Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key element in your nursery for a long time, so it's important to choose a crib you enjoy seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides, as your child might fall in. Instead, choose one that can easily be transformed to a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best possible start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. It's not necessary to have cribs that have many missing or loose pieces or is one that isn't up to current safety standards. If you're buying a new crib, make sure you look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is up to the highest safety standards.
The crib's slats should be spaced evenly so that children do not get their fingers or heads in the slats. They shouldn't contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments that could cause injuries. A mattress support system is crucial to the safety of the crib and should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your baby as they develop.
It is also recommended to avoid dangling objects such as curtains or blind strings, as these present a strangulation risk for your infant. Be sure to check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs have the option of a side panel that could be removed however it won't stay in place for long. These are ideal for parents who wish to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but make sure you're in a space away from radiators and windows and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're seeking a crib that is environmentally friendly, consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It's recommended to pick a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking for something better, choose a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA, BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemical compounds.
Style
If you're planning to work with a classic or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing an elegant crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great option for spaces that are tight. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most attractive cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety contemporary colors that can be matched to any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last until toddlerhood 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 when compared to our other top picks.
It's a great choice for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also bulkier than the other options and will need to be disassembled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, such as maple or oak, ash, mahogany, cherry or birch. They tend to be more durable than other materials and resist nicks and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware of the fact that some manufacturers use pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable because it's less expensive. This can make the crib more susceptible 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 can help keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. Remember that a lot of cribs for toddlers require you to buy a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When it comes to choosing a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. You must consider size, style and slat style and whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose a crib that you love because it will be a part of your baby for a long period of time. You also want to choose the crib that fits to the decor of your home whether it's traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib will expand with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, and then a full size bed. This will save you money in the long run since you don'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's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it is in compliance with or exceeds the government safety standards for construction and finish. It also comes with three adjustable mattress settings and a low profile that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. It is also easy to put together and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another good option is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and a great deal. It's a classic style and can be made into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach in and out of for smaller parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. cots and tots is a great option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery designs simple and simple. This elegant crib can be made into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy using eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy construction, and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly effortless. online cots that is compatible with your nursery decor is also crucial. Cribs are available in terms of price however, there are models that will fit into any budget.
For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or as a toddler bed. It can also gently help your baby sleep or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The canopy and drape rods provide the baby with an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It can even double as a portable play area providing your child with the security and comfort to nap on the go.
Another option that doesn't compromise on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could catch clothing. It has no sharp or rough edges and is easily dressed by a sheet.
Some parents might want a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, while others might prefer a more formal style that suits the room's decor. If you're in the latter group of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This stylish model can be converted from a bassinet to an infant crib and then a full-size crib without the need for bars or mattresses.
If you are a parent who doesn't like excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is more simple and clean looking. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require to allow your baby to become a toddler, but they're more of a traditional look than some other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.