Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key feature in your nursery for many years and it's essential to pick a crib that you love looking at. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides, since your child could fall in. Instead, opt for an option that can easily be converted into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best possible start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. You shouldn't use an infant crib with a lot loose or missing pieces or is one that doesn't meet the current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats in a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from catching their fingers or head in them and should not have any decorative cutouts or other decorations which could cause injury risk. A mattress support system is vital to the crib's safety, and it should be able to adjust to different heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.
It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains as these present an opportunity for strangulation for your infant. It's a good idea examine your crib frequently for missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that have become dislodged in the course of time.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be removed. However, it will not stay down for very long. These are ideal for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be certain that you're in a space away from radiators and windows and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're looking for an environmentally friendly crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you're looking for something superior, select a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates and other chemical compounds.
Style
Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to design a minimalist or classic nursery, a chic crib will be a great addition. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good fit for tight spaces. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. mini cotbed cots4totsuk of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most attractive cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors to fit any style. It's heavier than the other cribs we've tested, but it's durable enough to make it 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 takes up more square footage in the nursery than our other top cribs.
It's a great choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also a bit bulkier than our other choices and will probably require dismantling in order to fit through standard doors when moving from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed from wood, such as maple or oak. They are also made of mahogany, birch or cherry. They are generally more durable than other materials and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This could make the crib more vulnerable to dent and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling or climbing. However, keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for added security.
Convertibility
There are numerous things to consider when choosing a crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats and whether it is convertible. It is essential to choose a crib you like because it will be a part of your baby for a long period of time. You should also choose the crib that will go with the style of your home, regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib will expand with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and then to a full-size bed. This will save you money in the end because you won't have to buy a separate mattress for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs available however, some stand out more than others. One example 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 an extremely low profile, making it easy to move your baby out and in of the crib. It is simple to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another option that is worth considering is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and a great buy. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be transformed into the toddler bed or daybed. This crib is easy to put together and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move into and out.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery designs simple and clean. This elegant crib can be transformed into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy using eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib must be built with strength and easy assembly instructions that lead to an easy and painless installation. A stylish design that matches your nursery decor is important. There are numerous cribs available to be purchased at different prices.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or a toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently help your baby sleep or create an easy incline for babies who have reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod encase your child in a warm womb-like environment. It can also double as a portable play yard, giving your child an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to rest on the go.
Another option that doesn't sacrifice on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to children. It meets all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents might want a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, whereas others may prefer a more formal design that complements the decor of the room. If you're in the latter category of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib, without the need for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent who's not interested in fussiness, go for the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require to help your baby develop into an adult, but they have a more traditional look than some other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.