Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you love. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby could get into, and choose an option that is easily convertible to a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our children the best possible start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. It's not necessary to have cribs that have a lot loose or missing 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 in the crib should be spaced to stop children from falling or catching their heads in them, and they shouldn't have any decorative cut outs or other embellishments that could create a risk. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib, and it should be able to adjust to different sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.
It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains, because they pose a strangulation risk for your child. Be sure to check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be moved down. However it won't stay down for very long. These are great for parents who don't want to share the bed. Be sure to keep your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're looking for a crib which is green, you should consider one made from wood from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to select a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go a step further, you should look for a crib that's made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
No matter if you want to create a classic or minimalist nursery, a chic crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good option for spaces that are tight. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most beautiful cribs we've seen even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It's 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 takes up more space in the nursery compared to 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 a bit bulkier than some of our other options, and it will likely need to be disassembled to fit through doors that are standard when moving from room to the next.
Standard cribs are usually constructed of wood, like maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany, or birch. cots and tots are generally longer-lasting than other materials and can withstand nicks and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This can make a crib susceptible to scratches and dents and could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling or climbing. Be aware, however, that many cribs for toddlers will require you to purchase an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When it comes to selecting a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. It is important to think about size, style and slat type, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose the crib you love because it will be used by your child for a long period of time. You should also select a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home, whether that be traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib will grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and eventually a full size bed. This will save you money in the long run since you don't have to buy a separate mattress for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs available however, some stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finishing. In addition, it has three height settings that can be adjusted and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby out of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to build in less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.
Another good option is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It's a classic style and can be made into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to assemble and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out for small parents.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery design simple and tidy. This stylish crib can be transformed into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and is made 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 crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions that result in an easy and painless installation. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is crucial. 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 that are available. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or 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 like a womb. It can even double as a play yard that can be carried around and provide your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice design. It blends a modern design with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, including no drop-sides or decorative cutouts that could snag clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed by sheets.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to complement their contemporary or modern home. Others may prefer a more elegant design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall in the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet to a mini-crib and then a full-size crib, without the need for bars or mattresses.
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 elements you need to assist your baby to grow into a toddler. They do however have a more traditional look in comparison to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.