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The 5 Safest Cribs [And Factors To Consider]

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When it comes to your child, no matter their age, their safety is your top priority. And, as a parent of an infant, you have enough to worry about beyond being concerned about your child’s safety while they’re sleeping. That’s why choosing a safe crib matters.

safe crib graphic

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a new crib, as well as the 5 safest cribs on the market.

Do You Need a Crib

The first thing to consider when crib shopping is, of course, if you even need a crib, some parents choose to co-sleep, use a bassinet or go with a mini crib before transitioning their child up to a “big kid” bed. What are your plans for your child’s sleeping arrangements?

Whatever your plan, keep in mind the functions of a crib and whether or not it will fit your needs. Obviously, a full-size crib isn’t going to be as portable as a bassinet or mini crib, so you’ll need to be okay with leaving the crib in one spot.

Additionally, if your little one is already close to that big kid bed stage anyway, buying a new crib could be a pricey purchase you don’t even really need right now. There are safe baby cribs, convertible cribs and full-size cribs to fit any and all needs.

When Do You Need a Crib?

Cribs are typically suitable for children from three to four months of age all the way up to five years old. However, as with all things parenting-related, this will differ according to your preferences, parenting style and your child.

Some parents prefer to immediately put their child in a crib, which is totally fine, so long as they follow the proper safety standards.

Some children need to be moved from a crib to a child’s bed sooner rather than later due to size or weight. Even your child’s behavior could indicate it’s past time to move from a baby crib to a child’s bed; if they’re particularly adventurous or prone to climbing, a crib could prove a safety hazard if they attempt to crawl over the gate.

How to Choose a Crib: Factors to Consider

Adorable nursery with a peach wall, natural wood furniture and some stuffies and a red rocking horse

When shopping for the best crib for any child, there are a few factors you should consider and all will play into your final decision. These include:

  • Materials the crib is made from
  • The age of your child
  • The crib’s storage features
  • The look of the crib
  • Crib safety

Materials

Take a look at the materials the crib is made from while shopping. Most are made with wood, but some have metal pieces as well. If you’re shopping in-store, check the paint for any chipping. You’ll also want to ensure the materials used are lead-free and phthalate-free.

The Age of Your Child

The age of your child will really factor into which new crib you buy. If you have a newborn, you’ll likely want a crib with an adjustable mattress that can lower and raise to make picking up your delicate newborn easier. If you have an older child, you may want something that can easily convert into a big kid bed without any additional parts.

Storage

Many baby cribs now come with storage included. These are usually a drawer or two that is situated underneath the crib mattress. You can use these drawers for storing extra blankets, stuffed animals or any other baby gear you might need for your infant. If you’re shopping in person and are interested in a crib with storage, make sure to check the durability of the drawers before making a final decision, as some might be flimsy.

Look

You can find cribs in a variety of styles now, from modern and minimalistic, to vintage and classic with a variety of color options. If shopping in the store, you may find only a few cribs fit your nursery’s decor, so be sure to check out your online options as well.

Safety

The most important feature out of all these, though, is safety standards. If your crib can’t keep your child adequately safe, it shouldn’t be in your home.

Related: The 9 Best Pop up Books for Kids

The Safest Cribs of 2020

Babyletto Hudson Crib

Babyletto Hudson Crib

The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 convertible crib is a minimalistic and sleek crib option that can do it all. These cribs are on the affordable side and pretty popular with new parents who want a stylish look as well as the convenience and safety offered by a quality product. This crib is easy to assemble and then easily converts into a toddler-sized crib and then into a daybed. The Babyletto Hudson Crib is also Greenguard Gold certified, made of New Zealand pinewood and free of harmful chemicals, making it safe for any size little one.

DaVinci Kalani Crib

DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 convertible crib

The DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 convertible crib takes things a step further and not only upgrades to a toddler bed and a daybed, but also a full-size bed. This crib could potentially serve your child until they move out and go to college, making it the ultimate conversion kit.

DaVinci Jenny Lind Stationary Crib

DaVinci Jenny Lind Stationary Crib

The DaVinci Jenny Lind Stationary Crib is a vintage-style option that’s well suited to those parents who want something a little more basic. It still can convert into a toddler bed and a daybed and can adjust to four different heights, but its features are otherwise pretty run-of-the-mill for a standard crib.

Delta Children Canton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Delta Children four-in-one convertible crib

Another four-in-one convertible crib, this option from Delta Children converts from a crib into a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed. There are three mattress heights to choose from, to make scooping up your newborn easier and to also keep adventurous tots from climbing over the edges.

Dream on Me Violet 7-in-1 Convertible Life Style Crib

7-in-1 convertible crib from Dream on Me.

Lastly, if you want an array of options, then go with the 7-in-1 convertible crib from Dream on Me. It can transition from a baby crib to a toddler bed, daybed, twin bed without a footboard, twin bed with a footboard, full bed with a footboard or full bed without a footboard.

Make Your Crib Even Safer

After you’ve picked out the perfect baby crib, make sure everything you put into your crib is safe for your child as well.

Pick the right crib mattress, that’s the right size, so there’s no chance of a child standing up and toppling over the crib side, or of them getting a little limb stuck in between the mattress, railing or slats. Other things to keep in mind when buying a new crib mattress is the mattress support and safety standards. These safety standards are also important to remember when purchasing a changing table, a travel crib, stroller or any other big-ticket items!

Carefully choose crib sheets, pillows, blankets and stuffed animals, to avoid choking, suffocation or injuries. To prevent SIDS, it’s best to keep the crib as empty as possible and free from any items that might overheat your baby.

You might also be interested in: How To Style Mom Jeans [Baby Not Required]

Holly Riddle

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