Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major element in your nursery for a long time so it's crucial to pick one you love seeing. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides, since your child might fall in. Instead, pick one that can easily be transformed into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. You shouldn't use an old crib that might have a lot of loose or missing parts, and you definitely don't want one that isn't conforming to the current safety standards. If you're buying a new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is up to the highest safety standards.
The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced to stop children from falling or catching their heads in the slats and also they shouldn't contain any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other embellishments that could create a risk. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib should be able to be adjusted to various heights to allow it to grow with your child.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your child. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered. However it won't be down for very long. These are great for parents who don't want to share with their children. Be sure to keep your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're looking for an environmentally friendly crib, pick one that is made of sustainable forests. You should also consider a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure that there are no emissions of chemicals. If you're looking for something better, choose a crib made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates, and other chemicals.
Style
If you're looking to design an elegant or classic nursery, a chic crib will be a great option. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect fit for tight spaces. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and has the option of a lower-height mattress. 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 the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of contemporary colors that can be matched to any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs that we've tried, but it's sturdy 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 when compared to our other top choices.
It's a great choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also a bit heavier than some of our other choices, and it will likely need to be disassembled to fit through standard doors when moving from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed of wood like maple or oak. They are also made of mahogany, cherry, birch or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This could make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling or climbing. Remember, however, that many cribs specifically designed for toddlers will require the purchase of a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are numerous aspects to take into consideration when selecting a crib. Think about the size, design, slats, and whether it's convertible. It is essential to pick a crib that you like since it will be with your baby for a long time. It is also important to select the crib that fits in with the decor of your home, whether that be traditional or modern.
A convertible crib is a fantastic option because it can grow with your child to a toddler bed, and later into a full-size bed. This will save money in the long run since you don't have to buy an additional 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's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finishing. It also has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile design that makes it easier to get your child in and out of it. It is also simple to assemble, taking less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a excellent option. This crib is a good value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be converted into the toddler bed or daybed. This crib is easy to put together, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move into and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists who want to keep their room simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be outfitted as an adult bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. crib sets 's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process easy. And a stylish design that is compatible with the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price, but there are models that will fit into any budget.
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 help your baby sleep or create a gentle slope for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a cozy womb-like environment. It can also serve as a portable play space, providing your child with a safe and comfortable spot to sleep when they are on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a modern style with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a simple crib that matches their modern or contemporary home. Others may prefer a more refined design that matches the décor 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 a bassinet to a mini crib and then to a full-sized crib, all without the need for mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who doesn't like the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is more simple and clean in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to help your baby grow into a toddler. They do however have an older-style look when as compared to other models, such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.
