Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery

Cribs offer a designated baby's sleeping space to reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.

Whether you choose a contemporary design or a more traditional style Make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure that it is in compliance with the highest safety standards and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Then consider other features to find the perfect crib for your family.

1. Safety

As a parent your baby's safety is a top priority. You want your baby to sleep soundly in a safe environment that is free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. Select a crib that is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.

These include slat spacings not more than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's legs, arms, or head from getting stuck and a mattress that is firm and snug-fitting with no drop sides; a solid crib with no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. You should also avoid bells and whistles, for example bumper pads or streamers, which can present a strangulation risk for your baby.

Look for cribs painted with low-VOC varnish, which is which is a safer alternative to traditional varnishes or glues that release harmful chemicals. Similarly, look for a mattress made of non-toxic materials like organic cotton and foam.

Select a crib that does not have decorative embellishments or cutouts. They could cause injuries when your child grabs them, or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure the mattress cover fits tightly to the crib frame and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or sheepskins, as well as similar stuffed animals to pillows in the crib. These can increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles can also pose risky, since they could fall towards the baby and cause them to suffocate. It is recommended to avoid a mobile completely and choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is more beneficial for your baby's health as well as allow you to keep an eye on your child as they sleep.

2. Convenience

One of the most crucial things your baby needs is a safe place to sleep. Cribs are a great place for your baby to rest, which can be particularly helpful when you're busy tending to other household chores or activities.

You'll likely find cribs at your local home goods store or nursery. These types of establishments have to comply with strict regulations established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are typically the best place to start your search for a top quality crib. You'll have to consider a variety of aspects before purchasing a crib.

Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for toddlers, infants and babies that last well beyond the initial months of life. Many cribs come with convertible features that let you convert them into toddler beds or full-size beds, which will save you money and extend the life of your crib purchase.


The compact size of cribs makes them ideal for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models also include an area for changing which can be helpful if you have limited room in your nursery.

They are also lightweight and foldable, making them easy to carry around. They're a great option for taking your baby on a trip or visiting friends and family, as they are easy to pack and taken away. However, the light construction of travel cribs may result in less robust construction than standard cribs which could be an issue for some parents.

3. Style

If you're looking for a crib that can stand out in a room choose a crib with unique styling. It could be one that features an elegant, minimalist design or one that is made of a material like glass or bamboo and features clear sides for easy access. They are usually more expensive than solid wood versions however they can be a beautiful accent to any nursery.

Other cribs have an older style with elegant curves and moldings, as well as an appearance that reminds of antique pieces. They can be extremely elaborate, and are usually handmade with beautiful details. They are a great option for a crib that can become a favorite piece of family furniture over 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 an modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood unfinished to match your decor.

Cribs that combine the function of a changing table can make it much 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. They can add a touch of elegance to any nursery, and help keep your baby comfy and cool while they sleep. But, make sure that the fabric you choose to use isn't too long, or that it's firmly attached to the crib. This will ensure your child can't reach out and grab the fabric and pull it down.

4. Convertibility

A crib that can be converted into a toddler's crib, an adult daybed or a large bed can be incredibly useful for any family. This feature will save you money from purchasing four separate beds during your child's development as well as save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with simple-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to utilize them as required.

Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for a crib is that many cribs come with additional features, like adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This allows you to customize the look and function of your crib, and could be particularly beneficial in the case of the smallest or most limited amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels that can be extremely helpful if you want to move the bed for cleaning or any other reason.

Convertible cribs are generally made of durable non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards established by CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs feature a classic or contemporary design that will suit the various styles of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, while others could be constructed from stainless steel or painted metal. Certain brands are also committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs that use GREENGUARD GOLD-certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins leach into the environment.

It will require some time and research to choose the best convertible crib for your nursery. But, it's a decision that will last for many years to come. Be sure to consider your options carefully and make sure you evaluate prices, delivery and time to set up, among other things to make the best choice for your family.

5. Value

The crib is the most important piece of furniture in your baby's nursery, and it has a big impact on the overall look and feel of the room. It is crucial to select a crib that matches your style or goes well with the decor of your room. This can make a big impact on how you feel about your nursery.

Similarly, cribs that are designed to transform into toddler beds or daybeds extend their utility as your child grows, giving you a long-term benefit. great crib than larger 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, as the majority of the parts can be cleaned and removed and many come with a conversion kit that allows you to transform them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand frequent use and are durable. Some even last through several children.

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

Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning to toddlerhood, having one side that is 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 ones.