Choosing the Best Crib
A crib is a crucial element in your nursery for years so it's crucial to choose a crib you enjoy looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, as your child might fall in. Instead, choose a design which can easily be transformed to 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. It's not necessary to have cribs that have lots of missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that doesn't meet the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib should be spaced evenly so that children cannot catch their fingers or heads in them. They should not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments which could result in injury. A mattress support system is also crucial to the safety of the crib and must be adjustable to different sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.
You'll also want to avoid hanging objects like blind strings or curtains, as these present a strangulation risk for your infant. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be lifted, but it won't stay down for long. These are great for parents who do not want to share a bed. Just make sure you put your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're looking for a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It's recommended to pick a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something even more durable, consider a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemical compounds.
Style
If you're planning to work with a minimal or classic style for your nursery, choosing an elegant crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 fits well in small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and has a lower height mattress setting. One of our testers, 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!"
This classic high-back baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of modern colors that match any style. It's a bit heavier than 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 space in the nursery than 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 our other picks and will require to be disassembled in order to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are made of wood such as maple or oak. They are also made of mahogany, cherry, birch, or cherry. They are typically more long-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to nicks and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of more durable hardwoods because it's cheaper. This could make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling out or climbing. Keep in mind, however, that many cribs for toddlers require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are numerous aspects to take into consideration when selecting the right crib. Think about the size, design, slats and whether it is convertible. It's important to find a crib that you love because it will be used by your baby for a long time. You should also choose the crib that is compatible with the style of your home, whether it's contemporary or traditional.
A convertible crib will grow with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, and then a full size bed. This will save you money in the long run since you don't have to purchase a mattress for your child.
There are many different convertible cribs on the market however, some stand out better than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards in the construction and finish. In cheap cot beds , it has three height settings that can be adjusted and an extremely low profile, making it easy to move your baby out of the crib. It is also easy to build in less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another option that is worth considering is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and a great deal. It is a classic design and can be made into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach to and out of for short parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists who want to keep their nursery simple and tidy. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be transformed as an adult bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy using eco-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy construction, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively easy. And a stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is important. 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 used as a bassinet, a crib, or a toddler bed. It can also roll and rock to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle incline for babies who have reflux. The canopy and drape rods envelop the baby in 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 space to rest while on the move.
Another option that doesn't skimp on style 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 made sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It meets all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to match their modern or contemporary home. Some prefer a more refined design that matches the decor of the room. If your preference falls in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet to the size of a mini-crib, and then into a full-size crib, without the need for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent that isn't in the mood for fussiness, choose the simpler and cleaner-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. However, they have a more traditional look in comparison to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.