Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. It will be part of your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your little one could fall into, and select an option that is able to be converted 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 is safe. You don't want to use an old crib that might contain a lot of broken or damaged parts, and you definitely do not want one that isn't conforming to the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats on a crib must be closely spaced so that children do not get their heads or fingers within them. They shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could result in injury. The mattress support system, which is vital to the safety of your crib must be adjustable to various levels so that it can grow with your child.
Avoid hanging objects such as curtains or blinds because they could strangle your child. Examine your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs come with a side panel that can be moved down. However it won't stay down for long. These are ideal for parents who want to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make sure that you're positioned in a room away from radiators and windows and that your child isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you are seeking a green crib, pick one that is made of sustainable forests. It's important to select a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to go even further, look for a crib that's made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
If you're planning to work with a classic or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing an elegant crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good fit for tight spaces. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. One of our test subjects, 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!"
The classic high-back crib for babies 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've evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last until the toddler years 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 as compared to other top choices.
While it's a great choice for small spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find bedding and sheets for. It's also heavier than our other choices and may require dismantling in order to fit through doors that are standard when moving from room to the next.
Standard cribs are usually constructed from wood, such as maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware that some manufacturers use pine instead of the more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This could make the crib more prone to scratches and dent, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of the standard crib is that it often comes with a toddler rail which can help to keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. However, keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail to ensure security.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are numerous aspects to take into consideration. Think about the size, design, slats and whether it's convertible. It is essential to pick a crib that you like since it will be used by your baby for many years. You also want to choose a crib that will fit into your home's decor whether it's traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib will expand with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and then an adult size bed. This will save money in the long run since you don't have to buy an additional bed for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs available, but certain models stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finish. Additionally, it comes with three adjustable height settings for the mattress and an extremely low profile, making it simple to get your baby out and in of the crib. It is easy to assemble this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a good alternative. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed. weblink is also simple to assemble and has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out of for smaller parents.
weblink on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery design simple and tidy. This chic crib can be made into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy using eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy construction and easy assembly instructions. This will make the process easy. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs are available in terms of cost, but there are models that are suitable for every budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most versatile options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, a crib or toddler bed. It also has the ability to rock and roll to gently rock your baby to sleep or create a gentle incline for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rods envelop the baby in an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It can also serve as a portable play area that provides your child with a safe and comfortable spot to sleep when moving around.
Another option that doesn't compromise on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is sustainably made in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could catch clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges and is easily dressed with sheets.
Some parents might want an uncluttered crib that complements their contemporary or modern home, while others may prefer a more stately design that is suited to the room's decor. If you fall into the latter group of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant-looking model converts from bassinet to 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's not in the mood for fussiness, choose the less cluttered and more elegant 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 a toddler, however they have more of a traditional look than some other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.