Choosing the Best Crib

Pick a crib you love. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides as your child might fall in. Instead, opt for an option that can easily be transformed into a toddler or daybed.

Safety

As parents as parents, we want to provide our children the best start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. It's not necessary to have a crib that has many missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that isn't in line with current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is in compliance with the most stringent safety standards.

The slats of the crib must be spaced so that children aren't getting their hands or heads in them and should not have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other embellishments that could pose an injury risk. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib and must be able to adjust to different sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.

You'll also want to avoid hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains as these present the risk of strangulation to your infant. It's a good idea check your crib regularly for missing or loose items, and replace any that have become dislodged over time.

Some cribs have a side panel that can be moved down. However it won't be down for long. These are great for parents who do not want to share a bed. Make sure to keep your crib away from radiators and windows.

If you're looking for a crib that is green, you should consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to select a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking for something even more durable, consider a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemical compounds.

Style

If you're going for an elegant or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing an attractive crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 can be used in small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress 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 in a sea grey!"

This classic high-back crib is made with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs that we test, but it's durable enough to last 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 square footage in the nursery than some of our other top choices.

While it's a great option for smaller spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find sheets and other bedding for. cots and tots 's also heavier than our other choices and will probably require dismantling in order to fit through standard doors when moving from room to room.

Standard cribs are made of wood such as oak or maple. They are also made of cherry, mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make the crib more prone to dent and scratches, which could require more frequent cleaning.

Another plus to a standard crib is that it typically comes with a toddler rail which can help keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. Keep in mind that a lot of cribs specifically designed for toddlers require you to purchase an additional toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. You have to consider the size, style and slat style and whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose the crib you love since it will be there for your baby for a long time. It is also important to choose a crib to fit in with the style of your home, regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.

A convertible crib will grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and then an adult size bed. This will save money in the long run since you don't need to purchase an additional bed for your child.

Certain convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finish. It also comes with three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile that makes it easier to get your child in and out of it. It is simple to put together this crib in less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.

Another option that is worth considering is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It's a classic style and can be converted to a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. This crib is easy to put together, and its low profile makes it easier for parents to move into and out.

The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery designs simple and simple. This chic crib can be transformed into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy with environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and specifically designed to work alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.

Budget

A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively effortless. A chic design that complements your nursery decor is important. Cribs vary in terms of price, but there are models that will fit into any budget.


For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or a toddler bed. It can also gently soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle slope for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can also double as a portable play yard providing your child with the security and comfort to nap on the go.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice style. It blends a modern design with sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and does not have sharp edges.

Some parents prefer a simple crib to match their contemporary or modern home. Others might prefer a more elegant design that is in keeping with the interior decor of the room. If your preference falls 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 mini cribs and later to a full crib all without the need for mattresses or bars, so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're a parent who isn't interested in fussiness, go for the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need for your baby to become an adult, but they're more of a traditional design than some models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.