The Best Crib For Newborn Safety and Style

It's a good idea to select a crib that is elegant and safe for your little one. Look for cribs that meet modern safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Avoid cribs with slats too close together and drop-side cribs, which could create strangulation risks for babies. Look for cribs with simple hardware, so that it doesn't get caught in your baby's hair or clothes.

Safety

It is essential that a crib be safe for your child. It is their place of residence when they are away from home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets specific standards for cribs, such as solid wood construction and sturdy mattress supports. Many cribs are additionally certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) for added safety measures.

Find cribs constructed from solid wood instead of particle board. Select a crib that is solid and doesn't have rough edges that could hurt your child. Also, make sure to make sure that the hardware is securely attached and best infant cribs won't come loose over time from humidity or heavy use.

Many cribs have various mattress support levels, so they can be adjusted as your baby grows. The lowest level is ideal for infants, and you should keep it at this level until your child is able to stand up at around nine months. Some cribs come with the toddler bed conversion kit, which allows you to transform the crib into a toddler Mini Cot Bed when your child is ready to leave your room.

Some cribs have decorative elements or cutouts that could cause choking danger for your baby So, look for cribs that don't have these kinds of ornaments. Avoid decorative items like mobiles as they can pose dangerous for babies.

Swivel cribs allow you monitor your baby from anywhere within the room. This is particularly useful for those recovering from C-sections or other births that are hospital-based. The Sweet2Sleep crib from Graco is a favorite. It features a 360-degree swivel, which one parent test participant found "was the ideal solution to reach and soothe the baby without having to get up from bed," especially helpful during recovering from a c-section. This crib has a lower side wall for maximum accessibility and comfort. The lockable casters allow you to easily move from one room to the next.

Style

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

Many cribs come with a modern, minimalist look that will fit in with any design scheme. Certain cribs have different slat layouts or flat panels at the ends. Others have finials or drop sides that give them a more the traditional style. Whatever you choose, ensure it meets the safety standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Most cribs have an aluminum or wood-slat mattress support, which is one-piece solid board or a grid of wood-slats or spring-wire grid frames. What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend the latter since it is more stable and is a better structure to support the weight of your baby's body.

It should also have a non-toxic, smooth finish and be easy to clean. Do not place anything in the crib your child could grasp and pull like toys, blankets or pillows. Decorate your crib with attention. Babies may be clingy and they might pull or bite at the ornaments. This could cause injury or cause them to fall off.

Some parents choose to use a bassinet for their newborn until they are ready to transition to cribs. A bassinet can last for up to six months depending on the level of activity your child has. If this is the case then you should consider this crib that offers all the advantages of a bassinet and a large-sized crib. This model has a side to side swivel, making it easy to get into and out of the crib. It also comes with a patent-pending reflux incline for colic.

Another option that is stylish is this eco-conscious crib that boasts over 2500 rave reviews from real moms and a high 4.8-star rating on Amazon. Made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood, this crib is the ultimate design statement that will transform ho-hum nurseries into magazine-worthy spaces. It comes with four mattress heights, which will be useful as your child grows.

Convenience

Cribs are an essential baby product that helps promote safety and sleep by reducing risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or entrapment, as well as suffocation. Cribs must meet specific safety standards, but you can find cribs that come with a range of features to suit your style and budget.

If you're looking for a crib that fits with contemporary nursery styles, check out the Ikea Gulliver, which has sleek, well-rounded lines and slats that match any decor. It's also quite compact, so it fits through most interior doorways without disassembling and can be moved easily from room to room. It only has two mattress height options, which makes it a good choice for infants. However other models come with three or four different settings.

If you prefer an older-fashioned look The Dream On Me, Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib has an sleigh-style frame with a sturdy build. It's GREENGUARD certified and therefore meets environmental standards, Baby Beds and its many finishes allow you to blend it to any style. It's also one of 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 has unique design, which is perfect for modern nursery designs and comes with several features including one of lowest levels of the mattress for sitting. This can help petite parents to reach their child however, it's higher than the other cribs we've reviewed, which can be challenging for those who are shorter and concerned about their child falling out of the crib.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 is a more conventional option, and it's GREENGUARD certified. It can be turned into a toddler bed and later into a daybed through the purchase of separate conversion pieces, so it's an investment that will benefit your family for many years to come. It's not as fancy as the Sloane or the Evolur however it does have a nice traditional look and comes in several different colors to suit any nursery.

Budget

A high-quality crib is a fantastic investment whether you plan to cosleep or use the crib that your parents have in their basement. The modern standards of safety make it simple to find durable cribs that look great too. The best newborn cribs are easy to put together and a design that won't quickly look outdated or out of date with the new trends in fashion.

You may feel pressured to purchase the "perfect" crib, considering that it's the most significant purchase you'll make for your child. However, there are a variety of affordable, high-quality cribs that will make your baby's first sleeping space comfortable and secure.

When buying a crib, ensure it's endorsed by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. It must also meet 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 security risk for your baby. If you decide to purchase an older crib, make sure you have it thoroughly inspected by a certified professional prior to using it.

Aside from the critical safety features, a good crib must be stable, solid and easy to assemble. Thistel says to check the instructions thoroughly and Baby Cot make sure all parts are included. If you run into any problems, don't make your own solution. Instead, contact the manufacturer for Cot Sales replacement bolts or screws instead.

Cradlewise is a great option for parents who are looking for a stylish crib that can evolve with their child. It arrives in one large, heavy box (enough to be a reason to ask your friends for assistance), and has easy-to-follow instructions and a solid build. It comes with a Greenguard GOLD-certified natural CoconutCoir Mattress (VOC and PU foam is not included).

The Babyletto Hudson is the perfect crib for a small space. Its compact footprint and minimalist design makes it easy to fit. It's made from eco-friendly sustainable New Zealand pine wood and comes in a range of modern colors that will instantly transform dull nursery spaces into magazines-worthy spaces. It also comes with four adjustable mattress settings to prevent your baby from gaining height before they are ready.