The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style

It's a good idea to choose a crib that is stylish and safe for your little one. Search for cribs beds that are kept up to date with the latest safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations.

Avoid cribs with slats too close together, as well as drop-side cribs, which can cause strangulation issues for babies. Also, consider a crib with simple hardware that won't get caught on the baby's hair or clothes.

Safety

The crib of a baby is their home away from home for a long period of time, so it's important to ensure that it's secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific guidelines for cribs, including durable wood and sturdy mattress supports. A majority of cribs are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to provide additional safety measures.

Look for a crib constructed from solid wood instead of particle board. Also, choose one which is built well and doesn't have rough edges or areas that could irritate your baby. Check that the hardware is firmly fixed and won't become loose with time due to humidity or heavy usage.

Many cribs have different mattress support heights which means they can be adjusted as your baby grows. The crib should be kept at the lowest point until your child is able to stand up on their own typically around nine months. Some cribs also come with the toddler bed conversion kit that lets you transform the crib into a toddler bed once your child is ready to move out of your room.

Some cribs are decorated with elements or cutouts that could pose a choking risk for your baby Therefore, you should choose a crib that don't have these kinds of ornaments. Avoid mobiles and other decorative items as they can be dangerous for babies.

A swiveling crib allows you to keep an eye on your baby from any place in the room, and is especially beneficial for those recovering from c-sections or other deliveries that are hospital-based. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is a well-regarded option, with a 360 swivel that a parent said "was the ideal way to get in touch with and soothe the baby without having to get out of bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a c-section. This crib has a lowering side wall to allow for maximum accessibility and comfort. The lockable casters allow you to easily move from one room to another.

Style

The crib is most likely the most prominent piece of furniture in your baby's nursery. It will occupy the most space on the floor, so it should also be designed in a way that is compatible with your nursery's aesthetic.

Many cribs feature a minimalistic, modern design that will work with any style. Some cribs feature flat panels or designs of slats at the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides, which give them the appearance of traditional. Whichever one you choose be sure that it is in compliance with the safety standards established 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 one-piece solid board or a grid of wood-slats or spring-wire grid frames. What to Expect tots and cots Baby Bargains recommend the latter because it provides more stability and is a better structure to support your baby's body weight.

It should have a non-toxic, smooth finish that is 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 children can be very clingy and may pull or bite at ornaments. This can hurt or remove them.

Some parents opt to use a bassinet for their baby until their baby is ready for an actual crib. A bassinet can last for up to six months, depending on the level of activity your child has. If this is the case look into this crib which combines all of the benefits of a bassinet along with a large-sized crib. This crib features a side-toside swivel that makes it easy to reach into and out of the crib. It also features a patent-pending reflux incline for colic.

Another fashionable option is this eco-friendly crib that has received over 2000 rave reviews from actual moms and a premium 4.8-star rating on Amazon. Made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a true design statement that will transform ho-hum nurseries into magazines-worthy spaces. It comes with four mattress heights, which will be useful as your child grows.

Convenience

A crib is a crucial baby product that can help promote safe sleep by reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as well as entrapment and suffocation. Cribs must conform to safety standards. However, you can choose cribs with a variety of features that fit your preferences and budget.

Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which features thin, nicely-rounded slats and simple lines to complement any decor. It's also small enough to fit through most interior doors without disassembly, and can be easily moved from room to room. It has two height settings for the mattress, so it's a good option for babies but it's not as versatile as other models that offer three or four different options.

If you like traditional style then the Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib comes with an sleigh-style frame with a sturdy build. It is GREENGUARD-certified, so you can be sure it meets environmental standards. The many finishes also allow you to match the crib with any style. It's also one of the more expensive options we've reviewed, but it will last through many children and eventually be converted into a toddler bed, and later a daybed.

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. It features an innovative design, ideal for modern nurseries and comes with a variety of features including one of lowest levels of the mattress for sitting. 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 could be an issue for those who are taller.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more traditional choice, and is certified by GreenGuard. It can be converted into a toddler's bed, and later a daybed with the purchase of separate conversion pieces. This is an investment that your family will enjoy for a long time. It's not as elegant as the Sloane or the Evolur however, it has an appealing traditional design and comes in several different colors to suit any nursery.

Budget

Even if you plan to co-sleep with your baby or you want to use the crib your parents rescued from their basement, a high-quality crib that is safe and secure is an investment piece. The modern standards of safety make it simple to find durable cribs that look great too. The best cribs for newborns have simple, intuitive assembly and a style that won't appear outdated or out of date with the latest fashion trends.

Considering a crib is the most important purchase you'll make for your child. You may feel compelled to spend large sums of money to purchase the "perfect" one. But there are many low-cost, high-quality cribs that will provide your baby with a sleep environment comfortable and safe.

When looking for a crib, check whether it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and meets all applicable safety standards. It's also important to avoid purchasing secondhand cribs as they may contain worn-out or damaged hardware that could pose a safety risk to your child. If you choose to buy a used crib, make sure it is thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional before using it.

A good crib should have all the safety features needed and be simple to put together. Check the instructions carefully to make sure all parts are included and properly fitted According to Thistel. If you have any problems it is recommended to contact the manufacturer to get replacement screws or bolts.

Cradlewise is a great choice for parents who are looking for a stylish crib that will grow with their child. It arrives in one, very heavy box (enough to be a reason to ask your friends for help) and comes with simple instructions and a solid build. It comes with a Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam are not included).

If you're squeezing the crib into a small space, the Babyletto Hudson will make it work thanks to its small footprint and sleek, minimalist design. It is made from eco-friendly, sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors that instantly transform a boring nursery into a magazine-worthy space. It also comes with four adjustable mattress settings to stop your Baby Cot Bed from climbing on the bed before they are ready.