Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your little one might get into, and select one that is easily convertible to a toddler bed, or daybed.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our children the best possible start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You shouldn't use an old crib that could contain a lot of broken or missing parts, and you certainly shouldn't buy one that's not up to current safety standards. When purchasing a crib ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The crib's slats should be spaced evenly so that children do not get their heads or fingers within them. crib sets should not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other decorations that could cause injury. The mattress support system, which is vital to the safety of your crib, should be adjustable to different heights so that it can grow with your child.
You'll also want to avoid dangling objects such as blind strings or curtains as these present an opportunity for strangulation for your baby. It is a good idea to examine your crib frequently for loose or missing items, and replace any that have gotten lost in the course of time.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be lowered. However, it will not stay down for long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share with their children. Just make sure you place your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're looking for an environmentally friendly crib, pick one that is made of sustainable forests. It's important to choose a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to go even more, consider a crib that's made from sustainably 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 classic or minimalist design, a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good option for spaces that are tight. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the best-looking ones we've seen even in the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's a bit heavier than other cribs we've examined, but it's strong enough to make it 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 space in the nursery compared to other top picks.
It's a great choice for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also heavier than our other picks and will require to be disassembled in order to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed from wood, such as maple or oak. They can also be made of cherry, mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are generally more durable than other materials, and are resistant to nicks and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable since it's less expensive. This can make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling or climbing. However, be aware that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail to ensure security.
Convertibility
When it comes to choosing a crib, there are a lot of factors to consider. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and whether it's convertible. It is crucial to choose the crib you love because it will be used by your baby for a long period of time. You should also select a crib that is a good fit into your home's decor regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib is a fantastic choice because it will grow with your child until it becomes a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed. This will save you money in the end because you won't have to buy a mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finishing. It also has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile that allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. It is also easy to build, taking less than 15 minutes with an electric drill or driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another excellent option. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be transformed into the toddler bed or daybed. This crib is also simple to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach in and out of for short parents.
The final crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists who want to keep their room simple and clean. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be outfitted into an adult bed or a full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly production 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 must be built with strength and simple assembly instructions that allow for relatively frustration-free installation. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is essential. There are many different models of cribs that can be bought at various prices.
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 as a toddler bed. It can also be used to 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 like a womb. It can even double as a portable play area, giving your child an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It blends a modern design with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is produced sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, including no drop-sides or decorative cutouts which could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents might want a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more formal design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter category of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This stylish model can be converted from a bassinet into a mini-crib and then a full-size crib, without the requirement for mattresses or bars.
If you are a parent who doesn't like fussiness, choose a crib that is more simple and clean looking. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require to allow your baby to develop into a toddler, however they have a more traditional design than some models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.