Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key feature in your nursery for many years, so it's important to choose a crib you enjoy seeing. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides, since your child could fall in. Instead, choose an option that is easily converted to a daybed or toddler.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. You shouldn't use an infant crib with a lot loose or missing pieces or is one that isn't in line with the current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is in compliance with the most stringent safety requirements.
The slats on a crib should be positioned so that children cannot catch their fingers or heads in them. They should also not have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could result in injury. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib should be able to be adjusted to various heights so that it can grow with your child.
It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects, such as curtains or blind strings, since they pose the risk of strangulation to your baby. It is a good idea to check your crib regularly for missing or loose objects, and replace any that are loosened in the course of time.
Some cribs come with a side panel that can be moved down. However it won't stay down for very long. These are great for parents who don't want to share with their children. Just make sure you put your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're seeking a green crib, pick one that is made of sustainable forests. You should also choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that there are no emissions of chemicals. If you want to go a step further, you should look for 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
No matter if you want to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a chic crib is a fantastic option. great crib is a great choice for smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has a lower height mattress setting. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've ever seen even among a sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib has been constructed using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors to fit any style. It's heavier than the other cribs we test, but it's durable 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than our other top cribs.
While a good option for smaller spaces, its unique design can be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also heavier than our other picks, and it will likely require dismantling in order to fit through doors that are standard when moving from room to the next.
Standard cribs are typically made from wood, such as 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. However, be aware of the fact that some manufacturers use pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable because it's less expensive. Full Statement could make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it typically includes a toddler rail, which can help keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. Keep in mind that a lot of cribs for toddlers will require you to buy an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and whether it's convertible. It's important to find a crib you like, as it will be used by your baby for a long period of time. It is also important to select the crib that fits into your home's decor, whether that be traditional or modern.
A convertible crib is a great choice because it will grow with your child into an infant bed, and eventually a full-size bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't have to purchase a mattress for your child.
Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it is in compliance with or exceeds the government safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile design that allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. It is simple to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using an electric drill or driver.
Another option that is worth considering is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic crib that could be transformed into the toddler bed or daybed. This crib is also simple to assemble and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached into and out of for short parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists who want to keep their bedroom simple and clean. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be outfitted into a full-size toddler bed or bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and employs eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A quality crib must be built with strength and simple assembly instructions that result in relatively frustration-free installation. A stylish design that fits with your nursery decor is also important. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of cost, but there are models that are suitable for every budget.
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 a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle slope for reflux babies. The canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a cozy like a womb. It could also serve as a portable play area providing your child with a comfortable and secure place to nap on the go.
Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents might want a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more stately design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet into an infant crib, and then to a full crib, all without adding mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who doesn't like fussiness, choose a crib that is simpler and cleaner looking. 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. However, they sport more of a traditional style as compared to other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.