Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key element in your nursery for many years, so it's important to choose a crib you enjoy seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your little one could fall into, and choose an option that is easily convertible to a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our children the best start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. It's not necessary to have cribs that have many missing or loose pieces and you shouldn't choose one that isn't in line with the current safety standards. When buying a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats that comprise the crib should be spaced to stop children from falling or catching their heads in them and should not have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could create a risk. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety and should be able to adjust to different heights to accommodate your baby as they develop.
Avoid dangling best cots as blind strings or curtains, because they could strangle your child. It is a good idea to check your crib regularly for any missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that have become dislodged over time.
Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be lifted however it won't stay in place for long. These are useful for parents who want to co-sleep without the risks of bed sharing, but make certain that you're in an area free of windows and radiators and that your child isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed the tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go further, you should look for a crib made of sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
If you're looking to create a classic or minimalist nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic addition. The SnuzPod4 fits well in small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has the option of a lower-height mattress. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the best-looking ones we've seen even in a sea of grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of modern colors that will match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs we've tested, but it's durable 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than some of our other top cribs.
It's a good choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also bulkier than our other choices and will need to be disassembled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed from wood, such as maple oak, ash cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are typically more long-lasting than other materials and resist nicks and dings better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable since it's less expensive. This can make the crib more vulnerable to dent and scratches, which could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to the standard crib is that it typically comes with a toddler rail which will help to keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. Keep in mind that a lot of cribs for toddlers will require you to buy an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are numerous aspects to take into consideration when selecting a crib. You have to consider the size, style, and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It's important to find a crib that you love, as it will be used by your child for a long period of time. You should also pick the crib that is compatible with the decor of your home, no matter if it's contemporary or traditional.
A convertible crib will grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and then an adult size bed. This will save money in the long run since you don't have to buy an additional bed for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs on the market however, some stand out more than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it meets or surpasses federal safety standards for construction and finish. Additionally, it comes with three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby in and out of the crib. It is easy to assemble this crib and takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another good alternative. This crib is a good value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It has a classic design and can be converted to a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. It is also easy to assemble 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 a great alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery designs simple and simple. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be made as a full-size toddler bed or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy with environmentally-friendly production 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 should have sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions that allow for an easy and painless installation. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are a variety of cribs available to be purchased at different prices.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, a crib or a toddler bed and can also roll and rock to gently help your baby sleep or create an incline that is gentle for reflux babies. The add-on drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a cozy womb-like environment. It can even double as a portable play area and provide your child with the security and comfort to sleep on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice design. It combines a modern design with sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is sustainably made in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no drop-sides or decorative cutouts that could snag clothing. It has no rough or sharp edges, and is easily dressed by sheets.
Some parents may want an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, while others might prefer a more stately design that suits the room's decor. If you fall into the latter you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from bassinet to an infant crib, and then to a full-sized crib, all without mattresses or bars, meaning 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 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require for your baby to grow into an adult, but they have more of a traditional design than some models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.