Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key feature in your nursery for many years and it's essential to pick one you love admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, since your child may fall into. Instead, pick one that is easily converted into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our children the best start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. It's not necessary to have an infant crib with many missing or loose pieces or is one that isn't in line with current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is in compliance with the most stringent safety requirements.
The slats in the crib must be spaced to prevent children from catching their fingers or head in the slats, and they shouldn't have any decorative cut outs or other ornaments that could create a risk. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety and must be capable of adjusting to various sizes to accommodate your child as they develop.
Avoid dangling items such as blind strings or curtains, since they could strangle your baby. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs have a side panel which can be removed. However, it will not stay down for long. These are ideal for parents who wish to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make certain that you're in an area away from radiators and windows and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you're looking for an environmentally friendly crib, select one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's recommended to select a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low emissions of chemicals. If you want to go a step more, consider a crib that is made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to design a minimalist or classic nursery, a chic crib can be a wonderful addition. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim which makes it a perfect option for spaces that are tight. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've ever seen even among a sea grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of modern colors that will match any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs we've tested, but 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 space in the nursery compared to our other top picks.
It's a good choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also bulkier than the other options and will need to be dismantled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically made of wood such as maple or oak. They can also be made from cherry, mahogany, birch or cherry. They tend to be more durable than other materials, and are resistant to damage better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of the more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This can make the crib more prone to dent and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of a standard crib is that it typically comes with a toddler rail which will help keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. However, be aware that many toddler-safe cribs will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for extra safety.
Convertibility
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing a crib. Think about the size, design, slats, and whether it's convertible. It is crucial to choose the crib you love because it will be a part of your child for a long period of time. You also want to choose a crib that will fit into your home's decor, whether that be traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib will expand with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and then to a full-size bed. This can save you money in the long run because you don't need to purchase an additional bed for your child.
Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it is in compliance with or exceeds the government safety standards for construction and finish. In addition, it has three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby out of the crib. It is also simple to assemble in less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.
Another option that is worth considering is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It is a classic design and can be converted to a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached in and out of for smaller parents.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery design simple and simple. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be transformed to become a toddler bed or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process easy. A chic design that complements your nursery decor is important. Cribs vary in terms of cost however there are some models that are suitable for every budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib, or a toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons envelop the baby in the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can also serve as a portable play space and provides your child with a secure and comfortable space to rest while moving around.
Another option that doesn't sacrifice on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines eco-friendly materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could snag clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges and is easily dressed with sheets.
Some parents might want a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home, while others may prefer a more formal design that suits the room's decor. If you fall into the latter, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib without the requirement for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent who's not into fussiness, opt for the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to help your baby grow into an adult. They do however have a more traditional look compared to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.