The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your child will spend most of her time in the crib, so it's a smart idea to invest in one that's both elegant and secure. Find cribs that are up to current with the most recent safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations.
Avoid slats that are too close together and drop-side cribs, which can cause strangulation issues for babies. Also, consider an infant crib with simple hardware that won't get caught on the baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
It is essential that a crib be 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, which include durable wood and strong mattress supports. Many cribs are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to ensure additional security measures.
Choose a crib made of solid wood instead of particleboard. Also, choose one that is sturdy and doesn't have rough edges or areas that could hurt your baby. Make sure that the hardware is securely secured and won't come loose due to humidity or frequent use.
There are many cribs that offer different levels of mattress support, so you can alter them as your baby grows. The lowest setting is the best for newborns and you should leave it at this height until your child is able to lift themselves up, which is usually around nine months. Some cribs also come with an infant bed conversion kit that allows you to transform the crib into a toddler bed when your child is old enough to move out of your room.
Find cribs that do not have decorative features or cutouts. These can pose the risk of choking your baby. Also, avoid putting decorative objects such as mobiles in the crib since they can also be a hazard for young babies.
Swivel cribs allow you monitor your baby from any place in the room. This is particularly useful for those recovering from c-sections and other hospital-based births. The Sweet2Sleep crib by Graco is a well-liked option. It has a 360-degree swivel, which one parent tester found "was the perfect way to reach into and soothe your child without getting up from the bed," especially helpful during the recovery process following a c-section. The crib also comes with a lowering side panel for ultimate closeness and accessibility. The locking casters allow you to easily move from one room to the next.
Style
The crib is likely to be the most significant piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby. It will take up the largest amount of floor space and therefore must be designed to fit the aesthetic of your nursery.
A majority of cribs come with a modern, minimalist style that is compatible with any style. Some cribs come with flat panels or different slat arrangements at the ends. Others have finials or drop sides which give them a more an old-fashioned appearance. Whichever you choose 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 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 weight.
It must have a non-toxic and smooth finish that is easy to clean. Avoid putting anything in the crib your baby might pull or grab, such as blankets, toys or pillows. Decorate your crib with consideration. Babies can be clingy, and they may grab or bite ornaments. This could hurt or even cause them to fall off.
Some parents decide to use a bassinet for their baby until they are ready to move to the crib. A bassinet can last up to six months, depending on how active your child is. This crib combines the best of both a bassinet as well as a bed that is full size. This model has an swivel that is side-to-side, making it easy to get into and out of the crib. It also has a reflux incline that is patent-pending for colic.
This eco-friendly crib has received over 2500 rave reviews from real moms, and a premium rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a design statement that will transform boring nurseries into magazines-worthy spaces. online cots comes with four adjustable mattress height levels, a feature that will come in handy as your baby grows.
Convenience
Cribs are an essential baby item that promotes safety and sleep by reducing chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or entrapment, as well as suffocation. Cribs have to meet certain safety standards, but you can find ones with a variety of features to suit your taste and budget.
If you're looking for a crib that fits in with modern nursery styles, try the Ikea Gulliver, which has thin, nicely 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. It comes with two mattress heights which makes it a great choice for infants however it's not as flexible as other models that have three or four different options.
If you like a more traditional look then the Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib features frames that resemble sleighs and are built with a solid construction. It's certified by GreenGuard which means it meets environmental standards. Its numerous options allow you to match it to any style. It's also among the more expensive options we've reviewed, but it will last through many children and eventually be converted into a toddler bed, and later as a daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. It has an innovative design, ideal for modern nurseries and comes with several features including one of lowest sitting mattress heights. This can make it easier for smaller parents to reach their child but it's also a bit higher than the other cribs reviewed, which can be challenging for smaller adults who are concerned about their child falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a classic choice, and it's also certified by the GreenGuard. It can be converted into a toddler's bed and then a daybed by purchasing separate conversion pieces. It's an investment that your family will appreciate for many years. It might not be as fancy as the Evolur or the Sloane, but it still has a classic look.
Budget
Even if you intend to co-sleep with your baby or you want to use the crib that your parents saved for you in their basement, a top-quality crib that is safe and secure is an investment piece. Modern safety standards make it possible to find sturdy cribs with excellent design. The best cribs for newborns are easy to set up and come with a design that won't be outdated by the latest fashions.
Considering a crib is the most important purchase you'll make for your child, and you might feel pressured to spend huge sums of money for the "perfect" one. However, there are a variety of low-cost, high-quality cribs that can make your baby's first sleep environment comfortable and safe.
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 because they may have worn or broken hardware, which could pose a threat to your baby's safety. If you decide to buy a crib that is used be sure that it has been thoroughly examined by an expert prior to its using it.
Apart from the essential safety features, a great crib should be stable, sturdy and easy to assemble. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and ensure that all components are included and fitted correctly according to Thistel. If you have any problems, it's best to contact the manufacturer for replacement screws or bolts.
For parents who are new and looking for a stylish affordable crib that can grow with their baby The Cradlewise fits the bill. It comes in a very heavy box, with simple instructions and a sturdy structure. It comes with a Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam free).
The Babyletto Hudson is the perfect crib for small spaces. Its compact footprint and minimalist design make it easy to fit. It is made from eco-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and comes in an array of contemporary colors that instantly transform a dull nursery into an appealing space for magazines. Additionally, it comes with four adjustable mattress height settings to protect your back and prevent your child from stepping out before they're ready.