Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you like. It will be part of your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your little one could fall into, and opt for a design that can be easily converted into a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
As parents as parents, we want to provide our children the best start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. You shouldn't use an infant crib with a lot loose or missing pieces and you shouldn't choose one that isn't up to current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from getting their hands or heads in them and also they shouldn't contain any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could pose an injury risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib, must be adjustable to various heights so that it can grow with your child.
It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects like curtains or blind strings, because they pose a strangulation risk for your baby. It is a good idea to check your crib regularly for any missing or loose items, and replace any that have become dislodged in the course of time.
Some cribs have a side panel which can be lowered. However it won't stay down for very long. These are great for parents who don't want to share a bed. Just make sure you place your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're seeking a green crib, choose one made of wood from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that there are no emissions of chemicals. If you're looking for something superior, select a crib made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA, BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemical compounds.
Style
Whether you're working with a classic or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing an elegant crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect option for spaces that are tight. It also comes with 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 most attractive cribs we've seen, even in the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs we test, but it's durable enough to last into the age of toddler 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 space in the nursery than our other top choices.
It's a great choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also bulkier than the other options and will have to be dismantled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually made of wood such as oak or maple. They can also be made of mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand damage and nicks much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This could make a crib more vulnerable to dents and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling or climbing. Keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers require you to buy a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are many aspects to take into consideration. Consider the size, style, slats and whether it is convertible. It is essential to choose a crib you like because it will be with your baby for a long time. You should also select a crib that is a good fit into your home's decor regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib will expand with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, then a full size bed. This will save you money in the end because you won't need to buy a separate mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finishing. Additionally, it comes with three adjustable mattress height settings and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby in and out of the crib. It is also easy to build in less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another great option. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and a great buy. best cots for newborns is a classic crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed or daybed. It is also easy to put together and has a low-profile that makes it easy to reach in and out of for smaller parents.
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 design simple and simple. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be outfitted to become a toddler bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy with environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib must be built with strength and easy assembly instructions that lead to relatively frustration-free installation. A stylish design that fits with the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price however there are some models that suit every budget.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib or as a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently help your baby sleep or create an easy slope for babies with reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a cozy like a womb. It can also be used as a portable play area that provides your child with a secure and comfortable space to rest when moving around.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn't sacrifice design. It combines a contemporary style with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It meets all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to match their contemporary or modern home. Some prefer a more elegant design that is in keeping with the interior decor of the room. If you fall into the latter group of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. This stylish model converts from a bassinet to a mini crib and then to a full crib all without 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 less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to aid your baby's development into a toddler. However, they have more of a traditional style as compared to other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.