Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you love. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your baby might get into, and opt for one that is easily convertible to a toddler bed, or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. You don't need to use an infant crib with a lot loose or missing pieces or is one that isn't in line with current safety standards. When purchasing a crib ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats in the crib must be spaced so that children aren't getting their hands or heads in them, and they shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments which could cause injury risk. A mattress support system is crucial to the safety of the crib and must be capable of adjusting to various heights to accommodate your baby as they develop.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds as they can strangle your baby. Examine your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be lowered. However, it will not stay down for long. These are ideal for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed sharing, but make 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 cots 4 tots seeking a crib that is environmentally friendly, consider one made from wood from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking for something superior, select a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates, and other chemicals.
Style
Whether you're working with a minimal or classic design, a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect option for spaces that are tight. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up there with the best-looking cribs we've seen, even in a sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib has been constructed from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors to fit any style. 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 more space in the nursery as compared to our other top choices.
It's a great choice for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also more bulkier than our other choices and will have to be disassembled in order to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually constructed from wood, such as maple, oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist 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 can make a crib vulnerable to dents and scratches and could require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of a standard crib is that it often comes with a toddler rail which will help keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. But keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for extra security.
Convertibility
There are a lot of aspects to take into consideration when selecting a crib. You must consider the size, style and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It's crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be used by your baby for a long time. You should also pick the crib that will go with the decor of your home, whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib will expand with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, then to a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you won't have to buy a mattress for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs on the market however, certain models stand out more than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified which means it meets or surpasses federal safety standards for design and construction. It also comes with three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. It is easy to assemble this crib and takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using a cordless driver/drill.
Another option that is worth considering is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It is a classic crib that can be transformed into the toddler bed or daybed. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached in and out of for short parents.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery decor simple and clean. This stylish crib can be transformed into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing techniques. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality must be built with strength and easy assembly instructions that lead to the installation process being relatively easy. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is crucial. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price however there are some models that are suitable for every budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options that are available. It can be used as a bassinet crib, or as a toddler bed. It can also gently rock your baby to slumber or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The add-on drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a comfortable baby-like womb. It can also serve as a portable play space that provides your child with a safe and comfortable spot to sleep while moving around.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn't sacrifice style. It blends a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to complement their modern or contemporary home. tots and cots might prefer a more elegant style that complements the décor of the room. If you're in the latter category of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet into an infant crib, and then to a full crib, all without the need for bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you are an adult who doesn't enjoy fussiness, choose a crib that is simpler and cleaner in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to help your baby grow into a toddler. However, they have more of a traditional style as compared to other models, such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.