Choosing the Best Crib
A crib is a crucial fixture in your nursery for years and it's essential to choose a crib you enjoy looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, since your child may fall into. Instead, opt for one that can easily be transformed into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. You shouldn't use an infant crib with a lot loose or missing pieces or is one that isn't in line with current safety standards. When purchasing a crib make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from catching their fingers or head in them and should not have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other embellishments which could cause injury risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various heights to allow it to expand with your child.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, as they can strangle your child. It is a good idea to examine your crib frequently for any missing or loose objects, and replace any that are loosened in the course of time.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be removed however it won't stay down for long. These are great for parents who do not want to share the bed. Make sure to place your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're seeking a green crib, pick one that is made of wood from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to select a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking for something better, choose a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemicals.
Style
If you're going for a classic or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 can be used in smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It's GREENGUARD Certified and comes with an adjustable lower height mattress. One of our testers, 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 from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs we've tested, but it's durable enough to make it 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 takes more space in the nursery as compared to our other top picks.
It's a great choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also heavier than our other picks and will have to be disassembled in order to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, such as oak or maple. They can also be made of cherry, mahogany, birch or cherry. They are typically more durable than other materials and resist nicks and dings better than soft pine. But be aware that some manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods because it's cheaper. This can make a crib susceptible to scratches and dents and could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to the standard crib is that it often includes a toddler rail, which can help keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. Keep in mind that some cribs for toddlers will require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing the right crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and if it is convertible. It's crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be there for your baby for a long time. It is also important to select a crib that will fit in with the decor of your home whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib is a great option because it can grow with your child to an infant bed, and eventually to a larger bed. This will save money in the long run since you don't have to buy a separate bed for your child.
There are cot bed sales on the market however, some stand out better than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified that means it is in compliance with or exceeds government safety standards in design and construction. It also has three adjustable mattress settings and a low-profile that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. It is also easy to put together and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.
Another good option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic design and can be converted to an infant bed, daybed 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 get into and out.
The final crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery decor simple and simple. This elegant 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 employs eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and designed to be used together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.
Budget
A quality crib is one that has a solid construction, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively effortless. And a design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also essential. Cribs vary in terms of price however there are some models that will fit into any budget.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet crib, or a toddler bed. It can also rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for babies who have reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod will encase your child in a warm womb-like environment. It could also serve as a play yard that can be carried around and provide your child with the security and comfort to sleep on the move.
Another option that doesn't skimp on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with environmentally friendly materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and can be passed on 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 is easy to dress using sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib that matches their contemporary or modern home. Others might prefer a more elegant style that complements the interior decor of the room. If you're in the latter group of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet into a mini crib and then to a full crib all without bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you are a parent who doesn't like excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is more simple and clean looking. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to aid your baby's development into an adult. However, they have a more traditional look as compared to other models, such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.