The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea choose a crib that is elegant and safe for your child. Look for cribs that are up to date with the latest safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations.
Avoid cribs that are too close together, as well as drop-side cribs, which could pose major strangulation hazards for infants. Also, look for a crib with a simple hardware that won't catch on your baby's clothes or hair.
Safety
It is crucial that the crib is safe for your baby. It will be their sanctuary when they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific standards that must be met when manufacturing a crib, including strong mattress supports and sturdy wood. A majority of cribs are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to provide additional safety measures.
Choose a crib that is made from solid wood, not particleboard. Pick a crib that's sturdy and does not have rough edges that could pinch your child. Check that the hardware is securely secured and won't come loose due to humidity or excessive usage.
There are many cribs that offer different levels of mattress support, so you can alter them as your baby grows. You should keep the crib at the lowest point until your child can stand on their own typically at around nine months. Some cribs include a conversion kit to convert the crib into a bed for adults when your child is ready.
Some cribs have decorative features or cutouts that may create a risk of choking for your baby, so look for ones that do not have these kinds of ornaments. Avoid items with decorative features such as mobiles as they can pose a danger to young babies.
A crib that swivels allows you to monitor your baby from any position in the room. It is particularly useful for parents recovering from c-sections and other deliveries in hospitals. The Graco Sweet2Sleep is well-respected option, with a 360 swing that one tester for parents noted "was the ideal way to reach in and soothe your baby without needing to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a csection. The crib also has a lowering side panel for maximum comfort and access. The locking casters make it easy to move from one room to another.
Style
The crib is most likely the most important piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby. The crib will take up most of the floor space in your nursery, which is why it should be elegant and match the style of the nursery.
Many cribs have an elegant, modern design that will work with any style. Some cribs feature flat panels or different designs of slats at the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides, which provide a more traditional look. Whatever you decide on, ensure that it is in compliance with the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics or 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 because it offers more stability and is a more sturdy structure to support your baby's body weight.
It should also have a smooth, non-toxic finish and be easy to clean. Avoid putting anything in the crib that your baby could grab and pull like blankets, toys or pillows. If you are planning to decorate your crib, bear in mind that infants can be very affectionate and may bite or pull on ornaments. This could cause them be injured or even detached.
Some parents prefer to use a bassinet for their baby until their baby is ready to move into an actual crib. A bassinet can last up to six months depending on the level of activity your child has. If this is the case then you should consider this crib that offers all the advantages of a bassinet along with a full-size crib. This model features a side to side swivel which makes it easy to get into and out of the crib. It also has a patented reflux incline to help with colic.
This eco-friendly crib has more than 2,000 rave reviews by real moms, and a premium rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. Made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a true design statement that can transform boring nursery spaces into magazines-worthy spaces. It comes with four mattress heights that will be beneficial as your child grows.
Convenience
Cribs are an essential baby product that helps promote safety and sleep by reducing chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as well as entrapment and suffocation. Cribs are required to meet safety standards. However, you can choose cribs with numerous features that match your preferences 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 lines and slats that complement any décor. It's also small enough to fit through most doors in the interior without disassembling, and can be easily moved from room to room. It comes with two mattress height settings making it a great choice for infants but it's not as versatile as other models with three or four different options.
If you prefer an older-fashioned look then the Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib features an sleigh-style frame with a sturdy construction. It's certified by GreenGuard which means it is in compliance with environmental standards, and its many options allow you to match it to any style. It's also one of the most expensive options, however it will last for multiple children. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed, and later a daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. It comes with unique design, which is perfect for modern nurseries and comes with several features, including one of the smallest levels of the mattress for sitting. It may be easier for parents with smaller heights to reach their children, but it's also a bit taller than the other cribs we've reviewed, which can pose a problem for adults who are shorter.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more traditional choice, and it's also GREENGUARD certified. It can be converted into a toddler bed, and it can be converted into a daybed by the purchase of separate conversion parts It's an investment that will benefit your family for years to come. It's not as fancy as the Sloane or the Evolur however it does have a nice traditional look and comes in a few different colors that will fit any nursery.
Budget
A crib of high-end quality is a great investment, whether you want to sleep in a cosleep or use the crib that your parents have in their basement. Fortunately, modern safety standards allow you to find durable cribs that look stylish too. The best cribs for newborns have simple, intuitive assembly and a design that won't soon appear outdated or dated by the latest fashion trends.
You might feel pressured to purchase the "perfect" crib, since it is the biggest investment you will make for your child. There are numerous cribs of good quality that are affordable and will provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby to rest in.
When looking for a crib, ensure that it is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and is in compliance with all safety standards that are applicable. Avoid buying second-hand cribs as they could be damaged or broken hardware, which could be a risk to your baby's safety. If cots and tots choose to buy a used crib, have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional before using it.
A quality crib should include all the safety features you need and be easy to assemble. Check the instructions carefully to make sure all parts are included and fit correctly, says Thistel. If you have any problems you're having trouble, you should contact the manufacturer for replacement bolts or screws.
Cradlewise is a great option for new parents looking for a stylish crib that will expand with their child. It arrives in one, very heavy box (enough to make you want to call your friends for assistance) and comes with simple instructions and a sturdy construction. It comes with a natural CoconutCoir mattress (VOC & PU foam free) that is suitable for toddlers and infants and is Greenguard GOLD-certified.
The Babyletto Hudson is the ideal crib for a small space. Its compact footprint and minimalist design make it easy to install. It is made from eco-friendly sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors that instantly transform a boring nursery into an appealing space for magazines. It also comes with four adjustable mattress settings to prevent your child from climbing up before they are ready.