Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you like. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your little one could fall into, and select one that is easily convertible 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's safe. It's not necessary to have an infant crib with many missing or loose pieces and you shouldn't choose one that isn't in line with the current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it meets the most important safety standards.
The slats on a crib should be spaced evenly so that children do not get their heads or fingers in the slats. They should also not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other decorations that could cause injuries. The mattress support system, which is vital to the safety of your crib, should be adjustable to different heights to allow it to adapt to the needs of your child.
You'll also want to avoid dangling objects such as blind strings or curtains, as these present the risk of strangulation to your baby. Be best crib 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 removed. However it won't stay down for very long. These are great for parents who don't want to share a bed. Be sure to keep your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're looking for a crib which is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that there are no emissions of chemicals. If you want to go a step more, consider a crib that is 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 looking to create an elegant or classic nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek, making it a good fit for tight spaces. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most attractive cribs we've seen, even in the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety modern colors that will match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs we tested, but durable enough to last into the age of toddler 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 when compared to 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 more bulkier than the other options and will have to be disassembled in order to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, such as oak or maple. They can also be made from cherry, mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are generally more durable than other materials and resist damage better than soft pine. However, be aware of the fact that certain manufacturers use pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable because it's less expensive. This can make the crib more prone to dent and scratches which could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling or climbing. Remember that a lot of cribs specifically designed for toddlers require you to purchase an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When it comes to selecting a crib, there are numerous factors to consider. Consider the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It is essential to pick the crib you love since it will be there for your baby for many years. You should also select a crib that is a good fit in with the decor of your home, whether that be modern or traditional.
A convertible crib will grow with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, then an adult size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you won't have to buy a separate mattress for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs on the market however, some stand out better than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified which means it is in compliance with or exceeds government safety standards in the construction and finish. In addition, it has three adjustable mattress height settings and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby out of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to put together in less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another good option. This 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 easy to assemble, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move in and out.
The final crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists who want to keep their bedroom simple and clean. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be transformed into a full-size toddler bed or bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and specifically designed to work with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively painless. And a design that matches your nursery decor is also essential. There are many different cribs available to be bought at various prices.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or as a toddler bed. It can also gently help your baby sleep or create an easy slope for reflux babies. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can also serve as a portable play area and provides your child with a secure and comfortable space to rest when traveling.
Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines environmentally friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to children. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It has no sharp or rough edges and can easily be dressed by a sheet.
Some parents may want a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home, while others may prefer a more stately design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from a bassinet into mini cribs and later to a full crib, all without the need for mattresses or bars, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who isn't interested in fussiness, go for the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need to help your baby grow into 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.