Choosing the Best Crib

A crib will be a major feature in your nursery for years, so it’s important to pick a crib that you love looking at. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides, since your child may fall into. Instead, choose a design which can easily be converted into a toddler or daybed.

Safety

We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. You don’t want an old crib that may contain a lot of broken or damaged parts, and you definitely shouldn’t buy one that’s not conforming to the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats of a crib must be closely spaced to ensure that children don’t get their fingers or heads in the slats. They should also not have any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could result in injuries. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib’s safety and should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your child as they grow.

Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your baby. It’s a good idea examine your crib frequently 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 lowered. However it won’t be down for long. These are ideal for parents who want to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be certain that you’re in a room away from radiators and windows and that your child isn’t too close to the curtain or window sill.

If you’re looking for a crib which is green, cribs beds you should consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It’s also a good idea to choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low emissions of chemicals. If you want to go a step further, look for a crib that’s made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.

Style

If you’re going for an elegant or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for tiny spaces since it’s slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby’s Editor, claimed that the crib was “up there with the best-looking cribs we’ve ever seen, even in a sea grey!”

The classic high-back crib for babies is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of contemporary colors that can be matched to 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than our other top choices.

While it’s a great choice for smaller spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It’s also a bit heavier than some of our other choices and may need to be disassembled to fit through doors that are standard in order to move from room room.

Standard cribs are typically constructed from wood, including maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry or birch. They are generally more durable than other materials, and are resistant to damage better than soft pine. However, be aware of the fact that some manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods since it’s less expensive. This can make the crib more susceptible to scratches and dent, which could require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling or climbing. Keep in mind, however, that many cribs specifically designed for toddlers require you to purchase an additional toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

When you are deciding on a crib, there are numerous aspects to take into consideration. You must consider the size, style, and slat type, as well as whether it’s convertible or not. It’s important to find a crib you like, as it will be with your baby for a long time. You also want to choose the crib that fits to the decor of your home, whether that be traditional or modern.

A convertible crib is an excellent option since it grows with your child until it becomes a toddler bed and then to a larger bed. This will save money in the long run since you don’t need to purchase a separate bed for your child.

There are a variety of convertible cribs on the market, but some stand out better than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified that means it is in compliance with or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of construction and finish. In addition, it has three height settings that can be adjusted and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby out and in of the crib. It’s easy to put together this crib in less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a good alternative. This crib is a great value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed or daybed. The crib is also easy to put together and Cheap cots has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out for small parents.

The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists looking to keep their room simple and clean. This chic crib can be made into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy with environmentally-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand’s toxic free mattresses.

Budget

A quality crib should have sturdy construction and straightforward assembly instructions that lead to an easy and painless installation. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is essential. There are a variety of crib models that can be bought at various prices.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most versatile options that are available. It can be set up as a bassinet crib or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for reflux babies. The drape rod and canopy envelop your Baby Cot Bed in a cozy like a womb. It could also serve as a portable play yard, giving your child the security and comfort to rest on the go.

Another option that doesn’t compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to children. It meets all CPSC standards and does not have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges and can easily be dressed with a sheet.

Some parents might want an uncluttered crib that complements their contemporary or modern home, while others may prefer a more formal design that suits the room’s decor. If your preference falls in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet to a mini-crib and then a full-size crib with no need for mattresses or bars.

If you’re a parent who isn’t interested in fussiness, go for the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to allow your baby to become a toddler, however they’re more of a traditional look than some other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.