Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key feature in your nursery for years so it's crucial to choose a crib you enjoy seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides, as your child might fall in. Instead, pick one that can easily be converted into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. You don't want an old crib that might contain a number of loose or missing parts, and you shouldn't buy one that's not up to current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of the crib must be spaced so that children aren't catching their fingers or head in them and should not have any decorative cut outs or other ornaments that could pose an injury risk. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety and must be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.
It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects, such as curtains or blind strings, since they pose an opportunity for strangulation for your baby. Examine your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, but it won't stay down for very long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share with their children. Just make sure you place your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're looking for a crib which is eco-friendly, think about one made of wood from sustainable forests. You should also consider a crib 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're looking to go even further, look for a crib made of sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
If you're going for an elegant or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing an attractive crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect 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 beautiful cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
infant cot bed -back crib for babies is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of modern colors that will match any style. It's a bit heavier than the other cribs we've tried, but it's sturdy 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than our other top picks.
It's a great option for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also heavier than some of our other choices, and it will likely need to be disassembled to fit through standard doors when moving from room to the next.
Standard cribs are made of wood such as maple or oak. They are also 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 the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling or climbing. Be aware that some cribs designed for toddlers require you to purchase an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are many aspects to take into consideration when selecting the right crib. You must consider the size, style, and slat type, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be with 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 modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is a fantastic choice because it will grow with your child to a toddler bed and then into a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run since you don't have to buy a mattress for your child.
Some convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. This crib is also relatively easy to put together in less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a good alternative. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and a great buy. It is a classic crib that could be transformed into the toddler bed or daybed. This crib is also simple to assemble and has a low-profile that makes it easy to reach in and out for small parents.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for those who want to keep their room simple and clean. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be outfitted into an adult bed or a full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy using environmentally friendly production methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and made to be used in conjunction together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.
Budget
A good crib must be built with strength and straightforward assembly instructions that lead to an easy and painless installation. A stylish design that matches your nursery decor is also essential. There are many different cribs available to be purchased at different costs.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options that are available. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or as a toddler bed. It can also gently rock your baby to slumber or create an easy slope for reflux babies. The added canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a cozy womb-like environment. It can also double as a portable play area and provide your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.
Another option that doesn't compromise on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with sustainable materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It meets all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It has no sharp or rough edges and is easily dressed with sheets.
Some parents may want a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, while others might prefer a more stately design that complements the decor of the room. If your preference falls into the latter you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. 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're a parent who's not in the mood for fussiness, choose the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require to allow your baby to develop into a toddler, but they have more of a traditional style than other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.
