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, choose one that can easily be converted to a daybed or toddler.

Safety

We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. You don't want to use an old crib that might contain a number of loose or missing parts, and you definitely don't want one that isn't 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 should be positioned to ensure that children don't get their heads or fingers in the slats. They shouldn't contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments that could result in injury. A mattress support system is vital to the crib's safety and must be adjustable to different sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.

It is also important to stay clear of dangling objects such as blind strings or curtains, as these present the risk of strangulation to your infant. It is a good idea to examine your crib frequently for any missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that have gotten lost over time.

Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be lowered. However, it will not stay down for long. They are great for parents who want to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but be sure you're in an area that is away from 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, choose one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's important to pick a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something even better, choose a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates and other chemicals.

Style

Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib will be a great option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim which makes it a perfect option for spaces that are tight. It's GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most attractive cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"

This classic high-back crib is crafted with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last into 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 takes up more space in the nursery when compared to other top picks.

While it's a great option for small spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also heavier than our other choices and will need to be disassembled in order to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are typically made of wood such as maple or oak. They are also made of mahogany, cherry, 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 opt for pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches which may require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling or climbing. Remember, however, that many cribs for toddlers will require you to buy an additional toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

When it comes to choosing a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and if it's convertible. It's important to find a crib that you love, as it will be used by your baby for a long time. You also want to choose a crib that will fit into your home's decor, whether that be traditional or modern.

A convertible crib will grow with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, then a full size bed. This will save you money in the end because you won't have to buy a separate mattress for your child.

There are numerous convertible cribs available, but certain models stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it is in compliance with or exceeds the government safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and a low profile that makes it simple to get your baby out and in of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to build and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.

Another good option is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and a great buy. It's a classic style and can be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to assemble and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach in and out of for smaller parents.

The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. https://www.cots4tots.co.uk/ is a great option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery designs simple and simple. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be transformed 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 uses environmentally conscious manufacturing methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.



Budget

A quality crib is one that has a solid construction, and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly easy. And a design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also essential. There are many different models of cribs that can be purchased at different 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 and can also roll and rock to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies who have reflux. The canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a cozy womb-like environment. It can also be used as a portable play area and provides your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest when they are traveling.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It blends a modern style with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, including no drop-sides or decorative cutouts that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and does not have sharp edges.

Some parents prefer a simple crib to match their contemporary or modern home. Some prefer a more elegant design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter group of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This stylish model converts from a bassinet to a mini 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 in the mood for fussiness, choose the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need to help your baby become an adult, but they're more of a traditional style than other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.