Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major feature in your nursery for years, so it's important to choose a crib you enjoy admiring. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your child could fall into, and select an option that is easily convertible to a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best possible start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You don't want an old crib that might contain a number of loose or missing parts, and you don't want one that isn't conforming to the current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it meets the most important safety standards.
The slats in a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from falling or catching their heads in the slats, and they shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could pose an injury risk. The mattress support system, which is essential to the security of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various heights to allow it to adapt to the needs of your child.
It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects like curtains or blind strings, because they pose the risk of strangulation to your infant. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be moved down. However it won't be down for long. They are great for parents who wish to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but be sure you're in a room that is away from windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're looking for a crib that is green, you should consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's recommended to select a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you're looking to buy something superior, select 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 looking to create a classic or minimalist nursery, a chic crib will be a great option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim which makes it a perfect option for spaces that are tight. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with 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 a sea grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of modern colors that will match any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs we've tested, but it's durable enough to make it 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 some of our other top choices.
While it's a great choice for smaller spaces, its unique design can be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also heavier than our other picks and will need to be disassembled in order to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually constructed from wood, such as maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist damage and nicks much better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of the more durable hardwoods because it's cheaper. This can make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches and may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to the standard crib is that it often comes with a toddler rail which can help to keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. 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 choosing a crib, there are many factors to consider. Take into consideration the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib that you like since it will be there for your baby for a long time. It is also important to select a crib that will fit in with the decor of your home regardless of whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is a fantastic option since it grows with your child until it becomes a toddler bed and then to a larger bed. This will save money in the long run because you don't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.
There are many different convertible cribs available, but some stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finishing. Additionally, it comes with three height settings that can be adjusted and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby in and out of the crib. It is also simple to assemble and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.
Another option that is worth considering is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and is a great purchase. It's a classic style and can be converted to a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. This crib is easy to assemble, and its low profile makes it easier for parents to move in and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists looking to keep their nursery simple and clean. This chic crib can be transformed into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly production methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and specifically designed to work with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions. This will make the process effortless. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are many different cribs available to be bought at various prices.
For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or toddler bed and can also roll and rock to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It could also serve as a play yard that can be carried around providing your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to rest on the go.
Another option that doesn't skimp on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and is in compliance with 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 a sheet.
Some parents may want a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, whereas others may prefer a more stately design that suits the room's decor. If your preference falls in the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant-looking model converts from bassinet to a mini crib and then to a full crib all without adding bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you are a parent who isn't a fan of fussiness, choose a crib that is less cluttered and more clean visually. small cot beds 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require to help your baby develop into a toddler, but they have more of a traditional style than other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.