Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key fixture in your nursery for a long time so it's crucial to choose a crib you enjoy looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides as your child might fall in. Instead, choose a design which can easily be transformed into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. You don't need to use an infant crib with lots of missing or loose pieces or is one that doesn't meet current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats in the crib must be spaced to prevent children from catching their fingers or head in the slats, and they shouldn't have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other decorations which could cause injury risk. A mattress support system is vital to the crib's safety and must be capable of adjusting to various sizes to accommodate your child as they develop.
You'll also want to avoid hanging objects like curtains or blind strings, as these present a strangulation risk for your baby. It's a good idea check your crib regularly for any missing or loose items, and replace any that have become dislodged over time.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be lifted however it won't stay down for long. These are useful for parents who want to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be certain that you're in a room away from radiators and windows and that your baby isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're seeking a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed the tests to ensure that there are no emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to go further, look for a crib made of sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
Whether you're working with a minimal or classic nursery aesthetic, choosing an elegant crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek, making it a good fit for tight spaces. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, stated that the crib was "up there with the best-looking cribs we've ever seen, even among sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib has been constructed with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It's a bit heavier than the other cribs we've tried, but it's sturdy enough to get 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 takes up more square footage in the nursery than some of our other top picks.
While it's a great option for smaller spaces, its unique design can be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also bulkier than our other picks and will need to be dismantled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed of wood like oak or maple. They can also be made from mahogany, cherry, birch, or cherry. They are typically longer-lasting than other materials and can withstand nicks and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware of the fact that certain manufacturers use pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable because it's less expensive. This could make the crib more prone to dent and scratches which could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to the standard crib is that it often comes with a toddler rail which can help to keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. However, be aware that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for added safety.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are numerous aspects to take into consideration. You must consider the size, style and slat style and if it's convertible or not. It's important to find the crib you love, as it will be with your baby for a long period of time. You should also pick a crib to fit in with the decor of your home, regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib can 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 have to buy an additional bed for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs available, but some stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it is in compliance with or exceeds federal safety standards for design and construction. It also has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. It is easy to assemble this crib in less than 15 minutes to assemble using an electric drill or driver.
Another good option is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and a great buy. It is a classic design and can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is easy to assemble, and its low profile makes it easier for parents to move in and out.
The final crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery designs simple and clean. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be transformed to become an adult bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. crib sets is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and designed to be used with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy structure, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively effortless. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is essential. There are many different cribs available to be purchased at different prices.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or as a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to rock your baby to slumber or create an easy slope for reflux babies. The drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a cozy womb-like environment. It could also serve as a portable play area, giving your child an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to rest on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It blends a modern style with eco-friendly materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides which could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to complement their modern or contemporary home. Others may prefer a more elegant style that matches the interior decor of the room. If you fall in the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from a bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full-sized crib, all without 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 less cluttered and more clean visually. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to aid your baby's development into an adult. However, they sport more of a traditional style in comparison to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.