Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you like. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides, as your child could fall in. Instead, choose one that is easily converted into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. You don't want an old crib that could contain a number of loose or missing parts, and you shouldn't buy one that's not conforming to the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib must be closely spaced so that children cannot catch their heads or fingers within the slats. They should also not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments which could result in injury. Cot Bed , which is essential to the safety of your crib, should be adjustable to different levels so that it can expand with your child.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your child. Be sure to check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be lowered. However it won't stay down for long. These are useful for parents who want to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed sharing, but make sure you're in a room that is away from windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you're looking for a crib which is eco-friendly, think about one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's important to pick a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low emissions of chemicals. If you want to go even further, look for a crib that's made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
No matter if you want to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib will be a great option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim which makes it a perfect fit for tight spaces. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with the option of a lower-height mattress. One of our test participants, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most attractive cribs 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 a bit heavier than the other cribs we've examined, but it's strong enough to make it through toddler-graduation 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 more space in the nursery when compared to some of our other top picks.
While it's a great option for small spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also heavier than our other options and will probably need to be disassembled to fit through doors that are standard when you move from room to the next.
Standard cribs are made from wood, including maple, oak, ash, cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make the crib more prone to dent and scratches, which could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling or climbing. But keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail to ensure security.
Convertibility
When it comes to selecting a crib, there are many aspects to take into consideration. Think about the size, design, slats, and if it is convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib that you love, as it will be with your child for a long period of time. You should also choose the crib that is compatible with the decor of your home, no matter if it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is an excellent option because it can grow with your child into a toddler bed, and later to a larger bed. This will save you money over the long term since you don't have to purchase a mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs 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 federal safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three adjustable mattress height settings and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby out and in of the crib. This crib is also relatively simple to assemble, taking less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.
Another option that is worth considering is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is a classic crib that could be converted into an infant bed or a daybed. This crib is also simple to assemble and has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached in and out of for smaller parents.
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 design simple and clean. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be made into an adult bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy with environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy construction, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively painless. And a stylish design that is compatible with the decor of your nursery is important. There are many different models of cribs that can be purchased at different prices.
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 roll and rock to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for babies with reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a comfortable baby-like womb. It can also be used as a portable play space that provides your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest when on the move.
Another option that doesn't sacrifice on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is made sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could catch clothing. It has no sharp or rough edges and is easily dressed with a sheet.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home. Others might prefer a more refined design that matches the decor of the room. If you're in the latter category of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib, and then to a full crib all without mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who isn't interested in fussiness, go for the less cluttered and more elegant 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 sport a more traditional look as compared to other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.