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 choose one that's both elegant and secure. Find 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, as well as drop-side cribs, which can create strangulation risks for babies. Look for cribs with simple hardware, so that it doesn't get caught in your baby's hair or clothing.

Safety

It is important that the crib you choose to use is safe for your child. It is their place of residence when they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific guidelines for cribs, including solid wood construction 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 of solid wood rather than particleboard. Choose a crib that is solid and doesn't have rough edges that could irritate your child. Lastly, be sure to make sure that the hardware is securely secured and won't loosen as time passes due to humidity or heavy use.

There are many cribs that offer multiple mattress support levels, so you can alter them as your baby grows. It is recommended to keep the crib at its lowest level until your child can stand independently typically at around nine months. Some cribs include an adapter kit that can convert the crib into an adult bed when your child is ready.

Look for cribs without decorative features or cutouts. They could pose a choking hazard for your baby. Avoid mobiles and other decorative items as they can be dangerous for babies.

A swiveling crib lets you to watch your baby from any place in the room. It is especially useful for those recovering from c-sections and other hospital-based deliveries. The Graco Sweet2Sleep is well-regarded option with a 360-degree swivel that one parent tester noted "was the ideal method to reach in and soothe your baby without having to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovering from 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 with ease with the help of lockable wheels.

Style

The crib is most likely the most prominent piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby. The crib will take up the majority of the floor space in your nursery, which is why it should be elegant and match the style of the nursery.

A lot of crib options have a minimalist, modern design that can be incorporated with any design scheme. Some cribs feature flat panels or other slat arrangements at the ends. Some have finials or drop sides that provide the appearance of traditional. Whatever you decide on, ensure that it is in compliance with 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 that is either a solid one-piece board or a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire grid frame. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter as it is more stable and is a stronger structure to support the weight of your baby's body.

It should have a non-toxic, smooth surface that is easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib that your baby could grab and pull. This includes toys, blankets or pillows. If you're planning to decorate your crib, keep in mind that infants are very sensitive and could grab or bite ornaments. This could cause them be injured, or even to fall off.

Some parents decide to use a bassinet their baby until they are ready to move into the crib. Based on the level of activity your baby has, a bassinet may only last up to six months or more. This crib is a combination of both a bassinet and a large cot bed sales. This model has a side-to-side swivel that makes it easy to get in and out of 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. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is the ultimate style statement that can transform ho-hum nurseries into magazines-worthy rooms. It has four adjustable levels of mattress height which will be useful as your baby grows.

Convenience

Cribs are an essential baby item that promotes secure sleep by reducing the danger of sudden infant cot bed death syndrome (SIDS), entrapment and suffocation. Cribs must adhere to specific safety standards, but you can find ones that come with a range of features to fit your style and budget.

For a crib that blends into modern nursery designs, consider the Ikea Gulliver, which has sleek, well-rounded lines and slats that can be incorporated into any decor. It's also compact, so it will fit through the majority of doors without disassembling and can be moved easily from room to room. It only has two mattress height options, making it a good option for babies. However other models offer four or three different settings.

If you like traditional style, the Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib comes with an sleigh-style frame with a sturdy construction. It is GREENGUARD-certified, so you can be sure it complies with the requirements of the environment. The many finishes also allow you to match the crib with any style of decor. It's also among the most expensive options, but it will last for multiple children. It can be converted to a toddler bed, and then into a daybed.

Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, which has an original design that's ideal for modern nursery designs and includes a number of features including one of the most recommended cribs low sitting mattress heights. It may be easier for parents with smaller heights to reach their children, but it is also taller than the other cribs reviewed and could pose problems for adults who are smaller.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more traditional choice, and is certified by the GreenGuard. It can be turned into a toddler bed, and later into a daybed through the purchase of separate conversion pieces and is an investment that will last your family for years to come. It's not as fancy as the Sloane or the Evolur, but it has a nice traditional look and comes in several different color options to fit any nursery.

Budget

Even if you are planning to share a bed with your child or want to use the crib that your parents saved for you in their basement, a top-quality crib that is safe and secure is an investment piece. Modern safety standards allow you to find durable cribs with a great crib design. The best newborn cribs come with a simple, easy assembly and a design that won't appear outdated or dated by the new trends in fashion.

It is tempting to purchase the "perfect" crib, as it is the biggest purchase you'll ever make for your child. But there are plenty of affordable, high-quality cribs that will provide your baby with a sleep environment comfortable and safe.

When you are looking for a crib, check whether it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and conforms to all applicable safety standards. Avoid buying second-hand cribs because they could be damaged or broken hardware which could be a risk to your baby's safety. If you decide to purchase an old crib, ensure that you have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional before using it.

A crib that is safe should have all the safety features needed and be easy to put together. Thistel recommends that you read the instructions carefully and ensure that all components are included. If you experience any issues, it's best to contact the manufacturer to get bolts or screws that are replaced.

For parents who are new and seeking a stylish affordable crib that can grow with their baby Cradlewise Cradlewise fits the bill. It's a heavy box, with easy-to-follow instructions and a sturdy construction. It comes with a natural CoconutCoir mattress (VOC & PU foam free) that's suitable for toddlers and infants and is Greenguard GOLD-certified.

The Babyletto Hudson is the ideal crib for a small space. Its compact footprint and minimalist design makes it easy to fit. It's made of eco-friendly sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors that instantly transform a drab nursery into an appealing space for magazines. Additionally, it comes with four adjustable height settings for the mattress to help you rest your back and stop your child from stepping out before they're ready.