Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you love. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides, as your child might fall in. Instead, pick an option that is easily converted into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. You shouldn't use an old crib that may contain a number of loose or missing parts, and you do not want one that isn't up to current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib must be closely spaced to ensure that children don't get their fingers or heads in the slats. They shouldn't contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other decorations that could cause injury. A mattress support system is crucial to the safety of the crib and should be capable of adjusting to various heights to accommodate your child as they develop.
You'll also want to avoid hanging objects, such as curtains or blind strings, because they pose the risk of strangulation to your baby. Examine your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be removed. However, it will not stay down for very long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share the bed. Make sure to place your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're seeking an eco-friendly crib, pick one that is constructed from sustainable forests. It's recommended to choose a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something even superior, select a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates, and other chemicals.
Style
If you're going for an elegant or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing an elegant crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for tiny spaces since it's slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most beautiful cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety modern colors that will match any style. It's heavier than the other cribs that we tested, but durable enough to last through the toddler years 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 picks.
While a good option for smaller spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also heavier than some of our other picks, and it will likely require dismantling in order to fit through doors that are standard when you move from room to the next.
Standard cribs are usually constructed from wood, such as maple or oak. They are also made of mahogany, birch or cherry. They are typically more long-lasting than other materials and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of more durable hardwoods because it's less expensive. This can make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches and may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling or climbing. Be aware that a lot of cribs for toddlers will require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When it comes to selecting a crib, there are numerous factors to consider. It is important to think about size, style and slat type and whether it's convertible or not. It is essential to pick the crib you love since it will be with your baby for a long time. You should also select a crib that will fit in with the decor of your home whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib can grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and then an adult size bed. This will save you money in the long run since you don't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs on the market However, some stand out better than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it meets or surpasses the safety standards of the government in terms of design and construction. It also comes with three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile design that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. The crib is also easy to put together in less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another great option. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and a great deal. It is a classic crib that can be transformed into the toddler bed or daybed. It is also easy to assemble and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out of for smaller parents.
The final crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery designs simple and clean. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be outfitted to become a toddler bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and employs eco-friendly production methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and is specifically designed to work with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality must be built with strength and simple assembly instructions that lead to the installation process being relatively easy. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are a variety of crib models that can be bought at various prices.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, crib, or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for reflux babies. The canopy and drape rods envelop the baby in an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It can also serve as a portable play space, providing your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest while on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice design. Full File combines a contemporary design with eco-friendly materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It meets all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed with sheets.
Some parents might want an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more stately design that is suited to the room's decor. If you fall into the latter group of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant model converts from a bassinet to a mini-crib and then a full-size crib, without the requirement for mattresses or bars.
If you're an adult who doesn't enjoy excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is less cluttered and more clean looking. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to help your baby grow into an adult. However, they sport an older-style look when in comparison to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.