Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key feature in your nursery for a long time, so it’s important to choose a crib you enjoy admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your little one could get into, and select one that can be easily converted into a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This begins with a crib that’s safe. You shouldn’t use an old crib that may contain a number of loose or damaged parts, and you certainly do not want one that isn’t in compliance with current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of the crib should be spaced to stop children from catching their fingers or head in the slats and should not have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations which could cause injury risk. The mattress support system, which is essential to the security of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various heights to allow it to adapt to the needs of your child.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds as they can strangle your baby. It’s a good idea to examine your crib frequently for any missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that have become dislodged over time.
Some cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lowered however it won’t stay in place for long. These are ideal for parents who want to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but make sure you’re in a space that is away from windows and radiators and that your baby isn’t too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you’re seeking an eco-friendly crib, pick one that is made of sustainable forests. It’s also a good idea to select a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low emissions of chemicals. If you want to go a step further, you should 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
If you’re going for an elegant or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 fits well in tiny spaces since it’s slim and sleek. It’s also GREENGUARD Certified and has an adjustable lower height mattress. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby’s Editor, said that the crib was “up there with the best rated cribs-looking cribs we’ve ever seen, even among sea grey!”
The classic high-back crib for babies is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety modern colors that will match any aesthetic. It’s heavier than other cribs we’ve evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last into 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 takes up more space in the nursery compared to our other top picks.
While a good option for small spaces, its distinctive design can be challenging to find bedding and sheets for. It’s also a bit bulkier than some of our other picks and will probably require dismantling in order to fit through doors that are standard when you move from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually made from wood, like maple oak, ash cherry, mahogany or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand damage and nicks much better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers use pine instead of the more durable hardwoods because it’s cheaper. This could make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling out or climbing. But keep in mind that many toddler-safe cribs will require you to purchase your own separate toddler cot bed sales rail for added security.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration. Think about the size, design, slats and whether it’s convertible. It’s crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be used by your baby for many years. You also want to choose a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home whether it’s traditional or modern.
A convertible crib is a great choice because it will grow with your child until it becomes a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you won’t have to buy a separate mattress for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs on the market however, certain models stand best infant Cribs out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it meets or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of the construction and finish. It also has 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. This crib is also relatively easy to build and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.
Another option is the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic crib that can be converted into an infant bed or a daybed. This crib is also simple to put together and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached 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 who want to keep their nursery decor simple and clean. This chic crib can be converted into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy using environmentally friendly production methods. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold certified and designed to be used with the brand’s toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality is one that has a solid construction and easy assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively effortless. And a stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are a variety of models of cribs that can be purchased at different prices.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or as a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle slope for reflux babies. The added drape rod and canopy envelop your child in a warm like a womb. It can even double as a portable play area, giving your child an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to rest on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn’t sacrifice design. It blends a modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid wood and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could snag clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges and can easily be dressed with a sheet.
Some parents might want an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, whereas others may prefer a more formal style that complements the decor of the room. If you fall in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet into mini cribs and later to a full crib, all without the need for mattresses or bars, meaning you’ll have less mess to clean up.
If you’re a parent that isn’t into fussiness, opt for the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you’ll need for your baby to grow into a toddler, but they have a more traditional design than some models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.