Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major element in your nursery for many years and it's essential to pick a crib that you love seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your child could fall into, and select an option that can be easily converted to a toddler bed, or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. You shouldn't use an old crib that may have a lot of loose or damaged parts, and you definitely shouldn't buy one that's not up to current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is up to the highest safety requirements.
The slats in a crib should be tightly spaced so that children aren't getting their hands or heads in them and also they shouldn't contain any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could create a risk. The mattress support system, which is vital to the security of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various levels so that it can grow with your child.
You'll also want to avoid hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains, as these present the risk of strangulation to your child. It's a good idea to examine your crib frequently for any 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 an additional side panel that can be removed. However it won't be down for very long. These are ideal for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make certain that you're in a space free of windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you're looking for a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you're looking for something even better, choose a crib made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemicals.
Mini Cot Bed
If you're going for a classic or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for tiny spaces since it's slim and sleek. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has a lower height mattress setting. One of our testers, 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!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of contemporary colors that can be matched to any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs we've tested, but durable enough to last until 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 more space in the nursery compared to our other top picks.
While it's a great choice for small spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also more bulkier than our other choices and will require to be dismantled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually constructed from wood, including maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand scratches 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 susceptible to dent and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling out or climbing. Keep in mind that some cribs specifically designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are many aspects to take into consideration when selecting a crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats and whether it is convertible. It's important to find the crib you love because it will be a part of your child for a long time. You also want to choose a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home regardless of whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib can grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and eventually to a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run since you don't have to buy a separate mattress for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs available, but some stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finishing. It also has three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile design that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. It is also simple to assemble in less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.
Another good option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and a great buy. It's a classic style and can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. It is also easy to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach to and out of for short parents.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for those who want to keep their bedroom simple and clean. This chic crib can be converted into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and employs eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A good crib is one that has a solid construction and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process easy. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs are available in terms of cost however there are some models that suit every budget.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet crib, or a toddler bed. It can also roll and rock to gently help your baby sleep or create an incline that is gentle for reflux babies. The add-on drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a comfortable baby-like womb. It can also double as a play yard that can be carried around providing your child with the security and comfort to sleep on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice design. It blends a modern aesthetic with sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is sustainably made in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could snag clothing. It does not have sharp or rough edges and is easily dressed by sheets.
Some parents might want a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home, while others may prefer a more formal style 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 converts from a bassinet to an infant crib, and then to a full crib all without mattresses or bars, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who's not in the mood for fussiness, choose the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require for your baby to grow into an adult, but they have a more traditional design than some models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.