Your baby will spend most of her time in the crib So it's a good idea to choose one that's elegant and secure. 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 slats that are too close together and drop-side cribs, which could cause strangulation issues for babies. Also, consider a crib with simple hardware that won't snag your baby's clothes or hair.
Safety
The crib of a baby will be their place of refuge for a very long time, so it's important to ensure that it's secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific requirements for cribs, including durable wood and strong mattress supports. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified a variety of cribs to meet additional safety measures.
Select a crib made from solid wood, not particleboard. Select a crib that is sturdy and does not have rough edges that could hurt your child. Also, make sure to check that the hardware is securely secured and won't come loose in the course of time due to humidity or heavy use.
Many cribs have different levels of mattress support, so you can alter them as your baby grows. The lowest level is best for infants, 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 include a conversion kit to convert the crib into an adult bed when your child is ready.
Some cribs have decorative features or cutouts which could create a risk of choking for your child, so look for ones that don't have these types of embellishments. Likewise, avoid decorative objects like mobiles in the crib as these can also be a hazard for infants.
A swiveling crib allows you to monitor your baby from any place in the room, and is especially useful for those recovering from c-sections or other deliveries that are hospital-based. The Sweet2Sleep crib from Graco is a popular option. It has 360-degree swivel that one parent test participant found "was the perfect solution to reach and comfort your child without getting up from the bed," especially helpful during recovering from a c-section. This crib also offers a lowering side panel for maximum comfort and accessibility. The casters lockable allow you to easily move from one room to another.
Style
The crib is probably the most significant furniture piece in the nursery of your baby. It will occupy the most space on the floor and therefore must be designed in a way that is compatible with your nursery's aesthetic.
A majority of cribs have a minimalist, modern style that is compatible with any design scheme. Some have different slat configurations or flat panels at the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides which provide an older-fashioned look. Whichever you choose ensure that it complies with the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs come with an slat made of wood or metal frame for mattresses that could be a solid board or a grid of wood slats, or a spring wire grid. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter as it is more stable and is a more sturdy structure to support the weight of your baby's body.
It should also have a non-toxic, smooth finish and be easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib your baby can grab and pull. This includes blankets, toys and pillows. Decorate your crib with consideration. Babies are prone to clinging, and they can pull or bite at the ornaments. This could cause them to be injured or even separated.
Some parents choose to use a bassinet for their baby until their baby is ready to move into the crib. Depending on how active your baby is and how active they are, a bassinet can last up to six months or more. This crib is a combination of both a bassinet as well as a full-size bed. This crib has a side-to-side swing that makes it easy to reach into and out of the crib. It also has an incline of reflux that has been trademarked for colic.
This eco-conscious crib has over 2500 rave reviews from real moms, as well as a high rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a style statement that can transform boring nursery spaces into magazines-worthy spaces. It comes with four levels of adjustable height for the mattress, a feature that will be useful as your baby grows.
Convenience
A crib is a crucial baby item that promotes safety and sleep by reducing risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or entrapment, as well as suffocation. Cribs must adhere to specific safety standards, however you can find ones that come with a range of features to suit your style and budget.Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which has slats that are thin and nicely rounded and clean lines that match any decor. It's also compact, so it will fit through the majority of doors without disassembly and can be moved easily from room to room. It comes with two mattress heights, so it's a good option for newborns but it's not as versatile as other models that offer three or four different options.
If you like traditional style The Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib has a sleigh-style frame and sturdy build. It's certified by GreenGuard and therefore meets environmental standards. Its numerous finishes allow you to match it to any style. It's also one of the most expensive options, but it will last for multiple children. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, and later the daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. It has unique design, which is perfect for modern nurseries and comes with a variety of features, including one of the lowest levels of the mattress for sitting. That might help petite parents to reach their child, but it's also a bit taller than other cribs we've reviewed and can be a problem for smaller adults who are concerned about their child falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden is a more traditional choice. It's also GREENGUARD certified. It can be converted into a toddler bed and it can be converted into a daybed by the purchase of separate conversion pieces, so it's an investment that will serve your family for years to come. It's not as elegant as the Sloane or the Evolur however it does have an elegant look and comes in several different colors that will fit any nursery.
Budget
A crib of high-end quality is a fantastic investment whether you plan to cosleep or use the crib that your parents have in their basement. Fortunately, modern safety standards make it easy to find sturdy cribs that look stylish too. The best cribs for newborns are easy to set up and come with a design that is not easily out of date with the current fashions.
Considering a crib is the most important purchase you'll make for your child, you may feel compelled to spend big bucks for the "perfect" crib. But there are plenty of affordable, high-quality cribs available that will provide your baby with a 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 safety standards that are applicable. It's also important to avoid purchasing secondhand cribs as they may have worn-out or missing hardware that could pose a safety risk for your baby. If you decide to purchase an old crib, ensure that you ensure that it is thoroughly examined by a qualified professional before using it.
Aside from the critical safety features, a quality crib must be stable, solid and simple to put together. Thistel advises you to read the instructions thoroughly and make sure all the components are included. If you encounter any issues it is recommended to contact the manufacturer to get replacement bolts or screws.
Cradlewise is a great choice for parents looking for a stylish crib that will grow with their child. It comes in a single large, heavy box (enough to make you want to call your friends for assistance) and comes with simple instructions and a sturdy construction. It comes with an Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam is not included).
The Babyletto Hudson is the perfect crib for small spaces. Its compact footprint and minimalist design makes it easy to fit. It's made from environmentally-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and comes in an array of modern colors to instantly transform a drab nursery into an appealing space for magazines. It also has four adjustable mattress heights to save your back and prevent your child from stepping out before they're ready.
