Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major fixture in your nursery for years, so it's important to pick a crib that you love admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides as your child might fall in. Instead, pick one that can easily be converted into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. You don't want an old crib that could contain a lot of broken or damaged parts, and you don't want one that isn't in compliance with current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib must be closely spaced so that children cannot catch their heads or fingers within them. They should not include any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could result in injuries. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the security of your crib, must be adjustable to various heights to allow it to expand with your child.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your child. It's a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that have become dislodged in the course of time.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be lifted but it won't be down for long. They are ideal for parents who do not want to share with their children. Be sure to keep your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're seeking an eco-friendly crib, pick one that is made of sustainable forests. It's recommended to choose a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low chemical emissions. If you want to go even more, consider a crib made of sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
If you're planning to work with a minimal or classic nursery aesthetic, choosing an attractive crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good choice for small spaces. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and has the option of a lower-height mattress. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, stated 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 with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It's a bit heavier than other cribs that we've tested, but it's durable enough to last through 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 some of our other top picks.
While it's a great option for small spaces, its distinctive design may be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also heavier than our other options and may require dismantling to fit through doors that are standard when you move from room to the next.
Standard cribs are made from wood, including maple, oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They tend to be more long-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches and could require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of the standard crib is that it often comes with a toddler rail which can ensure your child's safety from falling off and climbing. However, be aware that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for added safety.
Convertibility
When it comes to choosing a crib, there are numerous aspects to take into consideration. Consider the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It's important to find a crib that you love, as it will be a part of your baby for a long time. You should also select a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib will expand with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and then to a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you don't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.
Some convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finish. 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. It is easy to assemble this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using an electric drill or driver.
Another option that is worth considering is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic design and can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. www.cots4tots.co.uk is also easy to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach in and out for small parents.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists looking to keep their bedroom simple and clean. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be made into an adult bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and employs eco-friendly manufacturing techniques. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A quality crib is one that has a solid construction, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively effortless. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs are available in terms of price, but there are models that suit every budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most versatile options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, a crib or toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies who have reflux. The canopy and drape rods provide the baby with a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It can also double as a portable play area providing your child with a comfortable and secure place to nap on the go.
Another option that doesn't compromise on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents may want an uncluttered crib that complements their contemporary or modern home, whereas others may prefer a more formal design that suits the room's decor. If your preference falls into the latter, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet into mini cribs and later to a full crib all without the need for bars or mattresses, so 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 as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require for your baby to become an adult, 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.