Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid see more with cutouts and drop-sides, as your child might fall in. Instead, choose a design which can easily be transformed into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our children the best possible start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. It's not necessary to have a crib that has lots of missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that isn't in line with current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats that comprise the crib must be spaced to stop children from falling or catching their heads in them, and they shouldn't have any decorative cut outs or other ornaments which could cause injury risk. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety and must be capable of adjusting to various heights to accommodate your child as they develop.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, because they could strangle your child. Be sure to check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be moved down. However, it will not stay down for long. These are ideal for parents who wish to co-sleep without the risks 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 curtain or window sill.
If you're looking for a crib which is green, you should consider one made from 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're looking for something even better, choose a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates, and other chemicals.
Style
Whether you're working with a minimal or classic nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great fit for tight spaces. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. One of our test participants, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most attractive cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety contemporary colors that can be matched to any aesthetic. It's a bit heavier than other cribs that 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 up more square footage in the nursery than some of our other top cribs.
While it's a great choice for smaller spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find bedding and sheets for. It's also a bit bulkier than some of our other options, and it will likely require dismantling in order to fit through doors that are standard when you move from room to the next.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, such as maple oak, ash cherry, mahogany or birch. They tend to be more long-lasting than other materials and can withstand nicks and dings better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers use pine instead of the more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This could make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it often comes with a toddler rail which will help keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. But keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for extra safety.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration. Consider the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It is crucial to choose the crib you love, as it will be with your child for a long time. It is also important to select a crib that will fit into your home's decor whether it's traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib will grow with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, then a full size bed. This will save money over time because you won't have to buy an additional bed for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it is in compliance with or exceeds the government safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile that makes it easier to get your child in and out of it. It's easy to put together this crib in less than 15 minutes to assemble using a cordless driver/drill.
Another option that is worth considering is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed or daybed. The crib is also easy to assemble and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out of for short parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for those who want to keep their bedroom simple and tidy. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be made to become a toddler bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib is one that has a solid construction, and simple assembly instructions. click homepage makes the assembly effortless. A chic design that complements your nursery decor is important. Cribs vary in terms of cost, but there are models that are suitable for every budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options that are available. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or as a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently help your baby sleep or create an easy slope for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons will encase your baby in an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It can also be used as a portable play area and provides your child with a secure and comfortable place to nap when moving around.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice style. 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 does not have 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 sheets.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to complement their contemporary or modern home. Some prefer a more elegant style that matches the decor of the room. If your preference falls in the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from a bassinet into a mini crib and then to a full crib all without mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you are a parent who isn't a fan of excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is more simple and clean visually. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need to allow your baby to develop into a toddler, but they have more of a traditional look than some other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.