Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you love. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides as your child could fall in. Instead, opt for one that is easily converted into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best possible start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You don't want to use an old crib that could have a lot of loose or damaged parts, and you certainly don't want one that isn't up to current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced so that children aren't catching their fingers or head in them, and they shouldn't have any decorative cut outs or other ornaments that could pose an injury risk. A mattress support system is also crucial to the safety of the crib, and it should be capable of adjusting to various heights to accommodate your child as they grow.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds since they could strangle your baby. It's a good idea to check your crib regularly for loose or missing objects, and replace any that have gotten lost over time.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be lowered. However it won't be down for long. These are ideal for parents who want to co-sleep without the risks of bed sharing, but make sure that you're positioned in a room away from radiators and windows and that your child isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you are seeking an eco-friendly crib, choose one made of sustainable forests. It's recommended to choose a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go further, you should look for a crib that is made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
If you're looking to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic addition. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek and is a great fit for tight spaces. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has an adjustable lower height mattress. One of our test participants, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the best-looking ones we've seen even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib has been constructed using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've tried, but it's sturdy 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 up more space in the nursery than some of our other top cribs.
It's a great option for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also bulkier than our other choices and will require to be disassembled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, such as maple or oak. They can also be made from cherry, mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are generally longer-lasting than other materials and resist nicks and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make the crib more vulnerable to scratches and dent, which could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling or climbing. But keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail to ensure safety.
Convertibility
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right crib. Consider the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It's important to find a crib you like, as it will be used by your baby for a long period of time. You should also pick a crib to fit in with the decor of your home, no matter if it's contemporary or traditional.
A convertible crib can grow with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, then to a full-size bed. This will save you money over time because you won't need to purchase an additional bed for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs on the market However, some stand out better than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finish. In addition, it has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and a low profile that makes it easy to move your baby out and in of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to build, taking less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another good option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and a great buy. It's a classic style and can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is easy to assemble, and its low profile makes it easier 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 bedroom simple and clean. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be outfitted into a toddler bed or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions. This will make the process effortless. And top rated cots that matches the decor of your nursery is important. There are many different cribs available to be bought at various prices.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options that are available. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or toddler bed. It also has the ability to roll and rock to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies who have reflux. The canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a comfortable womb-like environment. It can also double as a play yard that can be carried around and provide your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to nap on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn't sacrifice design. It combines a modern style with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to children. 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 free of rough or sharp edges and is easily dressed with a sheet.
Some parents might prefer an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, whereas others may prefer a more formal design that is suited to the room's decor. If your preference falls into the latter look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet into an infant 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 isn't a fan of excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is simpler and cleaner in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require for your baby to develop into a toddler, 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.