Choosing the Best Crib

A crib is a crucial fixture in your nursery for years and it's essential to pick a crib that you love seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, as your child might fall in. Instead, pick an option that can easily be converted 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. It's not necessary to have an infant crib with a lot loose or missing pieces and you shouldn't choose one that doesn't meet current safety standards. When purchasing a crib ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats of a crib should be spaced evenly so that children cannot catch their heads or fingers in the slats. They should not include any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could cause injuries. The mattress support system, which is vital to the safety of your crib should be adjustable to different levels so that it can expand with your child.

It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains, because they pose an opportunity for strangulation for your child. It's a good idea inspect your crib on a regular basis for any missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that are loosened over time.

Some cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lifted but it won't be down for very long. These are ideal for parents who wish to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed sharing, but make sure that you're positioned in a space that is away from windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to select a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low emissions of chemicals. If recommended you read want to go more, consider a crib made of sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.

Style

Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to design a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib can be a wonderful option. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek and is a great choice for small spaces. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and has a lower height mattress setting. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most attractive cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"

This classic high-back crib is crafted from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors to fit any style. It's heavier than the other cribs that we test, but it's 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 some of our other top choices.

It's a great option for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also a bit heavier than some of our other choices and may require dismantling in order to fit through doors that are standard when you move from room to room.

Standard cribs are usually constructed from wood, like maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand damage and nicks much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This could make the crib more prone to scratches and dent, which may require more frequent cleaning.

Another plus to a standard crib is that it usually comes with a toddler rail which will help to keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. Remember, however, that many cribs designed for toddlers require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

When it comes to choosing a crib, there are many aspects to take into consideration. Think about the size, design, slats, and whether it is convertible. It's important to find a crib that you love because it will be used by your baby for a long time. It is also important to select the crib that fits to the decor of your home, whether that be traditional or contemporary.

A convertible crib is an excellent option because it can grow with your child to a toddler bed and then to a larger bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't have to purchase a mattress for your child.

Certain 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 is in compliance with or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finish. In addition, it has three adjustable mattress height settings and an extremely low profile, making it easy to move your baby out and in of the crib. It is easy to assemble this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.


Another option that is worth considering is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and a great deal. It is a classic design and can be converted to a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to assemble and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out of for short parents.

The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for those who want to keep their room simple and clean. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be transformed as a toddler bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy using environmentally friendly production methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.

Budget

A good crib should have sturdy construction and straightforward assembly instructions that lead to an easy and painless installation. And a stylish design that fits with the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are many different models of cribs that can be purchased at different costs.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, a crib or toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies with reflux. best rated cribs and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It can also 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.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a modern style with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made 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 does not have rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed by sheets.

Some parents prefer a simple crib to complement their modern or contemporary home. Others may prefer a more elegant style that is in keeping with the interior decor of the room. If you fall in the latter category 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 adding bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're a parent who's not interested in fussiness, go for the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need to allow your baby to develop into a toddler, however they're more of a traditional design than some models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.