Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you like. It will be part of your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your child might get into, and opt for an option that is easily convertible into 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. You don't want an old crib that may contain a number of loose or broken parts, and you certainly do not want one that isn't up to current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it meets the most important safety requirements.
The crib's slats should be spaced evenly to ensure that children don't get their fingers or heads in the slats. They should also not include any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could result in injury. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib, must be adjustable to various heights to allow it to adapt to the needs of your child.
It is also important to stay clear of dangling objects such as blind strings or curtains, since they pose an opportunity for strangulation for your infant. It is a good idea to check your crib regularly for loose or missing items, and replace them if they are missing or that are loosened in the course of time.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be lowered. However, it will not stay down for long. They are ideal for parents who do not want to share with their children. Be sure to place your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're seeking a crib that is green, you should consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. You should also choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you want to go even further, you should look for a crib made of sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
Whether you're working with a classic or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing an elegant crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It also comes with 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 the most beautiful cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors that will match any style. It's a bit heavier than the other cribs we've tested, but it's durable enough to last 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 compared to some of our other top choices.
While a good option for small spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also a bit heavier than our other choices and may require dismantling in order to fit through doors that are standard when you move from room to the next.
Standard cribs are usually made from wood, like maple oak, ash cherry, mahogany, or birch. They tend to be more durable than other materials and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware that some manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods because it's cheaper. This can make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches and may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it typically includes a toddler rail, which can help keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. However, keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail to ensure safety.
Convertibility
When it comes to selecting a crib, there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration. You must consider size, style and slat style and whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be used by your baby for a long time. It is also important to select the crib that fits into your home's decor whether it's traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib is a great choice because it will grow with your child until it becomes an infant bed, and eventually to a larger bed. This will save you money over the long term since you don't have to purchase a mattress for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs available However, some stand out better than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it is in compliance with or exceeds federal safety standards for the construction and finish. Additionally, it comes with three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easy to move your baby in and out of the crib. It is easy to assemble this crib in less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.
cots 4 tots is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It's a classic style and can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. This crib is easy to put together and its low profile makes it easier for parents to move in and out.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for those who want to keep their bedroom simple and clean. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be made as a full-size toddler bed or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and employs eco-friendly manufacturing techniques. 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 construction and easy assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively effortless. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are many different crib models that can be purchased at different costs.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, crib or toddler bed. It also has the ability to roll and rock to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for babies with reflux. The added drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a comfortable like a womb. It can also serve as a portable play space, providing your child with a secure and comfortable spot to sleep while moving around.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice style. It blends a modern style with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It meets all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents may want an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, whereas others may prefer a more formal style that is suited to the room's decor. If you fall into the latter category you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet to an infant crib and then a full-size crib, without the requirement for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent who doesn't like the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is simpler and cleaner visually. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require to allow your baby to develop into an adult, but they're more of a traditional design than some models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.