The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style

Your baby will spend most of her time in the crib, so it's a smart idea to invest in one that's fashionable and safe. Look for cribs that are up to current with the most recent safety standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations.

Avoid cribs that have slats too close together, as well as drop-side cribs. They pose an extremely strangulation risk for infants. Look for cribs with simple hardware to ensure that it doesn't get caught in your baby's hair or clothing.

Safety

The crib of a baby is their home away from home for a long period of time, so it's vital to ensure that it's secure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific guidelines for cribs, which include durable wood and strong mattress supports. Many cribs are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to ensure additional security measures.

Choose a crib that is made of solid wood instead of particleboard. Pick a crib that's solid and doesn't have rough edges that could irritate your child. Also, make sure to check that the hardware is securely secured and won't come loose as time passes due to humidity or heavy use.

There are many cribs that offer multiple mattress support levels, so you can adjust them as your baby grows. You should keep the crib at its lowest position until your child can stand on their own, which usually happens at around nine months. Some cribs are also equipped with a toddler bed conversion kit that allows you to transform the crib to a toddler bed once your child is old enough to move out of your room.

Some cribs have decorative features or cutouts that may create a risk of choking for your baby, so look for ones that do not have these types of embellishments. Also, avoid decorative items like mobiles and other toys in the crib, as they could also be a danger for young babies.

A crib that swivels allows you to monitor your newborn from any spot in the room. It is particularly useful for parents recovering from c-sections and other hospital-based deliveries. The Sweet2Sleep crib by Graco is a well-liked option. It features a 360-degree swivel, which one parent discovered "was the ideal solution to reach into and soothe your baby without having to get up from the bed," especially helpful during the recovery process following a c-section. This crib has a lower side wall to allow for maximum accessibility and comfort. It's also compact enough that it can be moved from room to room effortlessly due to locking wheels.

Style

The crib is the most crucial piece of furniture you can put in the nursery of your baby. The crib will take up most of the floor space in your nursery, so it needs to be stylish and fit with the aesthetic.

A majority of cribs have a minimalist, modern look that will fit in with any design. Some cribs feature flat panels or different arrangement of slats on the ends. Some have finials or drop sides that give them more of the traditional look. Whatever you choose, ensure it meets the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The majority of cribs have a metal or wooden slat mattress frame, which can be a solid board, a grid of wood slats or a spring wire grid. The latter is recommended by What to Expect and Baby Bargains as it offers more stability and a stronger structure to support your baby's weight.

It must have a non-toxic and smooth surface that is easy to clean. Avoid putting things in the crib that your baby could grasp and pull like toys, blankets or pillows. If you are planning to decorate your crib, keep in mind that infants can be very sensitive and could grab or bite ornaments. This could hurt or even remove them.

Some parents opt to use a bassinet their newborn until they are ready to move into the crib. Depending on the level of activity your baby has the bassinet could last six months or more. This crib combines the best crib of both a bassinet as well as a bed that is full size. This crib has a side-to-side pivot that makes it simple to get in and out of the crib. It also features a patent-pending reflux incline for colic.

This eco-friendly crib has received over 2500 rave reviews from real moms, and a premium rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon. Made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is a true style statement that can transform boring nursery spaces into magazines-worthy rooms. It has four levels of adjustable height for the mattress which will be useful as your baby grows.

Convenience

A crib is a crucial baby product that can help promote safe sleep by reducing the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or entrapment, as well as suffocation. Cribs have to meet safety standards. However cribs are available with a variety of features that fit your style and budget.

If you're looking for a crib that fits into modern nursery styles, check out the Ikea Gulliver, which has slim, well-rounded slats and simple lines that can be incorporated into any decor. It is also compact enough to fit through most doors in the interior without disassembling, and can be easily moved from room to. It comes with two mattress heights making it a great choice for infants, but not as flexible as other models with three or four different options.

The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great choice for those who prefer a more traditional design. It is built with solid frame and the sleigh design. It's certified by GreenGuard, so you can be certain that it is in line with the 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, best crib for newborn but it will last through multiple children and eventually be transformed into a toddler bed, and later a daybed.

Another option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1, that has an innovative design that is ideal for modern nursery designs and comes with a variety of features, including one of the lowest the heights of a sitting mattress. This can make it easier for petite parents to reach their child but it's also a bit higher than the other cribs in the review which could be a challenge for shorter adults worried about their baby falling out of the crib.

The DaVinci Jayden is a more traditional option. It's also GREENGUARD certified. It can be converted into a toddler's bed, tots and cots then a daybed, by purchasing separate conversion pieces. It's an investment that your family will appreciate for a long time. It's not as fancy as the Sloane or the Evolur, but it has an elegant look and comes in a few different color options to fit any nursery.

Budget

A crib of high-end quality is a great investment, whether you want to sleep in a cosleep or use the crib your parents have in their basement. Modern safety standards allow you to find sturdy cribs that look great too. The best crib cribs for newborns come with a simple, easy assembly and a design that doesn't quickly look old-fashioned or outdated by the latest fashion trends.

When you think about a crib as the most important purchase you'll make for your child, you might be tempted to shell out big bucks for the "perfect" one. There are numerous cribs of good quality that are priced reasonably and will provide a safe and secure environment for your child to sleep in.

When purchasing a crib make sure it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It must also meet all safety standards applicable. Avoid buying second-hand cribs because they may have worn or missing hardware that could pose a risk to your baby's safety. If you choose to purchase a used crib, make sure it is thoroughly examined by a professional prior to its using it.

Apart from the essential safety features, a great crib should be stable, sturdy and simple to put together. Thistel recommends that you read the instructions thoroughly and make sure all components are included. If you have any problems, it's best to contact the manufacturer for bolts or screws that are replaced.

For new parents seeking a stylish, budget-friendly crib that grows with their child The Cradlewise will meet your needs. It arrives in one, very heavy box (enough to warrant calling your friends for help), and has easy-to-follow instructions as well as a solid construction. It comes with an Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam is not included).

The Babyletto Hudson is the ideal crib for small spaces. Its compact footprint and minimalist design make it easy to fit. It's made of environmentally-friendly sustainable New Zealand pine wood and is available in a variety of modern colors that will instantly turn ho-hum nurseries into magazines-worthy spaces. Additionally, it comes with four adjustable height settings for the mattress to save your back and stop your baby from climbing out before they're ready.