Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major element in your nursery for a long time, so it's important to pick one you love seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides as your child may fall into. Instead, pick one that 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's safe. You don't want an old crib that could have a lot of loose or broken parts, and you definitely 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 crib's slats should be positioned so that children do not get their fingers or heads in them. They should not include any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could result in injuries. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety and must be able to adjust to different heights to accommodate your child as they develop.
It is also recommended to avoid dangling objects such as blind strings or curtains, as these present the risk of strangulation to your child. It is a good idea to check your crib regularly for any missing or loose items, and replace any that are loosened in the course of time.
Some cribs have a side panel which can be moved down. However it won't be down for long. good cribs are great for parents who don't want to share a bed. Make sure to keep your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're looking for a crib which is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood from sustainable forests. You should also choose a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that there are no emissions of chemicals. If you want to go more, consider a crib made of 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 create a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib can be a wonderful addition. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great choice for small spaces. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. One of our test subjects, 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 crib is crafted with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we test, but it's 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 up more square footage in the nursery than our other top picks.
While a good option for small spaces, its unique design can be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also a bit bulkier than some of our other picks and may require dismantling in order to fit through doors that are standard in order to move from room the next.
Standard cribs are usually constructed of wood, including maple or oak, ash, mahogany, cherry, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand damage and nicks much better than soft pine. However, be aware of the fact that some manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods because it's cheaper. This could make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it usually includes a toddler rail, which can help to keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. Remember that a lot of cribs specifically designed for toddlers will require you to buy an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing a crib. You have to consider the size, style and slat type, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be used by your baby for a long time. You should also pick the crib that is compatible with the decor of your home, whether it's contemporary or traditional.
A convertible crib will expand with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and eventually a full size bed. This can save you money over time because you won't have to buy a separate bed for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs available however, some stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it is in compliance with or exceeds the government safety standards for construction and finishing. It also comes with three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. The crib is also easy to build, taking less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a great alternative. This crib is an excellent value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It has a classic design and can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is easy to put together, and its low profile makes it easier for parents to move into and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery design simple and tidy. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be made as a full-size toddler bed or bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and employs eco-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly painless. And a design that is compatible with the decor of your nursery is important. There are many different models of cribs that can be purchased at different prices.
For example, the top-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 to sleep or create an easy slope for reflux babies. The canopy and drape rods provide the baby with the comfort of a womb-like environment. It could also serve as a portable play yard and provide your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to nap on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice style. It combines a modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is made sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and does not have sharp edges.
Some parents might prefer an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more stately design that complements the decor of the room. If you're in the latter group of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet to an infant crib, and then to a full crib all without mattresses or bars, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who doesn't like fussiness, choose a crib that is simpler and cleaner visually. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to assist your baby to grow into an adult. However, they have a more traditional look in comparison to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.