Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key 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, as your child could fall in. Instead, choose an option that can easily be converted into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. It's not necessary to have cribs that have many missing or loose pieces or is 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 it meets the most important safety requirements.
The slats that comprise the crib must be spaced so that children aren't catching their fingers or head in the slats and also they shouldn't contain any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations that could create a risk. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety and should be capable of adjusting to various heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.
Avoid dangling items such as blind strings or curtains, since they could strangle your child. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be removed. However, it will not stay down for very long. They are great for parents who wish to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but be sure that you're positioned in a space away from radiators and windows and that your child isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you are seeking an eco-friendly crib, choose one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's recommended to select a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you want to go even more, consider a crib that is made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to create an elegant or classic nursery, a stylish crib can be a wonderful option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim which makes it a perfect fit for tight spaces. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the best-looking ones we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs that we test, but it's durable enough to last into 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 our other top choices.
It's a great choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also more bulkier than the other options and will need to be disassembled in order to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually made of wood such as maple or oak. They can also be made of mahogany, cherry, birch or cherry. They tend to be more long-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This could make a crib more vulnerable to dents and scratches and may require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of the standard crib is that it typically comes with a toddler rail which can ensure your child's safety from falling down and climbing. However, keep in see page that many toddler-safe cribs will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for added security.
Convertibility
There are many things to consider when choosing the right crib. You have to consider the size, style and slat type and whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose the crib you love, as it will be with your child for a long time. You should also pick a crib to fit in with the style of your home, whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib will expand with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, then an adult size bed. This will save money over time because you won't need to purchase an additional bed for your child.
There are many different convertible cribs on the market, but some stand out better than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finishing. It also has three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile design that makes it easier to get your child in and out of it. The crib is also easy to build, taking less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a excellent option. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and is a great purchase. It has a classic design and can be converted to a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. It is also easy to assemble and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached into and out of for smaller parents.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery design simple and clean. This elegant crib can be converted into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and employs eco-friendly production methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and made to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality should have sturdy construction and straightforward assembly instructions that result in an easy and painless installation. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is important. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price however, there are models that are suitable for every budget.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, crib or a toddler bed. It can also rock and roll to gently help your baby sleep or create a gentle incline for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with the comfort of a womb-like environment. It could also serve as a portable play area and provide your child with the security and comfort to rest on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn't sacrifice design. It combines a contemporary design with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is produced sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to match their modern or contemporary home. Some prefer a more elegant design that complements the décor of the room. If your preference falls in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet into mini cribs and later to a full crib all without the need for bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who's not in the mood for fussiness, choose the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to assist your baby to grow into an adult. However, they have an older-style look when compared to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.