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 choose one that is fashionable and safe. Find cribs that meet modern safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid cribs that have slats too close together, and drop-side cribs. They pose an extremely strangulation risk for babies. Also, look for a crib with simple hardware that won't catch on your baby's clothing or hair.
Safety
The crib of a baby will be their home away from home for a long period of time, so it's important that it be safe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific requirements for cribs, which include solid wood construction and sturdy mattress supports. Many cribs are additionally certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to provide additional safety measures.
Choose a crib constructed of solid wood instead of particle board. Select a crib that is sturdy and does not have any rough edges that could hurt your child. Check that the hardware is securely secured and won't come loose with time due to humidity or excessive usage.
Many cribs have multiple mattress support levels, which means you can adjust them as your baby grows. The lowest level is best for babies, and you should keep it at this height until your child is able to stand up, which is usually around nine months. Some cribs are also equipped with the toddler bed conversion kit, which allows you to transform the crib to a toddler bed once your child is old enough to leave your room.
Choose cribs with no ornamental features or cutouts. These can pose a choking hazard for your baby. Also, avoid decorative items like mobiles in the crib as these can also be a danger for young babies.
Swivel cribs allow you to monitor your baby from anywhere within the room. This is particularly beneficial for those recovering after C-sections or other births that are hospital-based. The Sweet2Sleep crib from Graco is a favorite. It features 360-degree swivel that one parent found "was the perfect solution to reach out and soothe your child without having to get up from bed," especially helpful during the recovery process following a c-section. The crib also comes with the option of lowering the side panel to provide maximum comfort and access. 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 probably the most significant furniture piece in your baby's nursery. It occupies the most floor space, so it should also be designed in a way that is compatible with the style of your nursery.
Many cribs feature an elegant, 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 which provide the appearance of traditional. Whichever one you choose, make sure it meets the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs have the option of a wood-slat or metal mattress support, which is a solid one-piece board or a grid of wood-slats or spring-wire grid frames. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter because it is more stable and is a stronger structure to support your baby's body weight.
It must also have a smooth, non-toxic finish and be easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib that your baby can grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys and pillows. If you are planning to decorate your crib, bear in mind that infants can be very affectionate and may pull or bite at ornaments. This could hurt or even cause them to fall off.
Some parents choose to use a baby bassinet until their child is ready for the crib. Depending on how active your baby is, a bassinet may only last six months or more. If this is your situation look into this crib which is a combination of all the benefits of a bassinet along with a large-sized crib. This model has a side-to-side swing that makes it easy to reach into and out of the crib. It also comes with a patent-pending reflux incline for colic.
Another stylish option is this eco-conscious crib that has received over 2500 rave reviews from real moms as well as a top 4.8-star rating on Amazon. The crib is made from sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and can transform a dull nursery into a magazine-worthy space. It comes with four levels of adjustable height for the mattress and a feature that can be useful as your baby grows.
Convenience
Cribs are a must-have baby product. It can help promote safe sleeping by reducing the risks of SIDS, entrapment, and suffocation. Cribs must meet specific safety standards, but you can find cribs with a wide range of features that will fit your taste and budget.
For a crib that fits into modern nursery styles, try the Ikea Gulliver, which has sleek, well-rounded frames and simple lines that match any decor. It's also compact enough to pass through most interior doors without disassembly, and it is able to be moved from room to room. It comes with only two mattress height options, which makes it a great choice for newborns. However, other models have three or four different options.
If you prefer traditional style The Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib features frames that resemble sleighs and are built with a solid construction. It's GREENGUARD-certified, which means you can rest assured that it meets the requirements of the environment. The various finishes allow you to match the crib to any style. It's also one of the more expensive options we've reviewed however it's durable enough to last through many children and eventually be transformed into a toddler bed, and then it can be used as a daybed.
best crib newborn in 1 is another alternative. It comes with a unique design, perfect for modern nursery designs and comes with several features including one of lowest sitting mattress heights. It might be easier for parents of smaller heights to reach their children, but it is also taller than the other cribs we've reviewed, which can pose problems for adults who are smaller.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more traditional option, and it's certified by GreenGuard. It can be turned into a toddler bed, and then into a daybed with the purchase of separate conversion parts and is an investment that will benefit your family for years to be. It might not be as fancy as the Evolur or the Sloane however, it has a classic look.
Budget
A high-quality crib is a great investment, whether you intend to sleep with a partner or use the crib that your parents have in their basement. The modern safety standards allow you to find sturdy cribs that look great too. The best cribs for babies are easy to set up and have a design that won't be out of date with the latest fashion trends.
You may feel pressured to buy the "perfect" crib, as it's the most significant investment you will make for your child. But there are many low-cost, high-quality cribs that will make your baby's first sleeping space comfortable and secure.
When you purchase a crib, make sure it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also meet all safety standards applicable. Avoid buying second-hand cribs since they may be worn or damaged hardware which could be a risk to your baby's safety. If you decide to purchase an old crib, ensure that you make sure it is thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional before using it.
Aside from the critical safety features, a good crib should be stable, sturdy and simple to put together. Read the instructions carefully to make sure all parts are included and properly fitted, says Thistel. If you encounter any problems, don't try to make your own solution. Instead, contact the manufacturer to request replacement screws or bolts instead.
Cradlewise is a great choice for parents looking for a chic crib that can evolve with their child. It comes in a very heavy box, with easy-to-follow directions and a solid construction. It comes with an organic CoconutCoir mattress (VOC and PU foam-free) that's suitable for infants and toddlers and is Greenguard GOLD-certified.
If you're squeezing the crib into a small space the Babyletto Hudson makes it work with its compact footprint and sleek, minimalist style. It's made from environmentally-friendly sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and is available in a variety modern colors that instantly transform a dull nursery into a magazine-worthy space. It also has four adjustable mattress settings to stop your baby from gaining height before they're ready.