Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your baby could fall into, and select one that is able to be converted to a toddler bed, or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. You don't want an old crib that may contain a lot of broken or damaged parts, and you certainly shouldn't buy one that's not up to current safety standards. When buying a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The crib's slats should be spaced evenly to ensure that children don't get their fingers or heads in the slats. They should also not have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could cause injury. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the security of your crib, must be adjustable to various heights so that it can grow with your child.
It is also recommended to avoid hanging objects like blind strings or curtains as these present an opportunity for strangulation for your child. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be removed. However it won't stay down for long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share with their children. Just make sure you put your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're seeking a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you want to go a step further, you should look for a crib that's made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
Whether you're working with a classic or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing an attractive crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim which makes it a perfect choice for small spaces. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up among the most beautiful cribs we've ever seen even in a sea grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety modern colors that will match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs we've evaluated, but is 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 more space in the nursery compared to other top choices.
While it's a great option for small spaces, its unique design can be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also a bit heavier than our other options, and it will likely need to be disassembled to fit through doors that are standard when moving from room to the next.
Standard cribs are usually constructed of wood, including maple oak, ash cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist nicks and dings much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This could make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it usually comes with a toddler rail which can help to keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. However, be aware that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for extra safety.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are many factors to consider. It is important to think about size, style and slat style, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It is essential to choose a crib you like because it will be a part of your child for a long time. You also want to choose a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home, whether that be modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is an excellent option since it grows with your child until it becomes an infant bed, and eventually into a full-size bed. This will save you money over time because you won't need to purchase an additional bed for your child.
There are many different convertible cribs on the market, but certain models stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it is in compliance with or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of construction and finish. It also has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and a low profile that makes it easy to move your baby out and in of the crib. It is easy to assemble this crib in less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a excellent alternative. This crib is a great value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic crib that can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed. The crib is easy to put together and its low profile makes it easier for parents to get into and out.
The final crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery designs simple and simple. This elegant crib can be converted into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy using eco-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions. This makes the assembly painless. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are many different cribs available to be purchased at different prices.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options available on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet 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 who have reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons will encase your baby in the comfort of a womb-like environment. It could also serve as a play yard that can be carried around providing your child with a comfortable and secure place to rest on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a contemporary style with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and does not have sharp edges.
Some parents may want a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more stately design that is suited to the room's decor. If crib sets in the latter category of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full-sized crib, all without mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you are a parent who doesn't like excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is less cluttered and more clean in appearance. cheap cot beds 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to aid your baby's development into a toddler. However, they sport an older-style look when compared to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.