Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your child might get into, and choose an option that is easily convertible to a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. It's not necessary to have an infant crib with a lot loose or missing pieces and you shouldn't choose one that isn't up to current safety standards. If you're buying a new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it meets the most important safety standards.
The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced so that children aren't catching their fingers or head in the slats and should not have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other embellishments that could create a risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the security of your crib, should be adjustable to different heights so that it can grow with your child.
It is also recommended to avoid dangling objects such as curtains or blind strings, since they pose a strangulation risk for your baby. It's a good idea check your crib regularly for missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that have become dislodged over time.
Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be removed however it won't stay in place for long. These are useful for parents who wish to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be sure you're in a room free of windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you're looking for a crib that is environmentally friendly, consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's recommended to pick a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something even superior, select a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates and other chemicals.
Style
If you're going for an elegant or minimalist design, a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek and is a great fit for tight spaces. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, stated that the crib was "up among the most beautiful cribs we've seen, even among sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs that we tested, but durable enough to last through the toddler years 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 as compared to our other top choices.
While cot bed sales 's a great choice for smaller spaces, its unique design can be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also more bulkier 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 typically made from wood, such as maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand damage and nicks much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This can make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and may require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of a standard crib is that it typically comes with a toddler rail which will help keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. But keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail to ensure security.
Convertibility
When it comes to selecting a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and whether it's convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be there for your baby for many years. You should also select a crib that will fit to the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib is a great choice because it will grow with your child into an infant bed, and eventually into a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you won't need to buy a separate mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it meets or surpasses federal safety standards for the construction and finish. In addition, it has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and an extremely low profile, making it simple to get your baby out and in of the crib. It is simple to put together this crib and takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another option is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It has a classic design and can be made into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. This crib is also simple to put together and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out for small parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery designs simple and tidy. This elegant crib can be made into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy using environmentally friendly production methods. It's also 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 allow for the installation process being relatively easy. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is crucial. Cribs are available in terms of price however there are some models that suit every budget.
For instance, 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 be used to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an easy slope for reflux babies. The canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a comfortable womb-like environment. It can also serve as a portable play area and provides your child with a secure and comfortable space to rest while on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn't sacrifice design. It blends a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is produced sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no drop-sides or decorative cutouts which could catch clothing. It has no sharp or rough edges and is easily dressed with a sheet.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib that matches their contemporary or modern home. Some prefer a more refined design that is in keeping with the décor of the room. If you're in the latter category of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great option. This stylish model converts from a bassinet into mini cribs and later to a full crib all without the need for 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 as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need for your baby to grow into a toddler, however they have a more traditional design than some models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.