The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style

Your little one will spend most of her time in the crib, so it's a smart idea to invest in one that's stylish and safe. Look for cribs that meet modern 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. Look for cribs with simple hardware to ensure that it won't catch your baby's hair or clothing.

Safety

It is crucial that the crib you choose to use is safe for your baby. It will be their home while they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific standards for cribs, which include solid wood construction and sturdy mattress supports. Many cribs are additionally certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) for Cot Bed added security measures.

Look for cribs made from solid wood, instead of particle board. Also, choose one that is sturdy and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could irritate your baby. Lastly, be sure to check that the hardware is securely secured and won't break over time from extreme humidity or use.

Many cribs have various mattress support levels and can be adjusted as your baby grows. You should keep the crib at the lowest point until your child is able to stand up independently and walk around, which is usually around nine months. Some cribs also come with a toddler bed conversion kit, which allows you to transform the crib into a toddler bed when your child is old enough to move out of your room.

Some cribs have decorative elements or cutouts that could pose a choking risk for your baby So, look for cribs that are free of these kinds of decorations. Also, avoid decorative items such as mobiles in the crib, as they could also be a hazard for infants.

Swivel cribs allow you monitor your baby from anyplace in the room. This is especially beneficial for babies recovering from c-sections and other hospital-based births. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a well-regarded option that has a 360-degree swing that one tester for parents noted "was the ideal way to reach in and soothe your baby without needing to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovering from a c-section. This crib also offers an adjustable side panel that can be lowered for the most complete closeness and access. It's also small enough to be moved from room to room with ease, thanks to lockable casters.

Style

The crib is most likely the most important furniture piece in your baby's nursery. The crib will occupy most of the floor space in your nursery, therefore it needs to be stylish and fit with the aesthetic.

Many cribs are modern and minimalist in style that is compatible with any style. Certain cribs have different slat layouts or flat panels at the ends. Others have finials or drop sides that give them more of the traditional style. Whatever you decide on, ensure that it meets the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Most cribs have a metal or wood-slat mattress support that can be one-piece solid board or a grid of wood-slats or a spring-wire grid frame. The latter is recommended by What to Expect and Baby Bargains as it offers more stability and a better structure to support your baby's weight.

It should have a non-toxic, smooth surface that is easy to clean. Be careful not to place anything in the crib that your baby could pull or grab like toys, blankets, or pillows. If you want to decorate your crib, bear in mind that infants can be very affectionate and may pull or bite at ornaments. This can hurt or remove them.

Some parents opt to use a bassinet their infant until they are ready to transition to cribs. A bassinet can last for up to six months, depending on the level of activity your child has. If this is the case for you, consider this crib that offers all the advantages of a bassinet along with a large-sized crib. This model features an swivel that is side-to-side that makes it simple to get in and out of crib. It also has a patented reflux incline that helps with colic.

This eco-friendly crib has received over 2000 rave reviews from real moms, and a top rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. Made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a true design statement that can transform boring nurseries into magazine-worthy spaces. It has four adjustable mattress height levels, a feature that will come in handy as your baby grows.

Convenience

Cribs are an essential baby product that helps promote secure sleep by reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or entrapment, as well as suffocation. Cribs must adhere to specific safety standards, but you can find cribs that come with a range of features to suit your style and budget.

Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which features thin, nicely-rounded slats and simple lines to complement any decor. It's also compact, so it fits through the majority of doors without requiring disassembly. It can also be easily moved from room to room. It comes with only two mattress height options, which makes it a good choice for infants. However other models come with four or three different settings.

The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great crib option for those who prefer a more traditional design. It is built with solid frame and a sleigh style. It's GreenGuard certified, so you know it meets environmental standards, and its many finishes allow you to match it with any decor. It's also among the more expensive options in our review however it's durable enough to last through multiple children and can eventually be converted into a toddler bed, and then it can be used as a daybed.

Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, which has an innovative design that is perfect for contemporary nurseries and includes a number of features including one of the tiniest levels of a mattress for sitting. This can make it easier for petite parents to reach their child, but it's also taller than other cribs we've reviewed, which can be challenging for smaller adults who are concerned about their child falling out of the crib.

The DaVinci Jayden is a popular choice. It's also 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 many years to be. It may not be as fancy as the Evolur or the Sloane however it has a traditional look.

Budget

Even if you plan to co-sleep with your baby or use the crib that your parents rescued from their basement, a high-quality, safe crib is an investment piece. Modern safety standards make it easy to find durable cribs (click4r.com`s statement on its official blog) that look stylish too. The best newborn cribs have simple, intuitive assembly and a style that won't soon appear outdated or dated by the new trends in fashion.

When you think about a crib as the most important purchase you make for your child, you may feel compelled to spend large sums of money to purchase the "perfect" crib. But there are plenty of affordable, high-quality cribs that will provide your baby with a sleep environment comfortable and safe.

When purchasing a crib make sure it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also meet all safety standards applicable. It's also important to stay clear of buying second-hand cribs, as they can have worn-out or missing hardware which could pose a safety risk to your child. If you decide to purchase an older crib, make sure you make sure it is thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional before using it.

A crib that is safe should have all the necessary safety features and be easy to assemble. Check the instructions carefully to make sure all parts are included and fitted correctly, says Thistel. If you experience any issues, it's best to contact the manufacturer for replacement screws or bolts.

If you're a new parent looking for a chic, budget-friendly crib that grows with their child Cradlewise Cradlewise will meet your needs. It comes in a single, very heavy box (enough to warrant calling your friends for assistance), and has easy-to-follow instructions as well as a solid construction. It comes with a Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam free).

If you're trying to squeeze a crib into a tight space The Babyletto Hudson will make it work with its compact footprint and sleek, minimalist style. It's made of eco-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood tots and cots is available in a variety contemporary colors that instantly transform a boring nursery into a magazine-worthy space. Additionally, it comes with four adjustable mattress height settings to protect your back and prevent your child from stepping out before they're ready.