Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you like. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your baby could fall into, and choose a design that is able to be converted to a toddler bed, or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. You shouldn't use a crib that has a lot loose or missing pieces or is one that doesn't meet current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats in the crib must be spaced to stop children from catching their fingers or head in them, and they shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could create a risk. A mattress support system is also crucial to the safety of the crib, and it should be capable of adjusting to various heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your child. It is a good idea to check your crib regularly for any missing or loose items, and replace any that have become dislodged over time.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be removed however it won't stay down for long. These are useful for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make certain that you're in a room that is away from windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're seeking a crib that is environmentally friendly, consider one made from wood from sustainable forests. You should also 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 more, consider a crib that is made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
If you're looking to create an elegant or classic nursery, a stylish crib will be a great option. The SnuzPod4 fits well in smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up among the most beautiful cribs we've seen, even among sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib is made from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors to match any aesthetic. It's a bit heavier than other cribs that we've tested, but it's durable enough to get 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 up more space in the nursery than some of our other top choices.
It's a good choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also more bulkier than our other choices and will require to be disassembled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed of wood like maple or oak. They are also made of cherry, mahogany, birch or cherry. They are typically more long-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to scratches and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers use pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable since it's less expensive. This can make the crib more susceptible to scratches and dent, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to the standard crib is that it typically comes with a toddler rail which can help keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. Keep in mind that some cribs designed for toddlers will require the purchase of a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are many aspects to take into consideration when selecting the right crib. Consider the size, style, slats, and whether it's convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib that you like since it will be there for your baby for many years. You should also choose the crib that will go with the decor of your home, whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib can grow with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, and then a full size bed. This can save you money in the long run because you don't need to purchase an additional bed for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs available, but certain models stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. 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 allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. It is simple to put together this crib in less than 15 minutes to assemble using a cordless driver/drill.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a good option. This crib is a great value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic crib that can be transformed into an infant bed or a daybed. The crib is simple to put together and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move into and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery decor simple and clean. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be outfitted as 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 manufacturing techniques. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy structure and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process easy. A stylish design that matches your nursery decor is also important. There are a variety of models of cribs that can be purchased at different costs.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most versatile options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib or a toddler bed. Full Statement can also rock gently to rock your baby to slumber or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The drape rod and canopy envelop your child in a warm baby-like womb. It can also double as a play yard that can be carried around providing your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice design. It blends a modern design with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could catch clothing. recommended you read is easy to dress using sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents may want a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, whereas others may prefer a more formal style that complements the decor of the room. If you fall in the latter category you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet to an infant crib, and then to a full-sized 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 in the mood for fussiness, choose the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need for your baby to develop into a toddler, but they have a more traditional design than some models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.