The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style

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

Avoid cribs that are too close together, as well as drop-side cribs, which could pose major strangulation hazards for babies. Choose cribs that have simple hardware so that it won't catch your baby's hair or clothing.

Safety

The crib of a baby is their home away from home for a very long period of time, so it's vital to ensure that it's safe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific guidelines to be adhered to when manufacturing a crib, including sturdy mattress supports and durable wood. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has also certified a number of cribs for additional security measures.

Look for a crib constructed of solid wood instead of particle board. Also, select a crib that is sturdy and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could irritate your baby. Verify that the hardware is firmly attached and will not come loose over time due to humidity or heavy usage.

There are many cribs that offer different levels of mattress support, which means you can adjust them as your baby grows. The lowest setting is the best for infants, and you should keep it at this level until your child can begin to walk up and down, which is usually around nine months. Some cribs come with the option of converting the crib into an adult bed when your child is ready.

Find cribs that do not have ornamental features or cutouts. They can be an choking risk to your baby. Likewise, avoid decorative objects such as mobiles in the crib as these can also be a danger for young babies.

A crib that swivels allows you to keep an eye on your newborn from any spot in the room. It is especially useful for those recovering from c-sections or other hospital-based deliveries. The Sweet2Sleep crib from Graco is a favorite. It has a 360-degree swivel, which one parent discovered "was the perfect solution to reach out and comfort a child without having to get up from bed," especially helpful during recovery after a c section. This crib has a lowering side wall for maximum accessibility and closeness. It's also compact enough that it can be moved from room to room effortlessly with the help of lockable rolling casters.

Style

The crib is the most important piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It will take up the most space on the floor, so it should also have a style that fits the aesthetic of your nursery.

A lot of cribs have an elegant, modern design that can be used with any style. Some cribs have flat panels or different arrangement of slats on the ends. Some have finials, or drop sides that give them a more the traditional look. Whichever you choose ensure that it complies with the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Most cribs come with the option of a wood-slat or metal mattress support that is either a solid one-piece piece board or a grid of wood-slats or a spring-wire grid frame. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter since it offers more stability and is a stronger structure to support the weight of your baby's body.

It should have a non-toxic, smooth finish that is easy to clean. Do not place things in the crib that your cheap baby cots could grasp and pull, such as toys, blankets, or pillows. Decorate your crib with attention. Babies may be clingy and they might grab or bite ornaments. This could cause injury or detach them.

Some parents opt to use a bassinet for their infant cot bed until they are ready to move into a crib. Depending on the level of activity your baby has and how active they are, a bassinet can last up to six months or more. This crib offers the best cot newborn of both a bassinet as well as a large bed. This crib has a side-to-side swivel that makes it easy to reach in and out of the crib. It also features a patent-pending reflux incline to help with colic.

This eco-conscious crib has over 2,000 rave reviews by real moms, and a premium rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. Made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is the ultimate design statement that will transform ho-hum nurseries into magazines-worthy spaces. It has four different mattress heights, which can be helpful as your child grows.

Convenience

A crib is an essential baby item. It helps promote sleep safety by reducing dangers of SIDS, entrapment, and suffocation. Cribs must adhere to specific safety standards, however there are cribs that come with a wide range of features to fit your taste and budget.

For a crib that blends into modern nursery styles, check out the Ikea Gulliver, which has slim, well-rounded lines and slats that can be incorporated into any décor. It's also compact, which means it can fit through the majority of doors without requiring disassembly. It can also be easily moved from room to room. It has two mattress heights which makes it a great option for babies however it's not as flexible as other models with three or four different options.

If you prefer a more traditional look The Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib features an sleigh-style frame with a sturdy construction. It's GREENGUARD certified and therefore is in compliance with environmental standards. Its numerous colors allow you to match it to any style. It's also among the more expensive options we've reviewed but it's a solid choice through many children and eventually be transformed into a toddler bed and later it can be used as a daybed.

Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. It features unique design, which is perfect for modern nurseries, and a number of features, including one of the lowest sitting mattress heights. It could be more convenient for parents with smaller statures to reach their children but it is also taller than the other cribs reviewed and could pose problems for adults who are shorter.

The DaVinci Jayden is a more traditional option. 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 last your family for many years to be. It's not as elegant as the Evolur or the Sloane however, it is a classic design.

Budget

A high-quality crib is a great investment, whether you plan to cosleep or use the crib your parents have in their basement. Fortunately, modern standards of safety make it simple to find sturdy cribs that look stylish too. The best newborn cribs are easy to set up and come with a design that won't be obsolete by the current fashion trends.

You might feel pressured to buy the "perfect" crib, since it is the most important purchase you'll ever make for your child. There are numerous cribs of good quality that are reasonably priced and will provide a safe and secure environment for your baby to rest in.

When buying a crib, ensure that it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It should also meet all applicable safety standards. It's also important to avoid purchasing secondhand cribs, since they could contain worn-out or damaged hardware that could pose a security risk to your child. If you choose to buy a crib that is used ensure that it's thoroughly examined by a professional prior to use.

In addition to the crucial safety features, a quality crib should be stable, sturdy and easy to assemble. Check the instructions carefully to ensure that all components are included and fit correctly according to Thistel. If you encounter any issues, don't attempt to come up with a solution. Contact the manufacturer for replacement bolts or screws instead.

If you're a new parent looking for a chic affordable crib that can grow with their child Cradlewise Cradlewise is the perfect choice. It arrives in one large, heavy box (enough to be a reason to ask your friends for help), and has easy-to-follow instructions and a solid build. It comes with a natural CoconutCoir mattress (VOC and PU foam free) suitable for infants and toddlers and is Greenguard GOLD-certified.

The Babyletto Hudson is the ideal crib for a small space. Its small footprint and minimalist design makes it easy to fit. It's made of environmentally-friendly, sustainable New Zealand pine wood and comes in a range of modern colors that instantly transform boring nursery spaces into magazine-worthy spaces. Plus, it has four adjustable height settings for the mattress to help you rest your back and stop your baby from getting out before they're ready.