Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you like. It will be part of your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides, as your child may fall into. Instead, pick an option that is easily converted into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You don't want to use an old crib that could contain a lot of broken or missing parts, and you certainly shouldn't buy one that's not up to current safety standards. When purchasing a crib ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats that comprise a crib should be tightly spaced to stop children from getting their hands or heads in them and also they shouldn't contain any decorative cut outs or other decorations that could pose an injury risk. A mattress support system is also crucial to the safety of the crib, and it should be able to adjust to different heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.
It is also recommended to avoid dangling objects such as blind strings or curtains, since they pose the risk of strangulation to your child. Be sure to check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be moved down. However, it will not stay down for very long. These are useful for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed sharing, but make sure that you're positioned in a room free of windows and radiators and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're looking for a crib that is green, you should consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you want to go a step further, look for a crib that's made from 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 design a minimalist or classic nursery, a chic crib is a fantastic addition. The SnuzPod4 fits well in tiny spaces since it's slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up there with the best-looking cribs we've seen, even among sea grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of modern colors that match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs we've examined, but it's strong enough to get 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 occupies more space in the nursery than some of our other top choices.
It's a great option for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also bulkier than the other options and will require to be disassembled in order to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically made of wood such as oak or maple. They are also made of mahogany, cherry, birch, or cherry. 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 certain manufacturers use pine instead of the more durable hardwoods because it's less expensive. This can make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of a standard crib is that it typically comes with a toddler rail which can help to keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. But keep in mind that many toddler-safe cribs will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for added safety.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. It is important to think about the size, style, and slat style and whether it's convertible or not. It is essential to choose a crib you like, as it will be with your baby for a long period of time. You should also pick the crib that will go with the decor of your home, whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib will grow with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, and then an adult size bed. This can save you money in the long run since you don't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.
Certain convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it is in compliance with or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of design and construction. It also has three height settings that can be adjusted 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 in less than 15 minutes with an electric drill or driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a good option. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic design and can be converted to an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach in and out of for smaller parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists looking to keep their bedroom simple and tidy. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be transformed to become a full-size toddler bed or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy with environmentally-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure, and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly painless. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is crucial. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price however, there are models that are suitable for every budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options available that are available. It can be used as a bassinet crib, or as a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to help your baby sleep or create an easy slope for babies who are reflux. The canopy and drape rods provide the baby with the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can also be used as a portable play area and provides your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest when they are moving around.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a contemporary aesthetic with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could snag clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed by a sheet.
Baby Crib may want a minimal crib to complement their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more formal design that is suited to the room's decor. If your preference falls in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet into a mini crib and then to a full crib, all without adding mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent that isn't interested in fussiness, go for the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require to help your baby become a toddler, but they have a more traditional style than other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.