The Best Crib Mistake That Every Newbie Makes
The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style
Your child will spend the majority of her time in the crib So it's a good option to buy one that is fashionable and safe. Find cribs that meet modern safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Avoid cribs with slats too close together, or drop-side cribs. They pose dangerous for strangulation to babies. Also, look for a crib with a simple hardware that won't get caught on your baby's clothes or hair.
Safety
It is crucial that a crib be safe for your baby. It is their place of residence when they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific guidelines to be adhered to when manufacturing a crib, including sturdy mattress supports and robust wood. Many cribs are additionally certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to ensure additional safety measures.
Find a crib made from solid wood, instead of particle board. Also, choose one that is sturdily built and doesn't have any rough edges or areas that could pinch your baby. Check that the hardware is securely fixed and won't become loose with time due to humidity or frequent use.
Many cribs have different mattress support heights which means they can be adjusted as your baby grows. It is recommended to keep the crib at the lowest point until your child is able to stand on their own, which usually happens around nine months. Some cribs are also equipped with a toddler bed conversion kit, which allows you to convert the crib into a toddler bed when your child is old enough to move out of your room.
Look for cribs without ornamental features or cutouts. They could pose a choking hazard for your baby. Also, avoid decorative items like mobiles and other toys in the crib since they can also be a danger for young babies.
A swiveling crib 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 is a well-regarded option, with a 360 swivel that a parent noted "was the ideal way to reach in and comfort your baby without having to leave the bed," particularly helpful during recovery from a c-section. The crib also comes with an adjustable side panel that can be lowered for maximum comfort and access. It's also compact enough that it can be moved from room to room effortlessly due to locking rolling casters.
Style
The crib is the most essential piece of furniture you can put in your baby's nursery. It occupies the most space on the floor and, therefore, it must be designed in a way that is compatible with your nursery's aesthetic.
Many cribs feature 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 the appearance of traditional. Whatever you decide on, ensure that it meets the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most cribs have a metal or wooden slat frame for mattresses that could be a solid board, a grid of wood slats or a spring wire grid. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter because it is more stable and is a stronger structure to support the weight of your baby's body.
It should also have a smooth, non-toxic finish and be easy to clean. Avoid placing anything in the crib your baby can grab and pull. This includes toys, blankets or pillows. Decorate your crib with care. Babies may be clingy and they can pull or bite at the ornaments. This could hurt or even detach them.
Some parents choose to use a bassinet for their baby until their baby is ready to move into a crib. Based 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 of both a bassinet and a full-size bed. This model has a side-to-side swing that makes it easy to reach into and out of the crib. It also has a reflux incline that is patented for Baby cot colic.
Another stylish option is this eco-friendly crib which has received over 2000 rave reviews from actual moms as well as a top rated cots 4.8-star rating on Amazon. Made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is the ultimate design statement that can transform boring nursery spaces into magazine-worthy spaces. It has four different mattress heights, which will be useful as your child grows.
Convenience
A crib is an essential baby item that promotes secure sleep by reducing the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), entrapment and suffocation. Cribs have to meet safety standards. However cribs are available with a variety of features that fit your style and budget.
Try the Ikea Gulliver crib, which is made of slats with a nice, rounded appearance, and simple lines to complement any decor. It is also compact enough to fit through the majority of doors inside without disassembly and is easily moved from room-to-room. It only has two mattress height options, which makes it a good option for infants. However other models offer three or four different options.
If you prefer traditional style The Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib has an sleigh-style frame with a sturdy construction. It's GREENGUARD-certified, which means you can be sure it complies with the environmental standards. The numerous finishes allow you to match the crib with any decor. It's also among the most expensive options, but it can last for many children. It can be converted to a toddler bed, and then a daybed.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another alternative. It has an innovative design, ideal for modern nurseries and comes with several features, including one of the lowest sitting mattress heights. That might make it easier for petite parents to reach their child, however, it's taller than other cribs we've reviewed and can be a problem for smaller adults who are worried about their baby falling out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden is a popular option. It's also GREENGUARD certified. It can be transformed into a toddler bed and it can be converted into a daybed by the purchase of separate conversion parts and is an investment that will last your family for many years to come. It's not as fancy as the Sloane or the Evolur however it does have an elegant look and comes in several different colors that will fit any nursery.
Budget
Even if you intend to share a bed with your child or use the crib that your parents rescued for you from their basement, a top-quality, safe crib is an investment piece. Modern safety standards allow you to find sturdy cribs with excellent design. The best newborn cribs are easy to assemble and come with a design that will not be quickly out of date with the latest fashions.
You might feel pressured to buy the "perfect" crib, considering that it is the biggest purchase you'll ever make for your child. But there are plenty of affordable cots, high-quality cribs that can make your baby's first sleep environment comfortable and safe.
When buying a crib, make sure it's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It must also meet all applicable safety standards. It is also essential to stay clear of buying second-hand cribs, since they could contain worn-out or damaged hardware that could pose a security risk to your child. If you choose to purchase a secondhand crib, make sure it is thoroughly examined by a professional before use.
Apart from the essential safety features, a good crib should be stable, sturdy and simple to put together. Thistel recommends that you read the instructions thoroughly and make sure that all parts are included. If you encounter issues, don't attempt to make your own solution. Instead, contact the manufacturer for replacement bolts or screws instead.
Cradlewise is a great option for parents who are looking for a chic crib that will grow with their child. It comes in a very heavy box, with simple instructions and a sturdy structure. It comes with an Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam are not included).
The Babyletto Hudson is the perfect crib for small spaces. Its small footprint and minimalist design makes it easy to fit. It is made from eco-friendly sustainable New Zealand Pine wood and is available in a variety modern colors that instantly transform a dull nursery into a magazine-worthy one. It also has four adjustable mattress heights to help you rest your back and prevent your baby from climbing out before they're ready.