Choosing the Best Crib
A crib is a crucial fixture in your nursery for many years, so it's important to pick a crib that you love looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, as your child could fall in. Instead, pick a design which can easily be transformed into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best possible start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You don't want an old crib that could have a lot of loose or broken parts, and you certainly do not want one that isn't in compliance with current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is up to the highest safety standards.
The slats of a crib must be closely spaced so that children do not get their fingers or heads in the slats. They should also not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other decorations that could cause injury. A mattress support system is also essential to ensure the safety of your crib, and it should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your baby as they develop.
Avoid hanging objects such as curtains or blinds because they could strangle your child. Be sure to check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be removed however it won't stay down for long. These are ideal for parents who want to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed sharing, but make certain that you're in a room free of windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you are seeking an eco-friendly crib, pick one that is made of sustainable forests. It's important to choose a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to go even more, consider a crib that is made from sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
Whether you're working with an elegant or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test participants, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most beautiful cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back crib has been constructed with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors to fit any style. It's a bit heavier than the other cribs we've examined, but it's strong 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 choices.
While a good option for smaller spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also bulkier than our other picks and will need to be dismantled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed from wood, like maple, oak, ash, mahogany, cherry, or birch. They are generally more long-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to nicks and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. cots offers can make the crib more vulnerable to scratches and dent, which could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to the standard crib is that it usually comes with a toddler rail which will help keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. Be aware, however, that many cribs specifically designed for toddlers will require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are numerous things to consider when choosing the right crib. You must consider size, style and slat style and if it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be used by your baby for many years. 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 expand with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, and then a full size bed. This will save you money over time because you won't need to purchase an additional bed for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs on the market However, some stand out better than others. 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 finishing. Additionally, it comes with three adjustable height settings for the mattress and an extremely low profile, making it simple to get your baby out and in of the crib. It is also simple to assemble and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another option is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be transformed into the toddler bed or daybed. It 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 ideal for minimalists who want to keep their nursery simple and clean. This chic crib can be made into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib should have sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions that lead to relatively frustration-free installation. A chic design that complements your nursery decor is important. Cribs are available in terms of price however there are some models that will fit into any budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most versatile options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to help your baby sleep or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The canopy and drape rods provide the baby with a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It can also double as a play yard that can be carried around providing your child with the security and comfort to sleep on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice design. It combines a modern style 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 between siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts which could catch clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges, and is easily dressed by sheets.
Some parents might want a minimalist crib to match their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more formal style that complements the decor of the room. If your preference falls into the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from a bassinet to a mini crib and then to a full crib all without bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who isn't in the mood for fussiness, choose the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to aid your baby's development into an adult. However, they have a more traditional look as compared to other models, such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.