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Choosing the Best Crib

A crib is a crucial feature in your nursery for years, so it's important to pick one you love looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your child could get into, and select one that is able to be converted to a toddler bed or daybed.

Safety

As parents, we want to give our babies the best cots for newborns start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You don't want to use an old crib that could contain a number of loose or damaged parts, and you certainly shouldn't buy one that's not up to current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced to stop children from getting their hands or heads in the slats, and they shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other decorations which could cause injury risk. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib, should be adjustable to different levels so that it can grow with your child.

Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, as they can strangle your child. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for loose or missing items, and replace any that have gotten lost in the course of time.

Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be lowered. However it won't be down for very long. These are ideal for parents who want to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but be sure that you're positioned in an area that is away from windows and radiators and that your cheap baby cots for sale isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly crib, choose one made of sustainable forests. It's important to pick a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something even more durable, consider a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA tots and cots BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemical compounds.

Style

If you're going for a minimal or classic style for your nursery, choosing an attractive crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with the option of a lower-height mattress. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most beautiful cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"

This classic high-back crib is crafted with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs we've evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last into 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than some of our other top cribs.

It's a good choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also heavier than our other choices, and it will likely require dismantling to fit through standard doors in order to move from room room.

Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood, such as maple, oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They tend to be more long-lasting than other materials and resist nicks and dings better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers use pine instead of the more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This could make the crib more prone to scratches and dent, which could require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will also include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling or climbing. Be aware, however, that many cribs designed for toddlers require you to buy a separate toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

There are numerous things to consider when choosing the right crib. Think about the size, design, slats, and whether it's convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib you like, as it will be with your baby for a long period of time. It is also important to select the crib that fits to the decor of your home whether it's modern or traditional.

A convertible crib is a fantastic option because it can grow with your child into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed. This will save you money in the end because you won't have to purchase a mattress for your child.

There are numerous convertible cribs available, but some stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it is in compliance with or exceeds government safety standards in the construction and finish. In addition, it has three adjustable mattress height settings and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby out and in of the crib. It is simple to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.

Another option that is worth considering is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic design and can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is simple to assemble, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move into and out.

The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists who want to keep their bedroom simple and tidy. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be outfitted into a toddler bed or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing techniques. 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 the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are many different models of cribs that can be purchased at different costs.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options available on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, a crib or toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for babies who have reflux. The canopy and drape rod encase your child in a warm like a womb. It can even double as a portable play area providing your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to nap on the go.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a modern style with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, including no drop-sides or decorative cutouts which could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and is free of sharp edges.

Some parents might want an uncluttered crib that complements their contemporary or modern home, while others may prefer a more stately design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter category of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great crib option. This stylish model converts from bassinet to an infant crib, and then to a full crib all without adding bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're 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 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to allow your baby to develop into 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.