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 may fall into. Instead, pick a design which can easily be transformed to a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our babies the best start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You don't want to use an old crib that might contain a number of loose or damaged parts, and you certainly don't want one that isn't conforming to the current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is in compliance with the most stringent safety requirements.
The slats in a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from falling or catching their heads in them, and they shouldn't have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other ornaments which could cause injury risk. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib should be able to be adjusted to various heights to allow it to adapt to the needs of your child.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your baby. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for any missing or loose objects, and replace any that have become dislodged over time.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be lowered. However it won't stay down for very long. They are great for parents who wish to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but be sure that you're positioned in an area free of 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 eco-friendly, think about one made of wood from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed the tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you want to go even further, look for a crib that is made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
Whether you're working with a classic or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. Best cot for newborn comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most attractive cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of modern colors that match any style. It's a bit heavier than other cribs we've tried, but it's sturdy 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 square footage in the nursery than our other top picks.
It's a great choice for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also a bit heavier than our other choices, and it will likely require dismantling in order to fit through standard doors when moving from room to space.
Standard cribs are usually made from wood, such as maple, oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They are generally more durable than other materials and can withstand scratches and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of the more durable hardwoods because it's cheaper. This can make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to the standard crib is that it usually includes a toddler rail, which will ensure your child's safety from falling down and climbing. But keep in mind that many toddler-safe cribs will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for extra safety.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. Consider the size, style, slats, and if it is convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib that you like since it will be used by your baby for a long time. It is also important to choose the crib that is compatible with the style of your home, whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib is a fantastic option since it grows with your child into a toddler bed, and later to a larger bed. This will save you money in the long run because you don't have to buy an additional bed for your child.
There are many different convertible cribs on the market, but some stand out better than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finish. In addition, it has three adjustable mattress height settings and a low profile that makes it easy to move your baby out of the crib. It is simple to put together this crib in less than 15 minutes with an electric drill or driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a excellent alternative. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and a great deal. It has a classic design and can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached into and out of for short parents.
The final crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists looking to keep their nursery simple and clean. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be outfitted as an adult bed or a full-size bed by purchasing an optional 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 mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality is one that has a solid construction, and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly effortless. And a design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also important. There are numerous models of cribs that can be bought at various prices.
For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to rock your baby to slumber or create an easy slope for reflux babies. The drape rod and canopy envelop your child in a warm baby-like womb. It can even double as a portable play area, giving your child an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.
Another option that doesn't skimp on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents might want a minimalist crib to match their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more formal style that is suited to the room's decor. If you fall in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from a bassinet into a mini crib and then to a full crib, all without mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you are a parent who isn't a fan of excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is less cluttered and more clean looking. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to aid your baby's development into an adult. However, they sport more of a traditional style as compared to other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.