Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key fixture in your nursery for years, so it's important to pick one you love admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby might get into, and choose one that is able to be converted to a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our babies the best start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. You don't want an old crib that may contain a number of loose or damaged parts, and you shouldn't buy one that's not in compliance with current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, make sure you look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is up to the highest safety standards.
The crib's slats must be closely spaced so that children do not get their fingers or heads in the slats. They should also not include any decorative cutouts or other embellishments which could result in injuries. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the security of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various levels so that it can expand with your child.
Avoid hanging items like blind strings or curtains, because they could strangle your baby. It's a good idea check your crib regularly for any missing or loose items, and replace any that have become dislodged in the course of time.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be lifted, but it won't stay in place for long. These are ideal for parents who wish to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be certain that you're in a room free of windows and radiators and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're seeking a green crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. You should also consider a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you want to go further, look for a crib made of sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
If you're planning to work with an elegant or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek, making it a good choice for small spaces. 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-looking cribs we've ever seen even among sea grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of contemporary colors that can be matched to any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs that we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last through 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than some of our other top choices.
While it's a great choice for small spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also a bit bulkier than some of our other picks, and it will likely need to be disassembled to fit through standard doors in order to move from room space.
Standard cribs are constructed of wood like oak or maple. They can also be made of mahogany, cherry, birch or cherry. They tend to be more durable than other materials, and are resistant to scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This could make the crib more susceptible to scratches and dent, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling or climbing. Keep in mind, however, that many cribs specifically designed for toddlers require you to buy a separate 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 essential to choose the crib you love, as it will be a part of your child for a long period of time. You should also pick the crib that will go with the style of your home, whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib will grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and eventually a full size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you don't need to purchase an additional bed for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than other. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. recommended cribs , which means that it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finish. Additionally, it comes with three height settings that can be adjusted and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby out of the crib. The crib is also simple to assemble in less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a good option. This crib is an excellent value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be converted into an infant bed or a daybed. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach in and out for small 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 simple. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be outfitted as 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 alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy structure and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly painless. And a stylish design that matches your nursery decor is also essential. There are numerous cribs available to be purchased at different prices.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, a crib or a toddler bed. It can also roll and rock to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies who have reflux. 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 that provides your child with a secure and comfortable place to nap when they are traveling.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice design. It combines a contemporary style 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 between siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, including no drop-sides or decorative cutouts that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents may want a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home, while others may prefer a more formal design that suits the room's decor. If you fall into the latter, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into the size of a mini-crib, and then into a full-size crib with no need for bars or mattresses.
If you are an adult who doesn't enjoy fussiness, choose a crib that is less cluttered and more clean visually. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to aid your baby's development into a toddler. They do however have a more traditional look as compared to other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.