Choosing the Best Crib
A crib is a crucial element in your nursery for a long time so it's crucial to pick one you love looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your little one could get into, and opt for a design that is able to be converted to a toddler bed, or daybed.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our children the best possible start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. It's not necessary to have a crib that has a lot loose or missing pieces and you shouldn't choose one that doesn't meet the current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, make sure you look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is in compliance with the most stringent safety standards.
The crib's slats should be positioned so that children cannot catch their fingers or heads in them. They shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could result in injury. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety and must be capable of adjusting to various heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.
You'll also want to avoid hanging objects like curtains or blind strings, since they pose the risk of strangulation to your infant. It is a good idea to check your crib regularly for loose or missing objects, and replace any that have gotten lost over time.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be lowered. However, it will not stay down for long. These are useful for parents who wish 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 baby 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 of wood from sustainable forests. You should also consider a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you're looking for something more durable, consider a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates, and other chemicals.
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If you're planning to work with a minimal or classic style for your nursery, choosing a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great fit for tight spaces. It's GREENGUARD Certified and comes with an adjustable lower height mattress. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most beautiful cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of contemporary colors that can be matched to any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs that we've tried, but it's sturdy enough to get 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 some of our other top choices.
It's a great choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also bulkier than our other picks and will have to be disassembled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually constructed from wood, including maple oak, ash cherry, mahogany or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This could make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling or climbing. Keep in mind that a lot of cribs specifically designed for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are many things to think about when choosing the right crib. It is important to think about size, style and slat style and whether it's convertible or not. It's important to find the crib you love, as it will be used by your baby for a long time. It is also important to select a crib that will fit to the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib can grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, then an adult size bed. This will save money in the long run since you don't have to buy a separate bed for your child.
There are many different convertible cribs on the market however, some stand out better 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 government safety standards in design and construction. It also has three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile that makes it easier to 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 good alternative. This crib is a good value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic crib that can be converted into the toddler bed or daybed. The crib is also easy to assemble and has a low-profile that makes it easy to reach to and out of for smaller parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery decor simple and tidy. This elegant crib can be made into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively painless. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are many different models of cribs that can be purchased at different prices.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to rock and roll to gently help your baby sleep or create an easy incline for babies with reflux. The added canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a comfortable like a womb. It can even double as a portable play yard, giving your child a comfortable and secure place to rest on the go.
Another option that doesn't sacrifice on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides which could catch clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to match their contemporary or modern home. Others might prefer a more refined design that is in keeping with the decor of the room. If you're in the latter group of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet to a mini-crib and then a full-size crib without the requirement 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 components you require to allow your baby to develop into a toddler, however they have more of a traditional style than other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.