Your child will spend most of her time in the crib It's a good idea to choose one that's both stylish and safe. Make sure you choose a crib that meets the latest 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 can pose dangerous for strangulation to infants. Also, look for an infant crib with simple hardware that won't snag your baby's clothes or hair.
Safety
A baby's crib will be their home away from home for a long period of time, so it's important to ensure it's safe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific guidelines that must be met when making a crib, with sturdy mattress supports as well as sturdy wood. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified many cribs for additional safety measures.
Look for a crib that is constructed from solid wood rather than particle board. Choose a crib that is sturdy and does not have any rough edges that could hurt your child. Lastly, be sure to check that the hardware is securely secured and won't loosen in the course of time due to humidity or heavy use.
Many cribs have different mattress support heights, so they can be adjusted as your baby grows. The lowest level is best for newborns, and you should keep it at this height until your child can begin to walk up and down typically 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.
Look for cribs without decorative features or cutouts. They could pose an choking risk to your baby. Also, avoid decorative items like mobiles in the crib since they can also be a hazard for infants.
A crib that swivels allows you to watch your newborn from any spot in the room. It is particularly useful for parents recovering from c-sections and other hospital-based deliveries. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a favorite. It has a 360-degree swivel, which one parent tester discovered "was the perfect way to reach and soothe the child without having to get up from the bed," especially helpful during recovery after a c section. The crib also has an adjustable side panel that can be lowered for the most complete closeness 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 the most crucial piece of furniture in your baby's nursery. It occupies the largest amount of floor space and therefore must be designed to fit your nursery's aesthetic.
Many cribs have modern, minimalist designs that can work with any style. Some have different slat configurations or flat panels at the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides, which provide a more traditional 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 aluminum or wood-slat mattress support that is either one-piece solid board or a grid of wood-slats or spring-wire grid frames. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter as it offers more stability and is a more sturdy structure to support the weight of your baby's body.
It must 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 blankets, toys, or pillows. If you're planning to decorate your crib, keep in mind that children are very sensitive and could pull or bite at ornaments. This can hurt or remove them.
Some parents choose to use a bassinet for their baby until their baby is ready for an actual crib. Based on the level of activity your baby has, a bassinet may only last for six months or more. This crib is a combination of both a bassinet as well as a bed that is full size. This crib has an swivel that is side-to-side, making it easy to get into and out of the crib. It also has an incline of reflux that has been patented for colic.
Another option that is stylish is this eco-friendly crib that boasts over 2000 rave reviews from actual 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 mattress heights, which will be useful as your child grows.
Convenience
Cribs are a must-have baby item. It helps promote sleep safety by reducing risks of SIDS as well as entrapment and suffocation. Cribs are required to comply with safety standards. However you can pick cribs with many features that suit your style and budget.
Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which is made of slats with a nice, rounded appearance, and simple lines to fit in with any style. It is also compact enough to pass through most doors inside without disassembly and it is able to be moved from room-to-room. It has only two mattress height options, making it a good choice for babies. However, other models have four or three different settings.
The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great choice for those who prefer a traditional style. It has a sturdy frame with a sleigh style. It's GREENGUARD certified, so you know it meets environmental standards. Additionally, its numerous colors let you match it to any style. It's also among the more expensive options we've reviewed, but it will last through multiple children and can be eventually converted into a toddler bed and later it can be used as a daybed.
Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, which has a unique design that's perfect for modern nurseries and includes a number of features including one of the tiniest levels of a mattress for sitting. It may be easier for parents with smaller heights to reach their children, however, it's also higher than the other cribs we've reviewed which could be an issue for adults who are shorter.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more conventional option, and it's 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 last your family for years to be. It may not be as elegant as the Evolur or the Sloane however it is a classic design.
Budget
Even if you intend to share a bed with your child or you want to use the crib that your parents saved for you in their basement, a high-quality crib that is safe and secure is an investment piece. Modern safety standards make it easy to find durable cribs that are stylish too. The best cribs for babies have simple, intuitive assembly and a style that won't appear outdated or dated by the latest fashion trends.
You might feel pressured to buy the "perfect" crib, considering that it's the most significant purchase you'll ever make for your child. There are many cribs with high quality that are priced reasonably and will provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby to rest in.
When shopping for a crib, make sure whether it's endorsed by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and is in compliance with all safety standards that are applicable. It is also essential to avoid buying secondhand cribs, since they could have missing or worn-out hardware that could pose a security danger to your child. If you decide to purchase a secondhand crib be sure that it has been thoroughly inspected by an expert prior to use.
A crib that is safe should have all the safety features needed and be easy to assemble. Thistel recommends that you read the instructions carefully and make sure all the components are included. If you encounter any problems, don't make your own solution. Instead, contact the manufacturer to request replacement screws or bolts instead.
For parents who are new and looking for a stylish affordable crib that can grow with their child The Cradlewise will meet your needs. It comes in a very heavy box, with easy-to-follow instructions and a sturdy structure. It comes with a Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam are not included).
If you're trying to squeeze an infant's crib into a tiny space The Babyletto Hudson will make it work thanks to its small footprint and sleek, minimalist style. It's made from eco-friendly, sustainable New Zealand pine wood and comes in a wide range of modern colors that instantly transform boring nursery spaces into magazines-worthy spaces. Additionally, it comes with four adjustable mattress heights to help you rest your back and stop your child from stepping out before they're ready.
