Choosing the Best Crib

Choose a crib that you love. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, since your child could fall in. Instead, pick one that is easily converted to a daybed or toddler.

Safety


As parents as parents, we want to provide our children the best possible start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You don't need to use cribs that have a lot loose or missing pieces and you shouldn't choose one that isn't in line with the current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is in compliance with the most stringent safety requirements.

The crib's slats should be spaced evenly so that children cannot catch their heads or fingers in the slats. They shouldn't include any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could result in injuries. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib, should be adjustable to different heights to allow it to adapt to the needs of your child.

Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds as they can strangle your child. Examine your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.

Some cribs come with the option of a side panel that could be lifted however it won't stay down for long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share with their children. Just make sure you keep your crib away from radiators and windows.

If you are seeking a green crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. You should also consider a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed the tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you're looking to go even further, look for a crib that's made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.

Style

If you're planning to work with an elegant or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing an elegant crib is a must. cot sales is slim and sleek, making it a good option for spaces that are tight. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has a lower height mattress setting. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, stated that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've ever seen, even in a sea grey!"

The classic high-back crib for babies is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of contemporary colors that can be matched to any style. It's a bit heavier than the other cribs we've tried, but it's sturdy 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 our other top choices.

While a good option for smaller spaces, its unique design can be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also bulkier than our other picks and will need to be dismantled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are usually made from wood, like maple or oak, ash, mahogany, cherry or birch. They tend to be more durable than other materials and resist damage better than soft pine. But be aware that some manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods because it's cheaper. This can make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches, which could require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling out or climbing. But keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for extra safety.

Convertibility

When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and if it is convertible. It's crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be used by your baby for a long time. You should also select a crib that will fit in with the decor of your home, whether that be traditional or contemporary.

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

There are many different convertible cribs available however, some stand out better than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finish. It also comes with three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile design that allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. It's easy to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a good alternative. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and a great buy. It is a classic crib that could be converted into the toddler bed or daybed. This crib is also simple to put together and has a low-profile that makes it easy to reach into and out for small parents.

The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for those who want to keep their bedroom simple and clean. This chic crib can be transformed into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing techniques. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and made to be used in conjunction alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.

Budget

A good crib should have sturdy construction and straightforward assembly instructions that lead to the installation process being relatively easy. And a design that fits with the decor of your nursery is essential. There are numerous crib models that can be bought at various prices.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most versatile options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib, or as a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The added drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a cozy baby-like womb. It can also serve as a portable play area, providing your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest when they are on the move.

Another option that doesn't sacrifice on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines environmentally friendly materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is compliant 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 is free of sharp edges.

Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to complement their modern or contemporary home. Others might prefer a more elegant style that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter category you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib without the requirement for mattresses or bars.

If you are a parent who doesn't like fussiness, choose a crib that is more simple and clean visually. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to assist your baby to grow into an adult. However, they sport an older-style look when compared to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.