Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you like. It will be part of your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your little one might get into, and opt for a design that is able to be converted into a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. You don't want to use an old crib that could contain a number of loose or missing parts, and you don't want 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 on a crib should be positioned so that children cannot catch their heads or fingers within them. They should also not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments which could result in injuries. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety, and it should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your child as they develop.
It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects like blind strings or curtains as these present an opportunity for strangulation for your baby. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lifted, but it won't stay in place for long. These are useful for parents who wish to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be sure that you're positioned in a room away from radiators and windows and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you're looking for a crib which is green, you should consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. You should also consider one 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're looking for something even more durable, consider a crib made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates and other chemical compounds.
Style
If you're looking to design a classic or minimalist nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most beautiful cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back crib has been constructed with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs we've examined, but it's strong 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than some of our other top picks.
It's a great option for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also heavier than our other choices and will have to be dismantled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, such as maple or oak. They can also be made from mahogany, cherry, birch, or cherry. They tend to be longer-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to damage better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it typically comes with 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 require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are many things to think about when choosing a crib. You have to consider the size, style and slat type, as well as whether it's convertible or not. Baby Cot is essential to choose a crib you like, as it will be a part of your baby for a long time. It is also important to select the crib that fits into your home's decor whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib is a great option because it can grow with your child to a toddler bed, and later to a larger bed. This will save you money over time because you won't have to buy an additional bed for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs on the market however, certain models stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it meets or surpasses the safety standards of the government in terms of the construction and finish. It also has three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby in and out of the crib. It's easy to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.
Another option that is worth considering is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and is a great purchase. It has a classic design and can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. It is also easy to assemble and has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out of for smaller parents.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery decor simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be outfitted as an adult bed or a full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy with environmentally-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy construction, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process easy. And a design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also important. Cribs vary in terms of price, but there are models that are suitable for every budget.
cot beds , for example, is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, a crib, or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to roll and rock to gently help your baby sleep or create an easy incline for reflux babies. The canopy and drape rod encase your child in a warm womb-like environment. It could also serve as a portable play area providing your child with the security and comfort to rest on the go.
Another option that doesn't compromise on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines eco-friendly materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could catch clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges and is easily dressed with a sheet.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to complement their contemporary or modern home. Some prefer a more elegant design that is in keeping with the interior decor of the room. If you fall into the latter group of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. The elegantly designed model can be converted from bassinet to mini cribs and later 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's not in the mood for fussiness, choose the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to allow your baby to grow into a toddler, but they have a more traditional look than some other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.