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Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you love. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides as your child may fall into. Instead, opt for an option that can easily be converted into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best possible start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You don't want an old crib that may have a lot of loose or damaged parts, and you certainly don't want one that isn't conforming to the current safety standards. If you're buying a new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it meets the most important safety standards.
The slats of the crib should be spaced to prevent children from falling or catching their heads in them and also they shouldn't contain any decorative cut outs or other ornaments that could pose an injury risk. A mattress support system is vital to the crib's safety and should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your Baby beds as they develop.
Avoid hanging items like blind strings or curtains, because they could strangle your baby. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for any missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that have gotten lost in the course of time.
Some cribs have a 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 a bed. Be sure to place your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're seeking a green crib, select one made of sustainable forests. You should also 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 a step further, look for a crib that's made from sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
If you're looking to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib will be a great addition. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek, making it a good choice for small spaces. It also 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 a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety modern colors that will match any style. 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 space in the nursery than some of our other top picks.
It's a great option for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also heavier than the other options and will require to be dismantled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually constructed of wood like maple or oak. They can also be made from mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make the crib more prone to scratches and dent, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling out or climbing. But keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail to ensure security.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are many factors to consider. It is important to think about size, style and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It's crucial to choose the crib you love since it will be used by your baby for many years. You should also select a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib can grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and eventually a full size bed. This will save money in the long run because you don't need to purchase an additional bed for your child.
Certain convertible cribs 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 federal safety standards for construction and finishing. In addition, it has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and an extremely low profile, making it easy to move your baby out of the crib. It is easy to assemble this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another good option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic crib that can be converted into the toddler bed or daybed. The crib is easy to put together and its low profile makes it easy 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 who want to keep their bedroom simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be made into a toddler bed or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and employs eco-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality is one that has a solid construction and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively painless. And a design that matches your nursery decor is also important. There are a variety of crib models that can be purchased at different costs.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib or as a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to soothe your Baby Cot Bed to sleep or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a cozy baby-like womb. It can also serve as a portable play area and provides your child with a secure and comfortable space to rest while moving around.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn't sacrifice style. It blends a modern style with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could snag clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed by a sheet.
Some parents might want an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more formal style 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 fantastic choice. This stylish model converts from a bassinet to mini cotbed cribs and later to a full crib all without mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who isn't in the mood for fussiness, choose the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to help your baby grow into an adult. However, they have a more traditional look compared to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.