Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major feature in your nursery for a long time so it’s crucial to choose a crib you enjoy seeing. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby might get into, and choose one that is able to be converted to a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. You shouldn’t use an old crib that may have a lot of loose or missing parts, and you definitely don’t want one that isn’t up to current safety standards. When purchasing a crib make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of the crib must be spaced so that children aren’t getting their hands or heads in the slats and should not have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could pose an injury risk. A mattress support system is crucial to the safety of the crib and should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your child as they develop.
It is also important to stay clear of dangling objects such as blind strings or curtains since they pose the risk of strangulation to your infant. Be sure to check your crib for loose or Baby Crib missing items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lowered but it won’t be down for very long. These are useful for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed sharing, but make sure you’re in a space free of windows and radiators and that your child isn’t too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you’re seeking a crib that is environmentally friendly, consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you’re looking to go even more, consider a crib made of sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to design a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim which makes it a perfect option for spaces that are tight. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby’s Editor, said that the crib was “up there with the best-looking cribs we’ve seen, even among a sea grey!”
This classic high-back Baby Crib (Learn Even more Here) is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of contemporary colors that can be matched to any style. It’s a bit 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 up more space in the nursery than some of our other top cribs.
It’s a great choice for small cot beds spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It’s also bulkier than our other picks and will need to be dismantled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood like oak or maple. They can also be made from cherry, mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are typically longer-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to nicks and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This could make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches and could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it usually includes a toddler rail, which will help keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. Remember that a lot of cribs specifically designed for toddlers will require you to buy an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When it comes to choosing a crib, there are many factors to consider. Consider the size, style, slats and whether it’s convertible. It’s crucial to choose a crib that you like since it will be there for your baby for a long time. You also want to choose a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home, whether that be modern or traditional.
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 you money in the end because you won’t have to buy a mattress for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs on the market However, some stand out more 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 government safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile design that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. It is simple to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes with a cordless driver/drill.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a great option. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and a great buy. It is a classic crib that could be transformed into the toddler bed or daybed. The crib is easy to put together 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 an excellent option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery decor simple and simple. This stylish crib can be transformed into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy using environmentally friendly production methods. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold certified and designed to be used together with the brand’s mattresses that are free of toxics.
Budget
A good crib must be built with strength and straightforward assembly instructions that allow for the installation process being relatively easy. And a stylish design that fits with the decor of your nursery is crucial. Cribs vary in terms of cost, but there are models that will fit into any budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options available that are available. It can be used as a bassinet, a crib or a toddler bed. It can also rock and roll to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies with reflux. The added drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a comfortable baby-like womb. It can even double as a play yard that can be carried around providing your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to rest on the go.
Another option that doesn’t skimp on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with environmentally friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, including no drop-sides or decorative cutouts that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and does not have sharp edges.
Some parents might want an uncluttered crib that complements their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more stately design that suits the room’s decor. If you’re in the latter category of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great option. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet into mini cribs and later to a full-sized crib, all without mattresses or bars, meaning you’ll have less mess to clean up.
If you’re a parent who’s not in the mood for fussiness, choose the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to help your baby grow into a toddler, however they have a more traditional design than some models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.