Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides as your child might fall in. Instead, opt for an option that is easily converted to a daybed or toddler.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. You shouldn't use cribs that have lots of missing or loose pieces or is one that isn't in line with current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is up to the highest safety requirements.
The slats of a crib should be positioned so that children do not get their heads or fingers within the slats. They should also not include any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could cause injuries. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various heights to allow it to expand with your child.
It is also recommended to avoid hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains as these present a strangulation risk for your infant. Be sure to check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be lowered however it won't stay down for very long. These are useful for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be sure you're in a room 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 which is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood from sustainable forests. It's important to pick a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to go further, you should look for a crib that's made from sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
If you're planning to work with a classic or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing an attractive crib is a must. Baby Crib is sleek and slim which makes it a perfect choice for small spaces. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test participants, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most attractive cribs we've seen even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is made using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors that will match any style. It's a bit heavier than the other cribs we've tried, but it's sturdy 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 as 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 bulkier than our other picks and will require to be dismantled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed from wood, such as oak or maple. They are also made of cherry, mahogany, birch or cherry. They are typically more durable than other materials, and are resistant to nicks and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make the crib more prone to dent and scratches which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling out or climbing. But keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail to ensure security.
Convertibility
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing the right crib. You have to consider the size, style, and slat style and if it's convertible or not. It is essential to choose a crib you like because it will be a part of your child 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 contemporary or traditional.
A convertible crib is an excellent option because it can grow with your child into a toddler bed, and later into a full-size bed. This will save you money in the end because you won't need to purchase a mattress for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs available However, certain models stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified, which means it meets or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of the construction and finish. In addition, it has three adjustable mattress height settings and a low profile that makes it simple to get your baby in and out of the crib. It is simple 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. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and is a great purchase. It's a classic style and can be made into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low-profile that makes it easy to reach to and out for small parents.
The final crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery decor simple and clean. This elegant crib can be made into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and employs eco-friendly manufacturing techniques. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively painless. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of cost, but there are models that suit every budget.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or as a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently rock your baby to slumber or create an easy slope for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a comfortable womb-like environment. It can also be used as a portable play area, providing your child with a secure and comfortable place to nap while traveling.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It blends a modern aesthetic with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is produced sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could catch clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed with sheets.
Some parents may want a minimal crib to complement their contemporary or modern home, while others may prefer a more stately design that suits the room's decor. If you're in the latter category of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great option. This stylish model can be converted from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib with no need for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent who isn't a fan of excessive fussiness, consider 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 help your baby develop into an adult, but they have a more traditional style than other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.