Choosing the Best Crib

Pick a crib you love. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides as your child may fall into. Instead, pick a design which is easily converted to a daybed or toddler.


Safety

We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. You shouldn't use cribs that have many missing or loose pieces and you shouldn't choose one that isn't in line with current safety standards. When buying a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced so that children aren't getting their hands or heads in the slats, and they shouldn't have any decorative cut outs or other embellishments which could cause injury risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib, should be adjustable to different heights to allow it to expand with your child.

Avoid dangling items such as blind strings or curtains, because they could strangle your child. Be sure to check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if necessary.

Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be moved down. However it won't stay down for long. These are ideal for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make certain that you're in an area that is away from windows and radiators and that your child isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.

If you are seeking a green crib, select one made of sustainable forests. It's recommended to choose a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low emissions of chemicals. If you want to go more, consider a crib that is made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.

Style

Whether you're working with an elegant or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing an attractive crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 can be used in smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test participants, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the best-looking ones we've seen, even in the midst of grey!"

This classic high-back crib has been constructed using 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than our other top cribs.

It's a great choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also heavier than our other choices and will probably require dismantling to fit through standard doors when you move from room to room.

Standard cribs are usually constructed of wood like oak or maple. They are also made of mahogany, cherry, birch, or cherry. They tend to be more durable than other materials and can withstand nicks and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This could make a crib more vulnerable to dents and scratches and may require more frequent cleaning.

Another plus to a standard crib is that it often comes with a toddler rail which will help to keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. Keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require the purchase of a separate toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

When it comes to selecting a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. top rated cots must consider the size, style and slat style, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose a crib that you like since it will be there for your baby for a long time. You should also pick the crib that is compatible with the decor of your home, regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.

A convertible crib is a fantastic option since it grows with your child to a toddler bed and then into a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run since you don't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.

Certain convertible cribs stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. It is also easy to build and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a good option. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It is a classic crib that could be transformed into an infant bed or a daybed. It is also easy to assemble 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 an excellent alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery designs simple and tidy. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be made to become an adult bed or a full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious production methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and made to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.

Budget

A quality crib will have a sturdy structure, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process effortless. And a stylish design that fits with the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs vary in terms of price, but there are models that are suitable for every budget.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options that are available. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to rock your baby to slumber or create an easy slope for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rods will encase your baby in an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It could also serve as a portable play yard, giving your child an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.

Another option that doesn't skimp on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is produced sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides which could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using 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 décor of the room. If your preference falls in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet to a mini-crib and then a full-size crib, without the need for bars or mattresses.

If you're a parent that isn't into fussiness, opt for the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to assist your baby to grow into a toddler. However, they sport an older-style look when as compared to other models, such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.