Choosing the Best Crib
A crib is a crucial element in your nursery for a long time so it's crucial to pick a crib that you love admiring. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides as your child might fall in. Instead, pick a design which can easily be transformed into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. You don't want an old crib that may have a lot of loose or broken parts, and you definitely do not want one that isn't up to current safety standards. When purchasing a crib make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of the crib should be spaced to stop children from getting their hands or heads in them and also they shouldn't contain any decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could create a risk. A mattress support system is vital to the crib's safety and should be adjustable to different sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.
It is also important to stay clear of dangling objects such as blind strings or curtains because they pose the risk of strangulation to your infant. Examine your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be lifted, but it won't stay in place 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 away from radiators and windows 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. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you're looking for something even more durable, consider a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates and other chemicals.
Style
If you're planning to work with an elegant or minimalist design, an elegant crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 fits well in tiny spaces since it's slim and sleek. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most beautiful cribs we've seen, even in the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is made using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we tested, but durable enough to last until 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 when compared to other top choices.
While cot beds for sale 's a great option for small spaces, its distinctive design may be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also bulkier than our other choices and will have to be dismantled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically made from wood, such as maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and resist nicks and dings much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This could make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and could require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of a standard crib is that it usually comes with a toddler rail which will help keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. However, be aware that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail to ensure safety.
Convertibility
When it comes to selecting a crib, there are many things to consider. It is important to think about size, style and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose a crib that you love, as it will be a part of your child for a long time. You should also choose the crib that will go with the decor of your home, no matter if it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib can grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and then to a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you won't have to buy a mattress for your child.
Some convertible cribs stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards in design and construction. It also comes with three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. This crib is also relatively easy to build, taking less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.
Another good option is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. crib sets is a classic design and can be made into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. It is also easy to put together and has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out of for smaller parents.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists who want to keep their bedroom simple and clean. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be outfitted into a full-size toddler bed or bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy using environmentally friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions that allow for relatively frustration-free installation. A stylish design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also crucial. Cribs vary in terms of cost however there are some models that are suitable for every budget.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, a crib, or a toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for reflux babies. The add-on drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a comfortable like a womb. It could also serve as a portable play yard providing your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.
Another option that doesn't sacrifice on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress with a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents might want an uncluttered crib that complements their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more stately design that suits the room's decor. If your preference falls into the latter look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet into a mini 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 into fussiness, opt for the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need for your baby to grow into a toddler, but they have a more traditional style than other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.