Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery

Cribs offer a designated baby's sleeping space to reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also helps to establish a regular sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, including bassinets.

If you decide to go with an innovative design or a traditional one, make sure to check if it's GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it satisfies the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposures to toxic chemicals. Consider other features when choosing the crib that is right for your family.

1. Safety

As parents to a child, the safety of your baby is of paramount importance. You want your child to rest at ease in a space free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.

These include slat spacing no wider than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from being caught and an appropriate mattress that is well-made and comfortable with no drop sides; a stable crib with no wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. You should also avoid bells and whistles, such as bumper streams or pads, as they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.

Look for a crib that has been painted with low-VOC paints, a safer alternative to traditional glues and varnishes that emit harmful chemicals into the air. Choose mattresses made of non-toxic materials like organic foam and cotton.

Finally, pick best cots uk of ornaments and cutouts, which can be a risk of injury if your baby grabs them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. You should also check that the mattress cover is secure and tightly fit to the frame of the crib and that there are no gaps between the frame and the mattress. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or sheepskins or similar stuffed animals to pillows in the crib. These could increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a danger, since they could be pulled down onto the baby, causing the baby to suffocate. It is recommended to avoid the use of mobiles completely and choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is healthier for the health of your baby and lets you watch over them while they sleep.

2. Convenience

One of the most important things your baby will require is an area that is safe to sleep in. Cribs are a great place for your baby to sleep especially when you are engaged in other household chores.

You'll probably find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. These kinds of establishments must follow strict guidelines set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are typically the best place to start your search for a top quality crib. If you're looking to purchase a crib for your home, there are several things to consider prior to purchasing.

Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that will last well beyond the initial months of life. Many cribs have convertible features which allow you to transform the crib into an infant bed or a full-sized bed. This will save you money and prolong its lifespan.

The small size of cribs makes them perfect for small spaces like apartments or lofts. Some cribs come with a changing table, which is beneficial if your nursery is small in size.

Travel cribs offer the same level of comfort, since they're designed to be light and foldable for easy transport. This makes them an ideal option when you're traveling with your child, or when visiting family and friends because you can easily put the crib away within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. However, the lightweight construction of cribs for travel can result in less robust construction than standard cribs which could be a problem for some parents.

3. Style

Find a crib that has distinctive design if want it to stand out. You may find one with an elegant, minimalist design or one made of a material such as bamboo or glass and features clear sides for easy access. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood versions however, they can make an attractive centerpiece to any nursery.


Other cribs offer a more traditional look with beautiful curves and molding, reminiscent of antique furniture. They can be extremely extravagant, and are typically handcrafted with beautiful details. These are great options if you want a crib that can become a favorite piece of furniture for your family over time and work with any style.

Another style that is popular is a Scandinavian crib with straight lines that are smooth and a light, unfinished wood finish that allows its natural beauty to shine through. These cribs are great for modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave them unfinished to match your decor.

They can also serve as a changing table, making it easier to change your child. This is especially true for babies who are still young and have difficulty sitting up. These cribs have drawers that can be used for storing wipes, diapers and other essentials.

Some cribs are curving or have designs on the side that can be used to create an effect of canopy. They can add a touch of elegance to any nursery, and will keep your baby comfortable and cool during their sleep. Make sure to choose a fabrics that aren't too long and firmly attached to your crib. This will ensure that your child can't reach out and grasp the fabric and pull it down.

4. Convertibility

A crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and full-size beds is a great investment for any family. This feature lets you save money since you don't have to buy four separate beds as your child grows and also saves space in the nursery. A lot of convertible cribs are also equipped with conversion kits that store easily, making them easy to put together and use at any time.

When looking for a brand crib that you want to buy, keep in mind that most cribs include additional features like adjustable heights for the mattress or drawers. This allows you to alter your crib's look and functionality. This is particularly useful if your nursery has limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels that can be extremely helpful in case you need to move the bed around for cleaning or any other reason.

Convertible cribs are typically constructed from durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the stringent safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many cribs have a classic or contemporary design that can be adapted to the various styles of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, while others could be constructed from stainless steel or painted metal. Some brands are committed environmental sustainability, and offer eco-friendly cribs that are made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This assures that harmful toxins are not released into the environment.

It takes some time and research to select the ideal convertible crib for your nursery. But, it's a decision that will last for years to come. Be sure to consider your options carefully, and be sure to evaluate prices, delivery and time to set up, among other things to make the right choice for your family.

5. Value

The crib is the most important piece of furniture in your baby's nursery, and it can have a significant impact on the overall design and feel of the room. It is crucial to select a crib that matches your style or goes perfectly with your decor. This can make a significant difference in the way you feel about your nursery.

Similar to cribs that are designed to convert into toddler beds or daybeds increase their value as your child grows, providing you value over the long term. They're also generally less expensive than larger beds and can be sold or given to a family member when your child no longer requires them.

Convertible cribs can be easily maintained, as most parts can be removed, cleaned, and some have a conversion kit that makes it easy to transform them into the perfect size bed for your baby. Wood cribs can withstand frequent use and are sturdy. Some can even last for multiple children.

Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options and are therefore easier to maneuver when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress's height. However, they can be more worn out and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.

Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning through toddlerhood, with the soft side for infants and a more firm side for toddlers. They are usually more secure than foam mattresses, and may be more comfortable to older children who don't like the sagging feeling of foam. These mattresses are often more affordable than innerspring alternatives.