Choosing the Best Crib

A crib is a crucial fixture in your nursery for a long time, so it's important to choose a crib you enjoy seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides, since your child might fall in. Instead, choose a design which can easily be transformed into a toddler or daybed.

Safety

As parents are, we'd like to give our babies the best crib start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You don't want to use an old crib that could contain a lot of broken or missing parts, and you certainly don't want one that isn't conforming to the current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is in compliance with the most stringent safety requirements.

The slats on a crib should be positioned so that children cannot catch their heads or fingers within the slats. They should not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments that could cause injuries. A mattress support system is also essential to ensure the safety of your crib, and it should be capable of adjusting to various heights to accommodate your child as they develop.

You'll also want to avoid hanging objects, such as curtains or blind strings, because they pose a strangulation risk for your baby. Be sure to check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.

Some cribs have a side panel that can be moved down. However it won't be down for long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share the bed. Make sure to place your crib away from radiators and windows.

If you're seeking a green crib, pick one that is constructed from sustainable forests. You should also consider one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that there are no emissions of chemicals. If you're looking for something more durable, consider a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA, BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemical compounds.

Style

If you're planning to work with an elegant or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing an elegant crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for tiny spaces since it's slim and sleek. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, stated 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 crafted from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs that 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 occupies more space in the nursery than our other top cribs.

While it's a great option for Infant Cot bed small spaces, its distinctive design can be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also bulkier than the other options and will require to be disassembled in order to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood, including maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and resist nicks and dings much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This can make the crib more susceptible to scratches and dent, which may require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will also include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling out or climbing. Remember that some cribs for toddlers will require you to buy a separate toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration. Consider the size, style, slats, and whether it is convertible. It is essential to pick a crib that you like since it will be with your baby for a long time. You also want to choose a crib that will fit to the decor of your home whether it's traditional or modern.

A convertible crib is a great option since it grows with your child into an infant bed, and eventually to a larger bed. This will save money in the long run since you don't need to purchase an additional 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 exceeds federal safety standards for design and construction. It also comes with three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. The crib is also easy to build in less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.

Another option is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and a great buy. It's a classic style and can be made into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is easy to put together, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move in and out.

The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists who want to keep their bedroom simple and clean. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be transformed to become a full-size toddler bed or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.

Budget

A good crib will have a sturdy structure and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively easy. A chic design that is in line with your nursery decor is important. There are many different cribs available to be purchased at different prices.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, a crib or toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for reflux babies. The added canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a cozy womb-like environment. It can also serve as a portable play space, providing your child with a secure and comfortable place to nap when they are moving around.

Another option that doesn't sacrifice on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is made sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides which could catch clothing. It is free of sharp or rough edges and can easily be dressed with sheets.

Some parents prefer a minimalist crib that matches their modern or contemporary home. Some prefer a more elegant design that complements the décor of the room. If your preference falls in the latter category you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet into the size of a mini cot beds-crib, and then into a full-size crib, without the requirement for mattresses or bars.

If you're a parent that isn't in the mood for fussiness, choose the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to allow your baby to develop into an adult, but they're more of a traditional style than other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.