Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery


A crib provides infants with a dedicated sleep space to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and encourages a regular sleeping routine. Cribs also offer more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.

Whether you go for an innovative design or a traditional style, be sure to verify that it's certified by GreenGuard Gold to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposures to toxic chemicals. Then consider other features to determine the ideal crib for your family.

1. Safety

As a parent to a child, the safety of your baby is a top priority. You want your child to sleep peacefully in a safe environment and free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. It is crucial to select a crib that is in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) rigorous standards.

There are a variety of things to consider, including slat spacing that isn't more than 2 3/8 inches so your baby's arms or legs do not get caught. Also, a mattress with a firm, snug fit and no drop sides sturdy cribs that aren't wobbling and clear instructions for assembly. Also, avoid bells and whistles, like bumper streams or pads, as they could cause strangulation for your baby.

Find a crib that has been painted with low-VOC paint which is a safer alternative to glues and varnishes that release harmful chemicals into the air. Look for mattresses made from organic foam and cotton.

Finally, pick a crib that is free of decorative embellishments and cutouts, which could cause injury when your child grabs them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. Make sure the mattress cover fits tightly to the frame of the crib, and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or sheepskins, as well as pillows that resemble stuffed animals in the crib. They can increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles can also be dangerous, as they can be pulled down on the baby and cause them to choke. You should choose an infant crib with a mesh structure that is breathable instead of mobiles. This will be better for your baby's health as well as let you keep an eye on your little one while they sleep.

2. Convenience

One of the most important things your baby will require is a secure place to sleep. Cribs are a great place for your little one to rest, which will be particularly helpful when you're juggling other household chores or other activities.

You'll likely find cribs in your local home goods store or nursery. They must follow strict regulations set out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal location to start your search for a high-quality crib. If you're planning to purchase a crib for your home, there are a few factors to take into consideration before purchasing.

Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for toddlers, infants and babies that last beyond their first few months of life. Many cribs come with convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into a toddler bed or a full-sized bed. This will save you money and extend the life of your crib.

Another benefit of cribs is their small footprint that makes them suitable for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some cribs also have an area for changing which could be useful in the event that you are limited on space in your nursery.

Travel cribs offer a similar level of comfort, since they're designed to be lightweight and foldable for easy transport. They are a great choice for traveling with your baby or visiting friends and family, as they are easy to pack and taken away. The light construction may make for a less sturdy crib than standard models. This could be a cause of concern for some parents.

3. Style

Choose a crib with distinctive design if want it to stand out. You can find one that features sleek, minimalist designs or one that is constructed of a material like glass or bamboo and has clear sides for a better accessibility. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives, but can be a beautiful focal piece in any nursery.

Other cribs have a more traditional design with elegant curves, moldings and the look of heirloom pieces. They can also be quite elaborate and are typically handcrafted with beautiful details. These are great options when you are looking for an item that will be an integral piece of furniture in the course of time and work with any theme.

Another style that is popular is a Scandinavian-style crib that has sleek straight lines and a light, unfinished wood finish that lets 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.

These cribs can be used as a changing table making it easier to change your child. This is particularly true for babies who are still young and have difficulty sitting up. These models usually have drawers underneath to store wipes, diapers and other essentials.

Some cribs have curved sides or designs that can be used as an umbrella. They can provide a touch of luxury to any nursery and are a great way to keep your baby cool and comfortable while they sleep. Be sure, however, that any fabric you use isn't too long or is securely fixed to the crib. This will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric or pulling it down.

4. Convertibility

A crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, an adult daybed or a large bed can be extremely useful for any family. This feature can save you money purchasing four separate beds over the development of your child and will also free up space in the nursery. A lot of convertible cribs are also equipped with conversion kits that store easily, making them easy to set up and use at any time.

Another aspect to be aware of when you're looking for cribs is that a lot of cribs come with additional features, like adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This lets you customize the look and function of your crib, and could be particularly useful in the case of only a tiny or limited storage space in your nursery. Some cribs even have wheels which can be extremely useful when you need to move the bed for cleaning or other reasons.

Convertible cribs are typically made with durable, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and meet the stringent safety standards established by the CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have a contemporary or classic design that will fit into a broad selection of nursery décor. Some cribs are made of wood, while others may be constructed of stainless steel or painted metal. Some brands are even committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs utilizing GREENGUARD GOLD-certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins leak into the environment.

It takes some research and thought to select the ideal convertible crib for you nursery. However, it's an investment that will last for years to come. Be sure to consider your options carefully and make sure you compare prices, delivery and the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the best choice for your family.

5. great crib is a massive piece of furniture that will have a significant impact on the design and feel of the nursery of your baby. Therefore, selecting one that matches your preferred style or that will work well with the rest of your room's decor can make a huge impact on how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.

Similarly, cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds for toddlers or toddlers can be used as your child grows, providing you long-term value. They are also typically less expensive than larger beds and are able to be sold or given to a friend when your child no longer requires them.

Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain, as the majority of the components can be cleaned and removed and the majority come with an adapter kit that makes it easy to turn them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs are incredibly sturdy and can withstand stress of regular use, with some even lasting through several children.

Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring mattresses which makes them easier to move when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. However, they can get worn out faster and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.

Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual firm or two-stage mattresses are made to be used by infants and toddlers. One side is gentler for infants while the other is more firm for toddlers. They're generally more secure than foam mattresses and are more comfortable for older infants who aren't a fan of the sagging feeling of foam. They're also generally more affordable than innerspring options.