Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you like. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby could fall into, and opt for one that can be easily converted to a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. You don't need to use cribs that have lots of missing or loose pieces and you shouldn't choose 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 heads or fingers within them. They should also not have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could result in injuries. The mattress support system, which is essential to the security of your crib, must be adjustable to various heights so that it can grow with your child.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds, as they can strangle your child. It's a good idea to examine your crib frequently for missing or loose objects, and replace any that have become dislodged over time.
Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be lowered but it won't be in place for long. These are ideal for parents who want to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be sure you're in a room that is away from windows and radiators and that your child isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you're looking for a crib which is eco-friendly, think about one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's recommended to choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to go even more, consider a crib that's made from sustainable sourced 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 nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim which makes it a perfect choice for small spaces. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've seen, even among sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib is made 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've examined, but it's strong enough to get through toddler-graduation 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 great option for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also more bulkier than our other choices and will need to be dismantled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually constructed of wood, like maple, oak, ash, mahogany, cherry, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand damage and nicks much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. cot beds could make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling out or climbing. Keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers require you to purchase an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are many things to think about when choosing the right crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib that you love because it will be a part of your child for a long period of time. You also want to choose the crib that fits into your home's decor regardless of whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib will grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and then a full size bed. This will save you money over the long term since you don't have to buy a mattress for your child.
There are many different convertible cribs available however, some stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified which means it meets or surpasses government safety standards in the construction and finish. It also has three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low profile that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. This crib is also relatively simple to assemble in less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another excellent alternative. This crib is a good value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic crib that can be transformed into an infant bed or a daybed. The crib is simple to put together and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move in and out.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists looking to keep their bedroom simple and tidy. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be outfitted to become a toddler bed or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy with environmentally-friendly production methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy structure, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively painless. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are a variety of models of cribs that can be bought at various prices.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or as a toddler bed. It can also gently rock your baby to slumber or create a gentle slope for reflux babies. The added drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a cozy baby-like womb. It can also be used as a portable play area that provides your child with a secure and comfortable space to rest while traveling.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice design. It blends a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and can be passed on to siblings. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and does not have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It is easy to dress with a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a simple crib that matches their contemporary or modern home. Others might prefer a more elegant design that complements the décor of the room. If you're in the latter category of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. The elegantly designed model can be converted from bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full-sized crib, all without mattresses or bars, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you are a parent who isn't a fan of fussiness, choose a crib that is less cluttered and more clean looking. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require to help your baby become an adult, but they have a more traditional style than other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.