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 seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides as your child could fall in. Instead, opt for one that can easily be converted to a daybed or toddler.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. You shouldn't use a crib that has many missing or loose pieces and you shouldn't choose one that isn't up to the current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, make sure you look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is in compliance with the most stringent safety requirements.
The slats of a crib should be positioned to ensure that children don't get their fingers or heads in the slats. They should not include any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could result in injuries. The mattress support system, which is vital to the safety of your crib should be able to be adjusted to various heights so that it can adapt to the needs of your child.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds, because they could strangle your child. It's a good idea to check your crib regularly for any missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that have become dislodged over time.
Some cribs come with the option of a side panel that could be lowered, but it won't stay down for very long. They are great for parents who wish to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but be sure you're in an area free of 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 green, you should consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to select a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something even more durable, consider a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA, BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemicals.
Style
No matter if you want to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib will be a great option. The SnuzPod4 can be used in smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and has an adjustable lower height mattress. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up there with the best-looking cribs we've seen, even in a sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib has been constructed from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors that will match any style. It's heavier than the other cribs we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last until 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 takes up more space in the nursery than some of our other top cribs.
It's a good choice for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also heavier than our other picks and will require to be disassembled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed of wood like oak or maple. They can also be made of mahogany, birch or cherry. They tend to be more durable than other materials and can withstand damage better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This could make the crib more vulnerable to scratches and dent, which could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to the standard crib is that it usually includes a toddler rail, which will ensure your child's safety from falling down and climbing. Be aware, however, that many cribs for toddlers will require you to purchase an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When it comes to choosing a crib, there are numerous aspects to take into consideration. It is important to think about the size, style and slat type and whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose a crib that you love because it will be a part of your child for a long period of time. You should also select the crib that fits to the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib is a great choice because it will grow with your child into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed. This can save you money in the long run because you don't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.
Certain convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finishing. In addition, it has three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby in and out of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to build, taking less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another excellent alternative. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and a great buy. It has a classic design and can be made into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is simple to put together and its low profile makes it easier for parents to get into and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists looking to keep their nursery simple and clean. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. Baby Crib was built in Italy using environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality must be built with strength and straightforward assembly instructions that lead to an easy and painless installation. And a design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also essential. Cribs vary in terms of cost however, there are models that will fit into any budget.
For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently rock your baby to slumber or create an easy slope for reflux babies. The added canopy and drape rod will encase your child in a warm like a womb. It can also serve as a portable play space, providing your child with a secure and comfortable space to rest while on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice design. It combines a contemporary design with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and can be passed on to siblings. It meets all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents might want a minimalist crib to match their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more formal style that suits the room's decor. If you fall into the latter group of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant-looking model converts from bassinet to an infant crib, and then to a full crib, all without adding mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent that 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 develop into an adult, but 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.