instead, contact the manufacturer to request replacement screws or bolts instead.
For new parents looking for a chic and affordable crib that will grow with their baby Cradlewise Cradlewise is the perfect choice. It's a heavy box, with simple instructions and a sturdy structure. 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 trying to squeeze the crib into a small space, the Babyletto Hudson will make 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 of modern colors to instantly transform a drab nursery into a magazine-worthy one. Plus, it has four adjustable height settings for the mattress to help you rest your back and stop your baby from getting out before they're ready.