Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby could get into, and opt for one that can be easily converted into a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our babies the best start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. You don't need to use cribs that have a lot loose or missing pieces, nor do you want one that isn't in line with the current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it meets the most important safety requirements.
The slats of the crib should be spaced to stop children from getting their hands or heads in the slats, and they shouldn't have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other ornaments that could pose an injury risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the security of your crib, must be adjustable to various levels so that it can expand with your child.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your child. It is a good idea to examine your crib frequently for any missing or loose items, and replace any that are loosened in the course of time.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be lifted, but it won't stay down for very long. These are ideal for parents who want to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but be sure that you're positioned in an area that is away from windows and radiators and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you are seeking a green crib, choose one made of 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 buy something more durable, consider a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates and other chemicals.
Style
If you're planning to work with a classic or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek, making it a good fit for tight spaces. It also comes with 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 beautiful cribs we've seen even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib has been constructed with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's heavier than the other cribs we've tried, but it's sturdy enough to get through toddler-graduation 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 up more space in the nursery than our other top cribs.
While it's a great option for smaller spaces, its unique design can be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also heavier than our other choices and will need to be disassembled to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed from wood, such as maple or oak. They can also be made from cherry, mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and resist nicks and dings much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches and could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling or climbing. Remember, however, that many cribs designed for toddlers will require you to buy a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are many things to think about when choosing a crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and whether it is convertible. It is essential to choose a crib you like, as it will be a part of your child for a long time. It is also important to select a crib that will fit in with the decor of your home regardless of whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib will grow with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, then to a full-size bed. This will save you money over the long term since you don't have to buy a separate mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified that means it is in compliance with or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of the construction and finish. In addition, it has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and an extremely low profile, making it easy to move your baby out of the crib. It is simple to put together this crib in less than 15 minutes to assemble using a cordless driver/drill.
Another option is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and a great deal. It is a classic crib that can be converted into an infant bed or a daybed. It is also easy to put together and has a low-profile that makes it easy to reach into and out for small parents.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists who want to keep their nursery simple and clean. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be transformed as a toddler bed or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. best cots is made in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing techniques. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and made to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy structure and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly effortless. A stylish design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also crucial. There are many different crib models that can be bought at various prices.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most versatile options that are available. It can be set up as a bassinet crib, or a toddler bed and can also roll and rock to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for babies with reflux. The added canopy and drape rod will encase your child in a warm baby-like womb. It can also serve as a portable play space and provides your child with a secure and comfortable space to rest when they are moving around.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, which include no drop-sides or decorative cutouts which could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and does not have sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to match their modern or contemporary home. Others may prefer a more elegant style that complements the décor of the room. If your preference falls in the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib with no need for mattresses or bars.
If you are an adult who doesn't enjoy fussiness, choose a crib that is simpler and cleaner looking. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need to help your baby become a toddler, however they have a more traditional style than other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.