Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key feature in your nursery for years, so it's important to choose a crib you enjoy admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby could get into, and choose an option that is able to be converted to a toddler bed, or daybed.
Safety
As parents as parents, we want to provide our children the best start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. It's not necessary to have an infant crib with lots of missing or loose pieces and you shouldn't choose one that doesn't meet current safety standards. When purchasing a crib make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats in a crib should be tightly spaced to stop children from falling or catching their heads in them and should not have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other embellishments that could pose an injury risk. The mattress support system, which is vital to the security of your crib, must be adjustable to various levels so that it can adapt to the needs of your child.
Avoid hanging items like blind strings or curtains, as they can strangle your baby. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be lowered but it won't be down for long. They are great for parents who wish to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but make sure that you're positioned in a space away from radiators and windows and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're looking for a crib which is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed the tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go even further, you should look for a crib that is made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
Whether you're working with a minimal or classic style for your nursery, choosing an elegant crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek and is a great option for spaces that are tight. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and has an adjustable lower height mattress. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've seen, even among sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors to fit any style. It's heavier than the other cribs 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 some of 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 a bit heavier than some of our other choices and will probably require dismantling to fit through standard doors when moving from room to space.
Standard cribs are typically made of wood such as oak or maple. They are also made of mahogany, birch or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand nicks and dings much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make the crib more vulnerable to dent and scratches which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling out or climbing. Keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are numerous aspects to take into consideration. You must consider the size, style, and slat style and if it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose a crib you like because it will be a part of your baby for a long period of time. You should also choose a crib to fit in with the style of your home, no matter if it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib can grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, then an adult size bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't have to buy a mattress for your child.
There are many different convertible cribs on the market However, some stand out better than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified, which means it meets or surpasses federal safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and an extremely low profile, making it simple to get your baby in and out of the crib. It is simple to put together this crib and takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another option is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic crib that can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed. The crib is simple to put together, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to get into and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery designs simple and clean. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be made into a toddler bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing techniques. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively easy. tots and cots that matches your nursery decor is important. There are numerous models of cribs that can be purchased at different costs.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet crib or a toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently help your baby sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies who have reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod encase your child in a warm baby-like womb. It could also serve as a portable play yard, giving your child the security and comfort to nap on the go.
cots and tots that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with environmentally friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to siblings. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges and can easily be dressed with a sheet.
cots and tots might prefer an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more formal design that complements the decor of the room. If your preference falls into the latter, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model can be converted from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib, without the need for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent that isn't interested in fussiness, go for the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to assist your baby to grow into an adult. However, they have a more traditional look as compared to other models, such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.