Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you love. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, as your child might fall in. Instead, pick one that can easily be converted to a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our children the best possible start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You don't need to use a crib that has lots of missing or loose pieces or is one that isn't in line with current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib should be spaced evenly so that children do not get their fingers or heads in the slats. They should not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other decorations that could result in injury. The mattress support system, which is vital to the safety of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various heights so that it can grow with your child.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds as they can strangle your child. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs come with the option of a side panel that could be lowered but it won't be in place for long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share a bed. Just make sure you put your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're looking for a crib which is green, you should consider 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 tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go a step further, look for a crib made of sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
Whether you're working with an elegant or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great choice for small spaces. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with the option of a lower-height mattress. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most attractive cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is made with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's a bit heavier than the other cribs we've tested, but it's durable enough to last through toddlerhood and beyond. https://canvas.instructure.com/eportfolios/3197495/Home/10_TellTale_Warning_Signs_You_Should_Know_To_Buy_A_Mini_Cotbed 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 compared to other top picks.
While a good option for small spaces, its distinctive design may be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also a bit bulkier than some of our other choices and will probably require dismantling to fit through standard doors when you move from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed of wood like maple or oak. 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 hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling or climbing. Be aware, however, that many cribs specifically designed for toddlers will require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are many things to think about when choosing a crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be there for your baby for a long time. You should also pick a crib to fit in with the style of your home, regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib will expand with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and eventually to a full-size bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't have 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 is GREENGUARD gold certified which means it is in compliance with or exceeds government safety standards in the construction and finish. It also has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby in and out of the crib. It is easy to assemble this crib in less than 15 minutes with a cordless driver/drill.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a great alternative. This crib is an excellent value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic crib that could be transformed into a toddler bed or daybed. This crib is also simple to assemble and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out of for short 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 designs simple and clean. https://crosby-bendtsen.blogbright.net/the-no-one-question-that-everyone-working-in-cribs-beds-must-know-how-to-answer '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. This crib was made in Italy using environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is 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 lead to relatively frustration-free installation. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is essential. There are many different cribs available to be purchased at different costs.
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 a toddler bed. It also has the ability to roll and rock to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for reflux babies. The canopy and drape rods will encase your baby in an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It can even double as a play yard that can be carried around and provide your child with the security and comfort to rest on the go.
Another option that doesn't sacrifice on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with environmentally friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to siblings. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges and is easily dressed by a sheet.
Some parents might prefer a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home, while others may prefer a more stately design that is suited to the room's decor. If you're in the latter group of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. This stylish model converts from a bassinet into mini cribs and later to a full crib all without the need for mattresses or bars, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who isn't a fan of fussiness, choose a crib that is simpler and cleaner in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need for your baby to develop into an adult, but they're more of a traditional look than some other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.