Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery

Cribs offer a designated sleeping area for infants to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also provide more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.

If you decide to go with modern or traditional style, be sure to check if it's GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it satisfies the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to toxic chemicals. Consider other features to determine the ideal crib for your family.

1. Safety

As a parent your baby's safety is of paramount importance. You want your child to sleep soundly in a safe and secure space, free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. It is crucial to select a crib that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) rigorous standards.

This includes slat spacing that is no wider than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from being trapped; an appropriate mattress that is comfortable and firm; no drop sides; a sturdy crib that has no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. Also, avoid bells and whistles, like bumper streams or pads, as they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.

Find cribs that are painted with low-VOC, an alternative in comparison to conventional glues or varnishes which emit harmful chemicals. Similarly, consider a mattress constructed with non-toxic materials, like organic cotton and foam.

Pick a crib with no decorative embellishments or cutouts. They can cause injury should your child pick them up or gets their fingers stuck in them. It is also important to ensure that the mattress cover is securely attached to the frame of your crib and that there aren't gaps between the frame and the mattress. Also, you should avoid putting pillows, quilts, comforters pillows, sheepskins or similar stuffed toys in the crib as these can increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a danger, as they could be pulled over the baby and cause them to collapse. It is recommended to avoid using a mobile at all costs 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

A secure place for your baby to sleep is one of the most important things you'll need. Cribs are a great place for your little one to rest, which will be especially useful when you're busy with other household chores or activities.

You'll likely find cribs in your local home goods store or nursery. These establishments must abide by strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best location to start your search for a top-quality crib. You'll have be aware of a number of aspects before purchasing a crib.

Cribs provide a comfortable sleeping space for toddlers, infants and newborns that last beyond their first few months of life. A lot of cribs are convertible that allow you to convert the crib into a toddler bed or a full-sized bed. This will save you money and extend its life.

The small size of cribs makes them perfect for small spaces such as lofts or apartments. Some models also come with changing stations that could be useful when you have a small space in your nursery.

They are also lightweight and foldable, making them easy to carry around. They're an excellent choice to travel with your baby or visiting friends and family since they can be easily packed into a suitcase before you leave. The light construction may result in a less durable crib than the standard ones. This might be a cause of concern for some parents.

3. Style

Choose a crib with a unique design if you want it to stand out. You can find a crib with sleek, minimalist style or made of materials like glass or bamboo. It could also have clear sides that allow for easy access to. They are usually more expensive than their solid wood counterparts however they can be a beautiful focal point to any nursery.

Other cribs feature traditional designs with elegant curves and moldings, reminiscent of furniture from the past. They can be extremely extravagant, and are generally handmade with beautiful details. These are excellent options if you want a crib that can become a beloved piece of furniture for your family over time and work with any style.

A Scandinavian crib is another popular style. It is characterized by smooth, straight lines with an ethereal, bare-wood look. This lets the natural beauty the wood to shine through. These cribs are perfect for an modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood unfinished to fit in with your decor.

Cribs that combine the function of a changing table can make it easier to change your baby, especially when they're younger and have trouble sitting up on their own. These cribs have drawers that can be used for storing wipes, diapers and other necessities.

Some cribs have curving sides or designs that can be used as an umbrella. These can provide a touch of luxury to any nursery and are an excellent way to keep your baby cool and comfortable while they sleep. But, make sure that any fabric you use isn't too long or that it 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 a daybed, or a full-size bed can be incredibly useful for any family. This feature will save you money from purchasing four separate beds over the development of your child and also save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to utilize them as required.

When you are looking for a new crib, keep in mind that most cribs come with additional features such as adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This will allow you to customize the look and function of your crib, and could be especially useful when you have only a tiny or limited amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs are equipped with wheels which can be extremely useful if you have to move the bed to clean or for other reasons.

Convertible cribs are typically made with durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet stringent safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs feature a classic or contemporary design that can fit into different styles of nursery décor. Some cribs are made of wood, while others could be made from stainless steel or painted metal. Some brands are committed to sustainability, offering eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful toxins do not leach into the surrounding environment.


It will require some time and research to choose the most suitable convertible crib for your nursery. However, it is an investment that will last for many years to come. Consider your options and compare prices as well as delivery times and other factors before deciding.

5. Value

The crib is the biggest piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and can have a significant impact on the overall appearance and feel of the space. Because of that, choosing one that is in line with your preferred style or one that works well with the other decor elements in your room can make a huge difference in how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.

As your child ages, cribs designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds are still useful and provide you with an advantage over time. They are also typically less expensive than full-size beds and can be sold or given to a family member when your child no more requires them.

Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain, since most of the components can be removed and cleaned and the majority come with a conversion kit that allows you to turn them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs are extremely durable and can withstand the rigors of frequent use, with some even last through multiple children.

Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring alternatives and are therefore more maneuverable when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. They are more likely to wear out and require replacement earlier than innerspring mattresses.

Hybrid crib mattresses (also called dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning through toddlerhood, with a side that's softer for infants and a firmer side for toddlers. They're generally more secure than foam mattresses and can be more comfortable for older babies who aren't a fan of the sagging feeling of foam. These mattresses are also often cheaper than innerspring alternatives.