Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you like. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, since your child might fall in. Instead, pick an option that can easily be converted to a daybed or toddler.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. You don't want to use an old crib that may have a lot of loose or damaged parts, and you certainly don't want one that isn't in compliance with current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced to stop children from getting their hands or heads in them, and they shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could create a risk. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety, and it should be capable of adjusting to various sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.
Avoid hanging objects such as blind strings or curtains, as they can strangle your child. It's a good idea check your crib regularly for any missing or loose objects, and replace any that are loosened in the course of time.
Some cribs have a side panel which can be moved down. However it won't be down for very long. These are useful for parents who want to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be sure you're in a room away from radiators and windows and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're seeking a green crib, pick one that is made of sustainable forests. You should also choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something even better, choose a crib made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA, BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemicals.
Style
If you're looking to design a classic or minimalist nursery, a chic crib can be a wonderful option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great choice for small spaces. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've ever seen, even among sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've examined, but it's strong enough to get 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 occupies more space in the nursery than our other top picks.
It's a great choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also bulkier than the other options and will need to be disassembled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually made from wood, such as maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand damage and nicks much better than soft pine. However, be aware that some manufacturers use pine instead of the more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This can make a crib susceptible to scratches and dents, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to the standard crib is that it typically comes with a toddler rail which can help keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. Keep in mind that some cribs designed for toddlers will require you to buy an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are many things to think about when choosing the right crib. Think about the size, design, slats, and whether it is convertible. It is essential to pick a crib that you like since it will be used by your baby for a long time. You also want to choose a crib that is a good fit in with the decor of your home, whether that be traditional or modern.
A convertible crib will expand with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, then an adult size bed. This can save you money over time because you won't have to buy a separate bed for your child.
There are many different convertible cribs available, but certain models stand out more than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finishing. It also has three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. It's easy to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a good option. This crib is a great value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Cots 4 Tots 's a classic style and can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. It is also easy to put together and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached into and out of for smaller parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery design simple and simple. This stylish crib can be transformed into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy construction and easy assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively easy. A stylish design that matches your nursery decor is important. There are many different cribs available to be purchased at different costs.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, a crib or toddler bed. It also has the ability to roll and rock to gently help your baby sleep or create a gentle incline for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons envelop the baby in a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It can also serve as a portable play area that provides your child with a secure and comfortable place to nap when they are on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It blends a modern aesthetic with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It meets all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It has no rough or sharp edges, and is easily dressed by a sheet.
Some parents may want a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more stately design that suits the room's decor. If you fall into the latter group of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. This stylish model can be converted from a bassinet into the size of a mini-crib, and then into a full-size crib without the need for mattresses or bars.
If you're an adult who doesn't enjoy the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is more simple and clean in appearance. 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're more of a traditional design than some models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.