Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you love. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your child might get into, and choose a design that is able to be converted to a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
As parents as parents, we want to provide our children the best start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You shouldn't use an infant crib with a lot loose or missing pieces or is one that isn't in line with the current safety standards. When buying a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced to stop children from falling or catching their heads in the slats and should not have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations which could cause injury risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib should be adjustable to different heights to allow it to grow with your child.
It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects like blind strings or curtains, since they pose a strangulation risk for your baby. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that have gotten lost over time.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be moved down. However it won't stay down for long. They are ideal for parents who do not want to share the bed. Be sure to place your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly crib, choose one constructed from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to select a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking for something even 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
No matter if you want to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a chic crib will be a great option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good choice for small spaces. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has an adjustable lower height mattress. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most beautiful cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is made from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It's a bit heavier than other cribs that we've tried, but it's sturdy enough to get through toddlerhood 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 square footage in the nursery than some of our other top picks.
While it's a great choice for smaller spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also bulkier than our other choices and will need to be disassembled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically made from wood, including maple oak, ash cherry, mahogany or birch. They are generally more durable than other materials and can withstand damage better than soft pine. However, be aware of the fact that certain manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This can make the crib more prone to scratches and dent, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it usually comes with a toddler rail which can help to keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. Be aware that some cribs for toddlers require you to buy a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are numerous things to consider when choosing the right crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and if it is convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib you like because it will be with your child for a long time. You should also choose a crib to fit in with the style of your home, whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib can grow with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, and then to a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run since you don't have to buy a mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more 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 design and construction. It also has three adjustable mattress height settings and a low profile that makes it easy to move your baby out of the crib. It is also easy to put together and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes with an electric drill or driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a excellent option. This crib is a great value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic design and can be made into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. It is also easy to assemble and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach to and out of for smaller parents.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery design simple and simple. This stylish crib can be transformed into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. cheap cot bed is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and 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 installation relatively painless. A chic design that is in line with your nursery decor is important. There are many different cribs available to be purchased at different prices.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib or as a toddler bed. It can also gently soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It can also serve as a portable play space that provides your child with a secure and comfortable spot to sleep while traveling.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a modern design with sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is made sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts which could catch clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges and can easily be dressed by a sheet.
Some parents might prefer a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, whereas others may prefer a more formal design that suits the room's decor. If you fall into the latter group of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant model converts from a bassinet to the size of a mini-crib, and then into a full-size crib with no need for mattresses or bars.
If you are a parent who isn't a fan of fussiness, choose a crib that is simpler and cleaner looking. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to allow your baby to develop into a toddler, but they're more of a traditional style than other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.