Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key element in your nursery for years so it's crucial to choose a crib you enjoy looking at. Avoid recommended cribs with cutouts and drop-sides as your child could fall in. Instead, pick an option that can easily be transformed to a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents as parents, we want to provide our children the best start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. You don't want to use an old crib that could contain a lot of broken or broken parts, and you definitely shouldn't buy one that's not up to current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, make sure you look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is in compliance with the most stringent safety standards.
The slats of a crib must be closely spaced so that children cannot catch their fingers or heads in the slats. They should not include any decorative cutouts or other ornaments 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 sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, because they could strangle your baby. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lifted but it won't be down for long. These are useful for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be sure that you're positioned in a room away from radiators and windows and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly crib, pick one that is constructed from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something even better, choose a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates, and other chemicals.
Style
If you're going for an elegant or minimalist design, an attractive crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up among the most beautiful cribs we've seen, even among a sea grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of contemporary colors that can be matched to any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs we test, but it's durable 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 than our other top cribs.
It's a great option for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also heavier than our other options and will probably require dismantling to fit through standard doors in order to move from room room.
Standard cribs are usually made of wood such as maple or oak. They can also be made of mahogany, birch or cherry. They tend to be more long-lasting than other materials and resist damage better than soft pine. But be aware that some manufacturers use pine instead of the more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This could make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to the standard crib is that it often includes a toddler rail, which can help keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. But keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for extra security.
Convertibility
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and if it is convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib that you love, as it will be used by your child for a long period of time. It is also important to 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, and then a full size bed. This will save money in the long run since you don't have to buy a separate bed for your child.
Certain convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it is in compliance with or exceeds government safety standards in design and construction. It also has three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it simple to get your baby in and out of the crib. It is simple to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using an electric drill or driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another excellent alternative. This crib is a great value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic design and can be converted to a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is easy to put together, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to get into and out.
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 elegant crib can be made into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions. This makes the assembly easy. A stylish design that is compatible with the decor of your nursery is crucial. Cribs are available in terms of cost however there are some models that suit every budget.
For instance, the top-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 toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently help your baby sleep or create an incline that is gentle for reflux babies. The added canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a cozy like a womb. It can also be used as a portable play area that provides your child with a safe and comfortable place to nap when traveling.
Another option that doesn't sacrifice on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines environmentally friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and can be passed on to children. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and does not have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and does not have sharp edges.
Some parents may want an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, whereas others may prefer a more formal design that is suited to the room's decor. If you're in the latter category of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into the size of a mini-crib, and then into a full-size crib without the requirement for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent who isn't into fussiness, opt for the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to help your baby become an adult, but they have a more traditional design than some models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.