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, as your child could fall in. Instead, choose one that can easily be converted into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. You don't need to use a crib that has many missing or loose pieces or is one that isn't up to current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib should be spaced evenly to ensure that children don't get their heads or fingers in the slats. They should also not have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments which could result in injury. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib, should be adjustable to different heights to allow it to adapt to the needs of your child.
Avoid hanging objects such as curtains or blinds as they can strangle your child. Examine your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be moved down. However it won't stay down for long. These are ideal for parents who want to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but be sure that you're positioned in an area that is away from windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you're looking for a crib that is green, you should consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. best cot newborn to pick a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to go further, look for a crib that is made from sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
Whether you're working with an elegant or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing an attractive crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great option for spaces that are tight. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the best-looking ones we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs that we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last until 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 compared to some of our other top picks.
While it's a great option for smaller spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also more bulkier than our other picks and will require to be disassembled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, like maple, oak, ash, mahogany, cherry, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and resist nicks and dings much 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 susceptible to scratches and dents and may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling or climbing. Be aware that some cribs specifically designed for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are numerous things to consider when choosing the right crib. Think about the size, design, slats, and whether it is convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib that you like since it will be with your baby for a long time. It is also important to select a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home, whether that be traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib will grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, then an adult size bed. This will save money over time because you won't have to buy an additional bed for your child.
There are many different convertible cribs on the market However, some stand out more than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it is in compliance with or exceeds the government safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three adjustable mattress height settings and a low profile that makes it simple to get your baby out and in of the crib. The crib is also easy to build and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a good alternative. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and a great buy. It has a classic design and can be made into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. This crib is easy to put together and its low profile makes it easy for parents to get into and out.
The final 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 and inexpensive crib that can be made as a full-size toddler bed or bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy using environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and is specifically designed to work with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions that lead to an easy and painless installation. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of cost, but there are models that will fit into any budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib, or as a toddler bed. It can also gently help your baby sleep or create an easy slope for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rods provide the baby with the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can also serve as a portable play area, providing your child with a secure and comfortable spot to sleep while moving around.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a contemporary style with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could catch clothing. It does not have sharp or rough edges and can easily be dressed by sheets.
Some parents may want an uncluttered crib that complements their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more formal style that is suited to the room's decor. If your preference falls into the latter you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet into a mini-crib and then a full-size crib without the requirement for mattresses or bars.
If you're an adult who doesn't enjoy fussiness, choose a crib that is less cluttered and more clean in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need to allow your baby to grow into a toddler, but they have more of a traditional design than some models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.