Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you like. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides as your child could fall in. Instead, choose an option that can easily be transformed into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our children the best start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You shouldn't use a crib that has many missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that isn't up to current safety standards. If you're buying a new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it meets the most important safety standards.
The slats of the crib must be spaced to stop children from catching their fingers or head in them and should not have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations that could create a risk. A mattress support system is vital to the crib's safety and should be able to adjust to different heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.
It is also recommended to avoid hanging objects, such as curtains or blind strings, as these present a strangulation risk for your infant. most recommended cribs is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for any missing or loose objects, and replace any that are loosened in the course of time.
Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be lowered however it won't stay in place for long. These are ideal for parents who want to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make certain that you're in an area that is away from windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you're looking for a crib which is environmentally friendly, consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It's recommended to select a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to go even further, look for a crib that's made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
If you're going for a minimal or classic nursery aesthetic, choosing an elegant crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 fits well in small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and has a lower height mattress setting. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most attractive cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety modern colors that match any aesthetic. It's a bit heavier than the other cribs we've tried, but it's sturdy enough to make it 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than some of our other top cribs.
It's a great choice for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also a bit heavier than some of our other choices, and it will likely need to be disassembled to fit through standard doors in order to move from room the next.
Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood like maple or oak. They are also made of cherry, mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are typically longer-lasting than other materials and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers use pine instead of the more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This can make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling out or climbing. Be aware that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers require the purchase of a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are numerous things to think about when choosing the right crib. It is important to think about the size, style, and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It's important to find the crib you love, as it will be a part of your child for a long period of time. You also want to choose a crib that is a good fit in with the decor of your home, whether that be traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib is an excellent choice because it will grow with your child until it becomes a toddler bed, and later to a larger bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't have to purchase a mattress for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs on the market, but some stand out better than others. One example 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 construction and finish. It also has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and an extremely low profile, making it simple to get your baby in and out of the crib. It's easy to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes using a cordless driver/drill.
Another option that is worth considering is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is a classic crib that could be converted into an infant bed or a daybed. This crib is also simple to assemble and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out of for smaller parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery design simple and clean. This chic crib can be converted into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib is one that has a solid construction and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly easy. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs are available in terms of cost however, there are models that will fit into any budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most versatile options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or as a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently help your baby sleep or create an easy slope for babies who are reflux. The added drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a cozy like a womb. It can also double as a play yard that can be carried around, giving your child a comfortable and secure place to nap on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice design. It combines a modern design with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and can be passed on to children. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could snag clothing. small cot beds does not have rough or sharp edges and can easily be dressed with a sheet.
Some parents may want a minimal crib to complement their contemporary or modern home, whereas others may prefer a more stately design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter group of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet to an infant crib, and then to a full crib, all without adding mattresses or bars, so 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 less cluttered and more clean in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to aid your baby's development into an adult. However, they have an older-style look when in comparison to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.