Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you love. It will be part of your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your baby could get into, and choose an option that can be easily converted into a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our children the best start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. You don't want an old crib that may have a lot of loose or missing parts, and you certainly do not want one that isn't in compliance with current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of the crib should be spaced to prevent children from falling or catching their heads in them and should not have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other embellishments which could cause injury risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various heights to allow it to grow with your child.
Avoid hanging click this link here now like curtains or blinds as they can strangle your baby. Examine your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs come with the option of a side panel that could be lowered but it won't be down for long. They are great for parents who wish to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but be sure that you're positioned in a room away from radiators and windows and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you are seeking a green crib, pick one that is made of wood from sustainable forests. It's important to choose a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something even superior, select a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA, BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemicals.
Style
If you're planning to work with an elegant or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 can be used in small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've ever seen, even among a sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib is made from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors to fit any style. It's heavier than the other cribs we've 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 more space in the nursery as compared to other top picks.
It's a good choice for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also a bit bulkier than our other choices and will probably need to be disassembled to fit through standard doors when you move from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, such as oak or maple. They can also be made of mahogany, birch or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand nicks and dings much better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable because it's cheaper. This can make a crib susceptible to scratches and dents, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling out or climbing. Be aware that a lot of cribs for toddlers require you to purchase an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing the right crib. You have to consider size, style and slat style and if it's convertible or not. It's important to find the crib you love, as it will be with your baby for a long time. It is also important to choose the crib that is compatible with the style of your home, no matter if it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib will grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and then to a full-size bed. This can save you money over time because you won't have to buy a separate bed for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified which means it meets or surpasses government safety standards in design and construction. Additionally, it comes with three adjustable mattress height settings and a low profile that makes it easy to move your baby out of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to build and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a excellent option. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and a great deal. It is a classic crib that could be transformed into an infant bed or a daybed. The crib is simple to put together, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to get in and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for those who want to keep their nursery simple and clean. This chic crib can be transformed into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy using environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy construction and easy assembly instructions. This makes the assembly effortless. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are a variety of models of cribs that can be purchased at different costs.
For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, a crib or a toddler bed. It can also rock and roll to gently help your baby sleep or create a gentle incline for reflux babies. The canopy and drape rod add-ons will encase your baby in a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It can also double as a portable play yard, giving your child an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice style. It combines a modern design with sustainable materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to siblings. It meets all CPSC standards and does not have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home. Others may prefer a more refined design that matches the décor of the room. If you fall into the latter category of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib with no requirement for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent that isn't in the mood for fussiness, choose the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need to help your baby grow into a toddler, but they have a more traditional style than other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.