Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you like. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides as your child might fall in. Instead, pick a design which is easily converted to a daybed or toddler.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. You don't need to use a crib that has many missing or loose pieces or is one that isn't in line with the current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The crib's slats must be closely spaced so that children cannot catch their heads or fingers within the slats. They should not include any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could result in injury. The mattress support system, which is essential to the security of your crib, should be adjustable to different levels so that it can expand with your child.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds, because they could strangle your child. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be lowered. However, it will not stay down for long. They are great for parents who want to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make sure that you're positioned in an area away from radiators and windows and that your baby isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you are seeking an eco-friendly crib, choose one made of wood from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you want to go a step further, look for a crib made of sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
Whether you're working with a minimal or classic design, an elegant crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and has the option of a lower-height mattress. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most attractive cribs we've seen even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors to fit any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've tested, but durable enough to last through 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 than our other top cribs.
It's a great choice for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also a bit heavier than our other picks and may require dismantling to fit through doors that are standard when moving from room to the next.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, such as maple or oak. They can also be made from cherry, mahogany, birch or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist damage and nicks much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This could make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches and may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling or climbing. However, keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for added safety.
Convertibility
There are many things to consider when choosing the right crib. Consider the size, style, slats and whether it is convertible. It's important to find a crib you like, as it will be with your child for a long period of time. You should also choose a crib to fit in with the decor of your home, regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib can grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and then an adult size bed. This can save you money in the long run since you don't have to buy a separate bed for your child.
Some convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified, which means it meets or surpasses the safety standards of the government in terms of the construction and finish. It also comes with three adjustable mattress settings and a low-profile design that makes it easier to get your child in and out of it. This crib is also relatively easy to build and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a excellent alternative. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It's a classic style and can be transformed into an infant 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 get in and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery decor simple and tidy. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be transformed as a toddler bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy with environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and made to be used in conjunction together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.
Budget
A good crib must be built with strength and straightforward assembly instructions that lead to relatively frustration-free installation. And a stylish design that fits with your nursery decor is also crucial. There are many different cribs available to be purchased at different prices.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet crib or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to roll and rock to gently help your baby sleep or create an easy incline for reflux babies. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It can even double as a play yard that can be carried around providing your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to nap on the go.
Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no drop-sides or decorative cutouts that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress with a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents might want a minimal crib to complement their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more formal design that is suited to the room's decor. If best rated cribs falls into the latter you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant-looking model converts from bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full crib all without the need for mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent that isn't into fussiness, opt for the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to aid your baby's development into an adult. However, they sport more of a traditional style compared to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.