Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. It will be part of your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides as your child could fall in. Instead, choose one that can easily be transformed into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best possible start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You don't need to use cribs that have lots of missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that doesn't meet current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is up to the highest safety standards.
The slats that comprise a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from getting their hands or heads in the slats, and they shouldn't have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations that could create a risk. The mattress support system, which is vital to the security of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various heights so that it can adapt to the needs of your child.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your baby. It's a good idea inspect your crib on a regular basis for loose or missing items, and replace any that have gotten lost over time.
Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be lowered but it won't be in place for long. They are ideal for parents who do not want to share a bed. Make sure to put your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're seeking a green crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. You should also consider a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something more durable, consider a crib made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates, and other chemicals.
Style
If you're looking to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a chic crib can be a wonderful option. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect choice for small spaces. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, 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 crib is crafted with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've examined, but it's strong enough to last 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 more space in the nursery as compared to some of our other top choices.
It's a good choice for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also more bulkier than the other options and will have to be dismantled to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually made of wood such as oak or maple. They can also be made of mahogany, birch or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and resist damage and nicks much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This could make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches and may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling or climbing. Keep in mind that some cribs designed for toddlers will require the purchase of a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When it comes to selecting a crib, there are many things to consider. You have to consider size, style and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be there for your baby for many years. It is also important to choose the crib that will go with the decor of your home, no matter if it's contemporary or traditional.
A convertible crib will expand with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and eventually an adult size bed. This will save you money in the end since you don't have to purchase a mattress for your child.
Some convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified, which means it meets or surpasses the safety standards of the government in terms of the construction and finish. It also comes with three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile design that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. It's easy to put together this crib and takes less than 15 minutes using a cordless driver/drill.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a good alternative. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and a great buy. It's a classic style and can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. It is also easy to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach into and out of for short parents.
tots and cots on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists looking to keep their nursery simple and tidy. This chic crib can be converted into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy using environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and made to be used in conjunction together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively easy. And a stylish design that fits with your nursery decor is also important. Cribs are available in terms of cost however there are some models that will fit into any budget.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to rock and roll to gently rock your baby to sleep or create a gentle incline for babies who have reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can also be used as a portable play area, providing your child with a safe and comfortable spot to sleep while on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn't sacrifice design. It blends a modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is sustainably made in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down through 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 a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents may want an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more formal style that is suited to the room's decor. If you fall into the latter category of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. The elegantly designed model can be converted from bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full crib, all without adding bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you are a parent who isn't a fan of fussiness, choose a crib that is less cluttered and more clean in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to aid your baby's development into an adult. However, they sport a more traditional look in comparison to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.