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 is stylish and safe. 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 with slats too close together, as well as drop-side cribs that could pose major strangulation hazards for infants. Also, consider a crib with a simple hardware that won't get caught on the baby's hair or clothes.
Safety
The crib of a baby will be their place of refuge for a long time, so it's important to ensure that it's safe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific standards for cribs, including robust wood and sturdy mattress supports. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified many cribs for additional security measures.
Choose a crib that is made from solid wood, not particleboard. Also, select a crib that is sturdily built and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could pinch your baby. Finally, check that cot for sale is securely attached and won't break over time from extreme humidity or use.
There are many cribs with multiple mattress support heights, so they can be adjusted as your baby grows. The lowest level is best for newborns, and you should keep the mattress at this level until your child is able to walk up and down, which is usually around the age of nine months. Some cribs also come with a toddler bed conversion kit that allows you to convert the crib into a toddler bed once your child is old enough to move out of your room.
Look for cribs without ornamental features or cutouts. These can pose an choking risk to your baby. Avoid mobiles and other decorative items because they could pose a danger to young babies.
A swiveling crib allows you to watch your baby from any place in the room. It is particularly useful for parents recovering from c-sections or other deliveries in hospitals. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a favorite. It features a 360-degree swivel, which one parent tester discovered "was the ideal solution to reach and soothe a child without having to get up from the bed," especially helpful during recovery after a c section. This crib has a lower side wall to allow for maximum accessibility and comfort. It's also small enough that it can be moved from room to room effortlessly with the help of lockable rolling casters.
Style
The crib is the most essential piece of furniture in your baby's nursery. It will occupy the most floor space and, therefore, it must be designed to fit your nursery's aesthetic.
Many cribs have a minimalistic, modern design that will work with any style. Some cribs come with flat panels or other arrangement of slats on the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides that give them 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 the option of a wood-slat or metal mattress support, which is a solid one-piece piece board or a wood-slat grid or spring-wire grid frames. The latter is suggested by What to Expect and Baby Bargains since it provides greater stability and is a more solid structure to support the weight of your baby.
It must have a non-toxic, smooth surface that is easy to clean. Do not place things in the crib that your baby could grasp and pull, such as toys, blankets, or pillows. If you want to decorate your crib, bear in mind that babies can be extremely clingy and may grab or bite ornaments. This can cause them to be injured or even detached.
Some parents decide to use a bassinet their baby until they are ready to move to a crib. Based on how active your baby is, a bassinet may only last for six months or more. If this is the case for you, consider this crib that is a combination of all the benefits of a bassinet along with a large-sized crib. This model features an swivel that is side-to-side which makes it easy to get into and out of the crib. It also features a patent-pending reflux incline for colic.
This eco-conscious crib has over 2500 rave reviews from real moms, and a premium rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. Made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a design statement that will transform boring nursery spaces into magazine-worthy spaces. It comes with four mattress heights, which can be helpful as your child grows.
Convenience
A crib is a must-have baby product. It helps promote safe sleeping by reducing the risks of SIDS as well as entrapment and suffocation. Cribs must comply with safety standards. However cribs are available with many features that suit your preferences and budget.
Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which features thin, nicely-rounded slats and simple lines to match any decor. It's also quite compact, which means it can fit through the majority of doors without requiring disassembly. It can also be easily moved from room to room. It comes with two mattress heights, so it's a good option for babies, 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 more traditional design. It features a sturdy frame with the sleigh design. It's certified by GreenGuard, so you know it is in compliance with environmental standards. Its numerous colors allow you to blend it to any style. It's also among the most expensive options, however it will last for multiple children. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, and then into the daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different alternative. It features a unique design, perfect for modern nurseries, and a number of features, including one of the lowest levels of the mattress for sitting. It may be easier for parents with smaller statures to reach their children, but it's also a bit taller than the other cribs we've reviewed, which can pose an issue for adults who are shorter.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a classic choice, and is GREENGUARD certified. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed, and then a daybed, by purchasing separate conversion components. 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, but it still has a traditional look.
Budget
A high-quality crib is a good investment whether you intend to sleep with a partner or use the crib that your parents have in their basement. Fortunately, modern safety standards allow you to find sturdy cribs that look stylish too. The best newborn cribs are easy to assemble and have a design that will not be quickly obsolete by the most recent fashions.
You may feel pressured to purchase the "perfect" crib, considering that it is the biggest purchase you'll ever make for your child. However, there are a variety of low-cost, high-quality cribs that will make your baby's first sleeping space comfortable and secure.
When shopping for a crib, make sure whether it's endorsed by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and conforms to all applicable safety standards. It is also essential to stay clear of buying second-hand cribs, as they can have worn-out or missing hardware that could pose a security risk to your child. If you choose to purchase a used crib be sure that it has been thoroughly inspected by an expert prior to its use.
A quality crib should include all the safety features you need and be easy to put together. Thistel says to check the instructions thoroughly and make sure that all the components are included. If you have any problems you're having trouble, you should contact the manufacturer to obtain replacement screws or bolts.
For new parents looking for a chic and affordable crib that will grow with their child Cradlewise Cradlewise fits the bill. It's a heavy box, with simple instructions and a sturdy construction. It comes with a natural CoconutCoir mattress (VOC & PU foam free) suitable for toddlers and infants and is Greenguard GOLD certified.
If you're squeezing an infant's crib into a tiny space The Babyletto Hudson will make it work with its compact footprint and sleek, minimalist design. It's made from environmentally-friendly sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and is available in a variety modern colors to instantly transform a drab nursery into a magazine-worthy space. Plus, mini cot beds has four adjustable mattress height settings to help you rest your back and prevent your child from stepping out before they're ready.