The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
It's a good idea select a crib that is stylish and secure for your baby. Look for cribs that are up to current with the most recent safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations.
Avoid cribs that are too close together and drop-side cribs, which can cause strangulation issues for infants. Choose cribs that have simple hardware so that it doesn't snag your baby's hair or clothing.
Safety
It is important that the crib you choose to use is safe for your child. It will be their sanctuary when they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific standards to be adhered to when building a crib with sturdy mattress supports as well as durable wood. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified a number of cribs for additional security measures.
Choose a crib made from solid wood, not particleboard. Also, pick one that is sturdily built and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could hurt your baby. Make sure that the hardware is firmly fixed and won't become loose with time due to humidity or heavy usage.
Many cribs offer different levels of mattress support, which means you can adjust them as your baby grows. The lowest level is best for newborns, and you should keep it at this level until your child is able to stand up at around the age of nine months. Some cribs also come with the toddler bed conversion kit, which allows you to convert the crib into a toddler bed once your child is ready to move out of your room.
Look for cribs without decorative features or cutouts. They can be an choking risk to your baby. Also, avoid putting decorative objects such as mobiles in the crib as these can also pose a risk to infants.
best cots uk allow you to monitor your baby from any place within the room. This is especially beneficial for those recovering from C-sections or other births that are hospital-based. The Sweet2Sleep crib from Graco is a favorite. It has 360-degree swivel that one parent discovered "was the perfect way to reach out and comfort your child without getting up from bed," especially helpful during the recovery process following a c-section. The crib also comes with a lowering side panel for the most complete closeness and access. The lockable casters make it easy to move from one room to another.
Style
The crib is probably the most significant piece of furniture in your baby's nursery. It will take up the most floor space, so it should also be designed in a way that is compatible with the style of your nursery.
Many cribs have a minimalistic, modern design that can be used with any style. Some have different slat configurations or flat panels at the ends. Some have finials or drop sides that give them an older-fashioned look. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure it is in compliance with 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 as it provides more stability and is a stronger structure to support the weight of your baby's body.
It must have a non-toxic and smooth finish that is easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib your baby could grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys and pillows. If you want to decorate your crib, keep in mind that babies can be very clingy and may pull or bite at ornaments. This could hurt or even remove them.
Some parents prefer to use a bassinet baby until their child is ready to move into a crib. A bassinet can last up to six months, depending on how active your child is. If this is the case then you should consider this crib that combines all of the benefits of a bassinet along with a full-size crib. This crib has a side to side swivel, making it easy to move from and into the crib. It also comes with a patent-pending reflux incline that helps with colic.
This eco-conscious crib has over 2500 rave reviews from real moms, and a top rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. The crib is made from sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and can transform a boring nursery into an appealing space for magazines. It has four different mattress heights that can be helpful as your child grows.
Convenience
A crib is an essential baby item. It helps promote safe sleeping by reducing the dangers of SIDS as well as entrapment and suffocation. Cribs must meet specific safety standards, but you can find cribs with a wide range of features to fit your preferences and budget.
Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which has slats that are thin and nicely rounded and simple lines to match any decor. It's also relatively compact, which means it can fit through most interior doorways without requiring disassembly. It can also be easily moved from room to room. It has two mattress height settings making it a great option for babies, but not as flexible as other models that offer three or four different options.
If you prefer a more traditional look then the Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib comes with frames that resemble sleighs and are built with a solid build. It's certified by GreenGuard, so you can rest assured that it complies with environmental standards. The numerous finishes allow you to match the crib to any decor. It's also among the more expensive options we've looked at in our review but it's a solid choice through multiple children and can be eventually converted into a toddler bed and later as a daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. It comes with unique design, which is perfect for modern nurseries and comes with several features including one of lowest sitting mattress heights. It may be easier for parents of smaller heights to reach their children, but it is also taller than the other cribs reviewed and could pose problems for adults who are shorter.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a classic choice, and it's also certified by the GreenGuard. It can be turned into a toddler bed and then into a daybed with the purchase of separate conversion pieces, so it's an investment that will serve your family for years to come. It's not as stylish as the Sloane or the Evolur, but it has an appealing traditional design and comes in a few different colors that will fit any nursery.
Budget
Even if you plan to share a bed with your child or you want to use the crib your parents rescued for you from their basement, a quality crib that is safe and secure is an investment piece. Modern safety standards allow you to find sturdy cribs that have an attractive design. The best cribs for babies are easy to assemble and feature a style that will not be quickly outdated by the current fashion trends.
Considering a crib is the most important purchase you make for your child, you might be tempted to shell out large sums of money to purchase the "perfect" crib. But there are many affordable, high-quality cribs available that will make your baby's first bed a comfortable and safe.
When you purchase a crib, ensure that it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It must also meet all applicable safety standards. It is also essential to stay clear of buying second-hand cribs as they may have worn-out or missing hardware that could pose a safety risk to your child. If you choose to buy an old crib, ensure that you have it thoroughly inspected by a certified professional prior to using it.
In addition to the crucial safety features, a quality crib must be stable, solid and easy to assemble. Check the instructions carefully to ensure that all components are included and properly fitted, says Thistel. If you experience any issues it is recommended to contact the manufacturer for replacement screws or bolts.
For new parents looking for a chic and affordable crib that will grow with their child Cradlewise Cradlewise is the perfect choice. It's a heavy box, with easy-to-follow directions and a solid construction. It comes with an Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam is not included).
If you're squeezing an infant's crib into a tiny space the Babyletto Hudson can help thanks to its small footprint and sleek, minimalist design. It's made from environmentally-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and comes in an array of modern colors that instantly transform a boring nursery into a magazine-worthy one. It also comes with four adjustable mattress settings to prevent your baby from gaining height before they're ready.