Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major fixture in your nursery for many years so it's crucial to pick a crib that you love looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your little one might get into, and select one that is easily convertible into a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. You shouldn't use a crib that has many missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that isn't up to the 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 meets the most important safety requirements.
The slats in the crib should be spaced so that children aren't getting their hands or heads in them and should not have any decorative cut outs or other embellishments that could pose an injury risk. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib and must be able to adjust to different heights to accommodate your child as they develop.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds, as they can strangle your child. Be sure to check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be moved down. However, it will not stay down for very long. They are ideal for parents who do not want to share with their children. Make sure to put your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're seeking a crib that is environmentally friendly, consider one made from wood from sustainable forests. You should also choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you want to go a step further, you should look for a crib that is made from sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
No matter if you want to create an elegant or classic nursery, a chic crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good choice for small spaces. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with the option of a lower-height mattress. 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 baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety modern colors that match any aesthetic. It's a bit heavier than other cribs we've tried, but it's sturdy enough to get through 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than our other top choices.
While a good option for small spaces, its distinctive design can be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also a bit bulkier than some of our other options and will probably need to be disassembled to fit through standard doors when moving from room to space.
Standard cribs are usually constructed of wood like oak or maple. They can also be made of cherry, mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand scratches and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable since it's less expensive. This could make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches, which could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling or climbing. Remember that some cribs specifically designed for toddlers will require you to buy an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are numerous things to think about when choosing a crib. You have to consider the size, style, and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It's crucial to choose a crib that you like since it will be used by your baby for many years. It is also important to choose the crib that is compatible with the decor of your home, whether it's contemporary or traditional.
A convertible crib will expand with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, and eventually an adult size bed. cots and tots can save you money in the long run since you don't have to buy an additional bed for your child.
Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it is in compliance with or exceeds government safety standards in construction and finish. It also has three adjustable mattress settings and a low-profile that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. It is easy to assemble this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes with a cordless driver/drill.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a great alternative. This crib is a great value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It has a classic design and can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed, or 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 final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists who want to keep their bedroom simple and clean. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be transformed to become an adult bed or a full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and employs eco-friendly production methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A good crib is one that has a solid construction, and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly easy. A stylish design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also essential. There are many different crib models that can be purchased at different costs.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, a crib or a toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for babies with reflux. The drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a comfortable baby-like womb. It can also serve as a portable play area and provides your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest when they are traveling.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn't sacrifice design. It blends a modern style with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and can be passed on to children. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges, and is easily dressed by a sheet.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to complement their contemporary or modern home. Others may prefer a more elegant style that matches the decor of the room. If your preference falls into the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib, and then to a full-sized crib, all without the need for mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who doesn't like fussiness, choose a crib that is more simple and clean visually. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need for your baby to become a toddler, but they have more of a traditional style than other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.
