Not all cribs are created equal. Every mom knows this because rest is invaluable, and moms rest well when their baby sleeps through the night. In the early weeks and months of new motherhood, sleep deprivation is common. Its effects can be detrimental, leading to psychosis, reduced immune function, and postpartum depression and anxiety.
Moms also prioritize their babies’ safety. A quality and safe crib provides peace of mind. But what are the necessary safety standards for a baby’s crib? It’s important to distinguish between a quality crib and a subpar one so that mom can get some shuteye.
What Makes a Safe and Quality Crib?
Choosing the right crib involves many considerations. You need to decide on price, type, adjustability, materials, and, most importantly, safety. A safe crib is less about the external structure and more about what is inside.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals in cribs to reduce the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They recommend a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet, and that parents place babies to sleep on their backs.
Safety features are important as well when selecting a crib. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has updated safety standards for full-size baby cribs. These standards include criteria for supports and hardware, and they warn against drop-side cribs.
Crib Advice From a Doula
Social impact strategist and doula Shyah Dickerson encourages parents to choose reputable brands when purchasing a crib. Most store-bought cribs will meet safety standards and come with instructions to ensure those standards are met during assembly.
“Safety is always the primary focus when selecting new baby items,” she said. “Always read reviews from families that have actually used the crib; talk to family and friends as well for peace of mind on their crib experiences.”
When assembling your baby’s crib, ensure there are no missing, loose, or ill-fitting screws or brackets. Make sure your baby cannot fit through the slats of the crib and avoid drop-down sides.
Lastly, make sure the crib has safety certifications. Dickerson explained that JPMA, ASTM, and GreenGuard Gold are a few popular safety certifications your crib should have.
- Perfect for Parents On the Go: Guava Lotus Travel Crib
- Most Versatile: Suite Bebe Barnside Crib
- Ultimate Safety: Dream On Me Chelsea Crib
- Convertible Features: Davinci Union White Convertible Crib
- Versatility with Storage: Graco Hadley Convertible Crib Drawer
- Sustainable and Stylish: Babyletto Hudson Convertible Crib
Quality Cribs to Consider
Whether your baby is sitting or standing, the Lotus crib is truly one of the safest and most comfortable environments for your little one. Chemical-free, the Lotus is made without PVC, lead, formaldehyde, mercury, arsenic, phthalates, or other dangerous chemicals. This travel crib is perfect for parents on the go who need a reliable and portable crib.
The Barnside crib is a well-crafted crib inspired by industrial farmhouse style. This crib perfectly blends fashion with function. The clean lines and light gray wash make it stand out. This quality crib will last through the years and can be adjusted from crib, to daybed, to toddler bed, to full-size bed.
Babies will sleep easy in this uniquely designed crib with flowing silhouettes offset with straight lines. For ultimate safety, the crib is PMA Certified and meets the highest standards of safety. As your baby grows, parents can adjust the Dream on Me Chelsea crib to four mattress height positions.
The Davinci Union Convertible Crib is a favorite amongst consumers and is known for its convertible features. It is made from nontoxic materials, so parents can have peace of mind knowing that their babies aren’t breathing in chemicals. It also has four adjustable mattress heights. This makes it easy for parents to lower the mattress as their baby begins to sit and stand.
You’ll have the Graco Hadley 5-in-1 for years to come because of its quality and versatility. It can convert from a baby crib to a toddler bed to a daybed to full-size bed with headboard & optional footboard. Its two drawer storage compartment is perfect to store diapers, wipes, and other nursery items.
Made from sustainable pine wood and non-toxic materials, the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Crib makes transitioning from newborn to toddler simple for parents. The Hudson transitions from crib to toddler bed to daybed. The timeless silhouette is available in 10 color combinations. The low-profile design also offers four adjustable mattress positions to make it easy to put a newborn to rest.
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