Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you like. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides, since your child may fall into. Instead, pick an option that is easily converted to 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 to use an old crib that could contain a lot of broken or damaged parts, and you certainly don't want one that isn't conforming to the current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, make sure you look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is up to the highest safety standards.
The crib's slats must be closely spaced so that children cannot catch their heads or fingers in the slats. They should not include any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could cause injury. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various heights so that it can adapt to the needs of your child.
It is also recommended to avoid hanging objects, such as curtains or blind strings, since they pose the risk of strangulation to your baby. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be removed. However it won't stay down for very long. These are great for parents who don't want to share a bed. Make sure to keep your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're looking for a crib that is green, you should consider one made from wood from sustainable forests. recommended cribs should also consider a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you want to go a step more, consider a crib that is made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
If you're looking to design a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib will be a great option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great option for spaces that are tight. It also has 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 beautiful cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety contemporary colors that can be matched to any style. It's heavier than other cribs that we've tried, but it's sturdy enough to get through 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 takes up more space in the nursery when compared to other top picks.
While it's a great choice for smaller spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also a bit bulkier than our other choices and will probably need to be disassembled to fit through standard doors when moving from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually constructed of wood, such as maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and resist damage and nicks much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches which could require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of a standard crib is that it usually comes with a toddler rail which will help keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. Keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require the purchase of a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are many things to think about when choosing the right crib. Consider the size, style, slats, and whether it is convertible. It is essential to pick a crib that you like since it will be there for your baby for many years. You should also pick the crib that is compatible with the decor of your home, whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is a fantastic choice because it will grow with your child into a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed. This will save money in the long run since you don't need to purchase an additional bed for your child.
There are many different convertible cribs available, but some stand out more than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it is in compliance with or exceeds the government safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three adjustable mattress height settings and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby in and out of the crib. It is also easy to build, taking less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.
Another option that is worth considering is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a great value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It is a classic crib that could be transformed into the toddler bed or daybed. This crib is also simple to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach in and out of for short parents.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery decor simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be outfitted as a toddler bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality must be built with strength and easy assembly instructions that result in an easy and painless installation. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are a variety of cribs available to be bought at various prices.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most versatile options that are available. It can be used as a bassinet crib or a toddler bed. It can also roll and rock to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can also serve as a portable play area, providing your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest when they are moving around.
Another option that doesn't skimp on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines environmentally friendly materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to siblings. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and does not have sharp edges.
Some parents may want a minimal crib to complement their contemporary or modern home, while others may prefer a more formal style that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. 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 in the mood for fussiness, choose the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to help your baby develop into an adult, but they're more of a traditional design than some models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.