The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your baby will spend most of her time in the crib So it's a good idea to invest in one that's both elegant and secure. Make sure you choose a crib that meets the latest safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid cribs that have slats too close together, as well as drop-side cribs. They pose an extremely strangulation risk for infants. Also, look for a crib with simple hardware that won't catch on your baby's clothing or hair.
Safety
It is important that the crib you choose to use is safe for your child. It will be their home while they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific guidelines to be adhered to when manufacturing a crib, including sturdy mattress supports and robust wood. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified a number of cribs for additional security measures.
Look for a crib constructed from solid wood rather than particle board. Also, pick one that is sturdily built and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could hurt your baby. Lastly, be sure to ensure that the device is securely secured and won't come loose over time from extreme humidity or use.
There are many cribs that have various mattress support levels and can be adjusted as your baby grows. The lowest level is best for babies and you should keep it at this level until your child can begin to lift themselves up at 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.
Look for cribs without cutouts or decorative features. These can pose the risk of choking your baby. Avoid items with decorative features such as mobiles as they can be dangerous for babies.
small cot beds let you monitor your baby from any place in the room. This is especially beneficial for babies recovering from C-sections or other births that are hospital-based. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a well-regarded option, with a 360 swing that one tester for parents observed "was the ideal method to reach into and soothe a baby without needing 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 intimacy. The lockable casters make it easy to move from one room to another.
Style
The crib is most likely the most prominent furniture piece in the nursery of your baby. It will take up the largest amount of floor space and therefore must be designed to fit your nursery's aesthetic.
Many cribs have modern, minimalist designs that can be used with any style. Some cribs feature flat panels or different slat arrangements at the ends. Some have finials or drop sides, which provide a more traditional look. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure it meets the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs have a metal or wooden slat mattress frame that can be a solid board, a grid of wood slats or a spring wire grid. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter because it is more stable and is a better structure to support your baby's body weight.
It should also have a non-toxic, smooth finish and be easy to clean. Do not place anything in the crib your baby could grab and pull, such as blankets, toys or pillows. Decorate your crib with attention. Babies can be clingy, and they can bite or pull at ornaments. This could hurt or even detach them.
Some parents decide to use a bassinet for their newborn until they are ready to move to a 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 is a combination of all the benefits of a bassinet along with a large-sized crib. This model features the ability to swivel side-to-side, making it easy to get in and out of crib. It also has an incline of reflux that has been trademarked for colic.
This eco-friendly crib has more than 2,000 rave reviews by real moms, as well as a high rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is the ultimate design statement that can transform boring nursery spaces into magazines-worthy spaces. It has four adjustable mattress height levels which will help you as your baby grows.
Convenience
A crib is a must-have baby item. It can help promote secure sleeping by reducing dangers of SIDS as well as entrapment and suffocation. Cribs have to meet certain safety standards, but you can find ones with a variety of features to suit your preferences and budget.
Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which features thin, nicely-rounded slats and clean lines that complement any decor. It's also compact enough to fit through the majority of doors in the interior without disassembling, and is easily moved from room-to-room. It has two mattress height settings, so it's a good option for babies but it's not as versatile as other models that offer three or four different options.
If you like an older-fashioned look The Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib comes with a sleigh-style frame and sturdy construction. It is GREENGUARD-certified, so you can be sure it is in line with environmental standards. The numerous finishes allow you to match the crib with any decor. It's also among the most expensive options, however it can last for many children. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, and later an adult daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. It features a unique design, perfect for modern nursery designs and comes with a variety of features, including one of the lowest sitting mattress heights. This could help petite parents to reach their child but it's also taller than other cribs in the review and can be a problem for shorter adults worried about their baby falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden is a more conventional choice. It's also GREENGUARD-certified. It can be turned into a toddler bed, and later into a daybed through the purchase of separate conversion parts, so it's an investment that will serve your family for many years to be. It might not be as stylish as the Evolur or the Sloane however it is a classic design.
Budget
Even if you are planning to sleep with your baby or want to use the crib that your parents saved for you in their basement, a quality, safe crib is an investment piece. The modern standards of safety make it simple to find durable cribs that look stylish too. The best cribs for newborns are easy to set up and come with a design that will not be quickly outdated by the most recent fashions.
You may feel pressured to purchase the "perfect" crib, since it is the most important investment you will make for your child. There are many cribs with high quality that are reasonably priced and will provide a safe and comfortable environment for your child to sleep in.
When you are looking for a crib, make sure whether it's endorsed by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and is in compliance with all safety standards that are applicable. Avoid buying second-hand cribs since they could be damaged or missing hardware which could pose a threat to your baby's safety. If you decide to purchase a secondhand crib, make sure it is thoroughly examined by a professional before using it.
A good crib should have all the necessary safety features and be simple to put together. Thistel says to check the instructions thoroughly and make sure all the components are included. If you have any problems it is recommended to contact the manufacturer to get bolts or screws that are replaced.
For parents who are new and seeking a stylish and affordable crib that will grow with their baby The Cradlewise will meet your needs. It comes in a single extremely heavy box (enough to warrant calling your friends for help) and comes with easy-to-follow instructions and a sturdy construction. It comes with a natural CoconutCoir mattress (VOC & PU foam free) that's suitable for infants and toddlers and is Greenguard GOLD-certified.
The Babyletto Hudson is the ideal crib for small spaces. Its small footprint and minimalist design makes it easy to fit. It's made of environmentally-friendly, sustainable New Zealand pine wood and comes in a wide range of modern colors that will instantly transform dull nursery spaces into magazine-worthy spaces. Additionally, it comes with four adjustable mattress height settings to protect your back and prevent your child from stepping out before they're ready.