Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you like. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby could get into, and opt for a design that can be easily converted into a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. You don't want to use an old crib that could have a lot of loose or missing parts, and you definitely don't want one that isn't up to current safety standards. When buying a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats in a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from catching their fingers or head in the slats and also they shouldn't contain any decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could create a risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib should be adjustable to different levels so that it can expand with your child.
Avoid hanging objects such as blind strings or curtains, as they can strangle your child. Examine your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs have the option of a side panel that could be removed, but it won't stay down for long. These are great for parents who do not want to share with their children. Make sure to keep your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're looking for a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood from sustainable forests. It's important to select a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go even further, look for a crib made of sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
If you're looking to design an elegant or classic nursery, a chic crib can be a wonderful option. The SnuzPod4 fits well in tiny spaces since it's slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most attractive cribs we've seen even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs that we tested, but durable enough to last until the age of toddler and beyond. Its longer sides make it less aesthetically-pleasing than some other cribs, and you won't have a view of your little one from all four sides. It also takes more space in the nursery compared to some of our other top picks.
It's a great option for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also heavier than our other picks and will require to be dismantled to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually constructed from wood, such as oak or maple. They can also be made from mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are typically more durable than other materials and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers use pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable because it's cheaper. This can make the crib more prone to dent and scratches, which could require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of a standard crib is that it often includes a toddler rail, which will ensure your child's safety from climbing and falling out. However, keep in mind that many toddler-safe cribs will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for added safety.
Convertibility
When it comes to choosing a crib, there are numerous aspects to take into consideration. Take into consideration the size, style, slats and whether it is convertible. It is essential to pick a crib you love as it will be there for your baby for many years. It is also important to select a crib that will fit to the decor of your home, whether that be modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is a fantastic option because it can grow with your child until it becomes an infant bed, and eventually into a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you won't have to purchase a mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than other. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it meets or surpasses government safety standards in construction and finish. It also comes with three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile design that allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. It is simple to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another good option is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It has a classic design and can be made into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. It is also easy to put together and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached in and out of for short parents.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery decor simple and tidy. online cots can be made into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy using eco-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy construction, and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly painless. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is essential. There are cots offers of crib models that can be bought at various prices.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options that are available. It can be used as a bassinet crib, or as a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently help your baby sleep or create a gentle slope for reflux babies. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It can also serve as a portable play area and provides your child with a safe and comfortable spot to sleep while traveling.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice design. It blends a modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It meets all CPSC standards and does not have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It has no rough or sharp edges and is easily dressed by a sheet.
Some parents might prefer a minimal crib to complement their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more formal style that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet to a mini-crib and then a full-size crib, without the requirement for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent that isn't in the mood for fussiness, choose the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require for your baby to grow into a toddler, but they have more of a traditional style than other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.