Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you like. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides as your child could fall in. Instead, choose one that can easily be transformed into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best possible start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You don't want to use an old crib that could contain a lot of broken or missing parts, and you certainly shouldn't buy one that's not conforming to the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats on a crib must be closely spaced so that children do not get their fingers or heads in the slats. They should not have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments which could result in injury. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety and should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your child as they grow.
Avoid dangling items such as blind strings or curtains, as they can strangle your baby. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for any missing or loose objects, and replace any that have become dislodged in the course of time.
Some cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered but it won't be down for very long. These are great for parents who do not want to share with their children. Just make sure you place your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you are seeking an eco-friendly crib, choose one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go a step more, consider a crib that is made from sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to design a classic or minimalist nursery, a stylish crib will be a great addition. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has a lower height mattress setting. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've ever seen even among a sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last until 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 takes more space in the nursery compared to some of our other top choices.
While related web site 's a great choice for smaller spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also heavier than some of our other choices and will probably need to be disassembled to fit through doors that are standard when you move from room to space.
Standard cribs are typically made of wood such as maple or oak. They can also be made of mahogany, birch or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and resist nicks and dings much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This could make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and could require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of a standard crib is that it usually includes a toddler rail, which will help to keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. Keep in mind, however, that many cribs for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are many things to think about when choosing a crib. Think about the size, design, slats, and whether it's convertible. It's crucial to choose the crib you love since it will be there for your baby for a long time. It is also important to choose the crib that is compatible with the decor of your home, no matter if it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib will expand with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, and eventually an adult 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 other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. 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 makes it easier to get your child in and out of it. The crib is also easy to put together in less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a good option. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be transformed into an infant bed or a daybed. This crib is also simple to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach to and out of for short parents.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery decor simple and simple. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be outfitted into an adult bed or a full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy with environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively painless. And a stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is essential. There are many different cribs available to be purchased at different costs.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options that are available. It can be set up as a bassinet, crib or toddler bed and can also roll and rock to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for babies who have reflux. The added canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a cozy like a womb. It can also serve as a portable play space and provides your child with a safe and comfortable spot to sleep when on the move.
Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and can be passed on to siblings. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and does not have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges, and is easily dressed by sheets.
Some parents might want an uncluttered crib that complements their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more stately design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into the size of a mini-crib, and then into a full-size crib with no requirement for mattresses or bars.
If small cot beds 're a parent who isn't a fan of fussiness, choose a crib that is simpler and cleaner looking. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to aid your baby's development into an adult. However, they sport more of a traditional style in comparison to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.