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, since your child may fall into. Instead, choose a design which can easily be converted into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. It's not necessary to have cribs that have lots of missing or loose pieces and you shouldn't choose one that isn't in line with current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is in compliance with the most stringent safety requirements.
The slats that comprise the crib should be spaced to stop children from falling or catching their heads in them and also they shouldn't contain any decorative cutouts or other embellishments which could cause injury risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib should be able to be adjusted to various levels so that it can expand with your child.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your child. Examine your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered. However it won't be down for very long. They are ideal for parents who do not want to share a bed. Make sure to put your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're looking for an environmentally friendly crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. It's recommended to choose a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you want to go even further, look for a crib made of sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
No matter if you want to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic addition. The SnuzPod4 fits well in tiny spaces since it's slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress 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 best-looking ones we've seen even in the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back crib has been constructed with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's a bit heavier than other cribs that we've tested, but it's durable enough to make it 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 takes up more space in the nursery than some of our other top cribs.
While cheap cot beds 's a great option for small spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find bedding and sheets for. It's also a bit heavier than our other picks and may need to be disassembled to fit through doors that are standard when you move from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically made from wood, including maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They tend to be more durable than other materials, and are resistant to nicks and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware that some manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods because it's cheaper. This can make the crib more susceptible to scratches and dent, which could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it typically comes with a toddler rail which can help to keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. However, keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for extra safety.
Convertibility
When it comes to selecting a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. It is important to think about the size, style and slat style, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose the crib you love since it will be there for your baby for a long time. You should also pick the crib that is compatible with the style of your home, no matter if it's contemporary or traditional.
A convertible crib is a fantastic choice because it will grow with your child to an infant bed, and eventually a full-size bed. This will save you money in the end because you won't have to buy a mattress for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs on the market However, certain models stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified which means it meets or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of design and construction. It also has three adjustable mattress height settings and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby out of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to build, taking less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.
Another option that is worth considering is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is a classic crib that could be converted into a toddler bed or daybed. This crib is easy to put together, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move into and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for those who want to keep their nursery simple and clean. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be transformed as a toddler bed or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and made to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib must be built with strength and easy assembly instructions that lead to relatively frustration-free installation. A stylish design that matches your nursery decor is also crucial. Cribs are available in terms of price however there are some models that suit every budget.
For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, a crib, or a toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rods envelop the baby in the comfort of a womb-like environment. It could also serve as a portable play area providing your child with a comfortable and secure place to rest on the go.
Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with environmentally friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to siblings. It meets all CPSC standards and does not have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to complement their contemporary or modern home. Some prefer a more elegant design that is in keeping with the decor of the room. If you're in the latter category of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib without the need for bars or mattresses.
If you're an adult who doesn't enjoy excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is less cluttered and more clean in appearance. 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 have a more traditional look compared to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.