Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you like. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides as your child might fall in. Instead, choose one that is easily converted into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best possible start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. You don't want to use an old crib that might contain a number of loose or missing parts, and you certainly don't want one that isn't in compliance with current safety standards. If you're buying a new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is in compliance with the most stringent safety requirements.
The slats in a crib should be tightly spaced to stop children from falling or catching their heads in the slats and should not have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other ornaments that could create a risk. A mattress support system is also crucial to the safety of the crib and must be capable of adjusting to various sizes to accommodate your child as they develop.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds as they can strangle your baby. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be lowered, but it won't stay down for very long. These are great for parents who don't want to share a bed. Just make sure you place your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're looking for a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made of wood from sustainable forests. You should also consider one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you're looking to buy something better, choose a crib made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemicals.
Style
Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to design an elegant or classic nursery, a chic crib is a fantastic addition. 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. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up among the most beautiful cribs we've seen, even among sea grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of contemporary colors that can be matched to any style. It's a bit heavier than other cribs that we've tested, but it's durable enough to last 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 takes up more square footage in the nursery than some of our other top choices.
While it's a great option for small spaces, its unique design can be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also heavier than our other options, and it will likely require dismantling in order to fit through doors that are standard when moving from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually constructed from wood, including maple, oak, ash, cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist damage and nicks much better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of the more durable hardwoods because it's cheaper. This can make a crib vulnerable to dents and scratches and could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to the standard crib is that it usually comes with a toddler rail which can help keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. Be aware that a lot of cribs specifically designed for toddlers require you to purchase an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be used by your baby for many years. You should also choose the crib that will go with the decor of your home, no matter if it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib will grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, then an adult size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you won't need to purchase a mattress for your child.
Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified, which means it meets or surpasses the safety standards of the government in terms of construction and finish. In addition, it has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby in and out of the crib. It is easy to assemble this crib and takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using an electric drill or driver.
Another option is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed. It is also easy to assemble 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. This crib is ideal for minimalists who want to keep their nursery simple and tidy. This stylish crib can be converted into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing techniques. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality must be built with strength and straightforward assembly instructions that allow for the installation process being relatively easy. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs are available in terms of cost, but there are models that are suitable for every budget.
For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, crib or a toddler bed and can also roll and rock to gently help your baby sleep or create a gentle incline for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a cozy baby-like womb. It can also be used as a portable play space, providing your child with a secure and comfortable place to nap when traveling.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice design. It combines a contemporary style with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts which could catch clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to match their modern or contemporary home. affordable cots may prefer a more elegant style that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter category of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into the size of a mini-crib, and then into a full-size crib, without the need for bars or mattresses.
If you are an adult who doesn't enjoy the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is less cluttered and more clean in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to assist your baby to grow into a toddler. They do however have a more traditional look compared to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.