Choosing the Best Crib
A crib is a crucial feature in your nursery for a long time, so it's important to choose a crib you enjoy looking at. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your child could get into, and choose a design that can be easily converted to a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our babies the best start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You don't want to use an old crib that could have a lot of loose or broken parts, and you definitely shouldn't buy one that's not conforming to the current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is in compliance with the most stringent safety requirements.
The slats that comprise the crib should be spaced so that children aren't getting their hands or heads in the slats, and they shouldn't have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other ornaments which could cause injury risk. 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 expand with your child.
Avoid hanging objects such as curtains or blinds because they could strangle your baby. It is a good idea to examine your crib frequently for loose or missing items, and replace any that are loosened in the course of time.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be removed. However it won't stay down for long. They are great for parents who wish to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be sure that you're positioned in a room free of windows and radiators and that your child 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's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low emissions of chemicals. If you want to go further, you should look for a crib that is 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 going for a minimal or classic design, an elegant crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 fits well in small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It also has 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 baby crib is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of modern colors that match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last through 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 takes up more space in the nursery compared to some of our other top picks.
While a good option for small spaces, its distinctive design can be challenging to find bedding and sheets for. It's also more bulkier than the other options and will need to be disassembled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed of wood, like maple oak, ash cherry, mahogany or birch. They are typically more long-lasting than other materials and can withstand scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling out or climbing. Be aware that some cribs specifically designed for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing the right crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and whether it's convertible. It is essential to choose a crib you like because it will be used by your baby for a long time. You should also pick a crib to fit in with the style of your home, no matter if it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is a great option since it grows with your child into an infant bed, and eventually a full-size bed. This will save you money over time because you won't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs on the market however, some stand out better than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified, which means it meets or surpasses federal safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby out of the crib. It is also 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. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and a great deal. It is a classic design and can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low-profile that makes it easy to reach to and out of for short parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery decor simple and tidy. This stylish crib can be made into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy with environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is specifically designed to work alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy construction, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively easy. A stylish design that matches your nursery decor is important. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price however, there are models that will fit into any budget.
For instance, the highly 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 as a toddler bed. It can also gently rock your baby to slumber or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. read review and drape rod add-ons envelop the baby in the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can also be used as a portable play area that provides your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest when they are on the move.
Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to siblings. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges and can easily be dressed with a sheet.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to complement their modern or contemporary home. Some prefer a more refined design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet into the size of a mini-crib, and then into a full-size crib, without the requirement for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent who isn't into fussiness, opt 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 to help your baby develop into a toddler, however they have a more traditional look than some other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.