Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides as your child could fall in. Instead, choose a design which is easily converted into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents as parents, we want to provide our babies the best start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. It's not necessary to have cribs that have lots of missing or loose pieces or is one that isn't in line with the 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 standards.
The slats on a crib must be closely spaced to ensure that children don't get their fingers or heads in them. They should also not include any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could result in injuries. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib must be adjustable to various levels so that it can expand with your child.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your baby. It's a good idea to check your crib regularly for any missing or loose objects, and replace any that are loosened over time.
Some cribs have a side panel which can be removed. However it won't be down for very long. These are ideal for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed sharing, but make sure you're in a room away from radiators and windows and that your child isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you're looking for a crib that is environmentally friendly, consider one made from wood from sustainable forests. It's recommended to select a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you want to go a step more, consider a crib that's made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to design an elegant or classic nursery, a stylish crib can be a wonderful addition. The SnuzPod4 can be used in small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've seen, even among 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 style. It's heavier than other cribs that we tested, but durable enough to last until the age of toddler 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 when compared to other top choices.
While a good option for small spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also bulkier than the other options and will need to be disassembled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood like oak or maple. They can also be made of mahogany, cherry, birch, or cherry. They tend to be longer-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to nicks and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make a crib susceptible to scratches and dents and could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling out or climbing. However, be online cots that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail to ensure security.
Convertibility
When it comes to choosing a crib, there are many factors to consider. Take into consideration the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It's crucial to choose a crib that you like since it will be with your baby for a long time. You should also select the crib that fits into your home's decor, whether that be traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib is a great choice because it will grow with your child until it becomes a toddler bed and then to a larger bed. This will save you money in the end since you don't have to purchase a mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finish. Additionally, it comes with three adjustable mattress height settings and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby out of the crib. It is easy to assemble this crib in less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another option that is worth considering is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a great value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It is a classic design and can be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. It is also easy to put together and has a low-profile that makes it easy to reach to and out of for short parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery decor simple and clean. This stylish crib can be transformed into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality should have sturdy construction and straightforward assembly instructions that allow for an easy and painless installation. A chic design that is in line with your nursery decor is important. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price however, there are models that are suitable for every budget.
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 a toddler bed. It can also rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle incline for reflux babies. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It can also double as a play yard that can be carried around providing your child with a comfortable and secure place to nap on the go.
Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to children. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges, and is easily dressed by sheets.
Some parents may want a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more formal design that suits the room's decor. If you're in the latter group of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant-looking model converts from bassinet to 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're a parent who isn't into fussiness, opt for the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need for your baby to become an adult, but they're more of a traditional look than some other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.