Choosing the Best Crib

Pick a crib you love. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides, as your child may fall into. Instead, choose one that is easily converted into a toddler or daybed.

Safety

We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. It's not necessary to have a crib that has a lot loose or missing pieces, nor do you want one that isn't up to current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, make sure you look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it meets the most important safety requirements.

The slats that comprise a crib should be tightly spaced so that children aren't catching their fingers or head in them and should not have any decorative cut outs or other decorations that could create a risk. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety and should 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, since they pose the risk of strangulation to your infant. Examine your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.

Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be lifted but it won't be down for long. These are great for parents who don't want to share the bed. Make sure to place your crib away from radiators and windows.

If you're seeking a green crib, select one made of sustainable forests. You should also choose a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed the tests to ensure low chemical emissions. 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 chemicals.

Style

If you're going for a minimal or classic nursery aesthetic, choosing an elegant crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek, making it a good choice for Baby Cot Bed small spaces. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with the option of a lower-height mattress. 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!"

This classic high-back Baby Crib (Read Home Page) is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of contemporary colors that can be matched to any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs that we test, but it's durable enough to last into the age of toddler 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 our other top choices.

While a good option for small cot beds spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also more bulkier than our other choices and will need to be disassembled to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood, like maple, oak, ash, mahogany, cherry, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods because it's cheaper. This can make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and may require more frequent cleaning.

Another benefit of a standard crib is that it often includes a toddler rail, which can help to keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. Keep in mind that a lot of cribs specifically designed for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

There are a lot of things to think about when choosing the right crib. It is important to think about size, style and slat style and whether it's convertible or not. It's crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be used by your baby for a long time. You should also select a crib that will fit in with the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or contemporary.

A convertible crib can grow with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, and eventually an adult size bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't need to purchase a mattress for your child.

There are a variety of convertible cribs on the market 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 that means it is in compliance with or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of the construction and finish. It also has three adjustable mattress height settings and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby out of the crib. It is also easy to build, taking less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a excellent alternative. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and a great deal. It has a classic design and can be made into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is simple to put together and its low profile makes it easier for parents to get in and out.

The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery designs simple and simple. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be made into an adult bed or a full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy with environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.

Budget

A good crib will have a sturdy structure, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process effortless. A stylish design that fits with your nursery decor is also important. Cribs are available in terms of cost however there are some models that will fit into any budget.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most recommended cribs versatile options that are available. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or as a toddler bed. It can also gently soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle slope for babies with reflux. The add-on drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a comfortable womb-like environment. It can even double as a portable play area and provide your child with the security and comfort to rest on the go.

Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with environmentally friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides which could catch clothing. It is free of sharp or rough edges and is easily dressed with sheets.

Some parents may want a minimal crib sets to complement their modern or contemporary home, while others might prefer a more formal design that is suited to the room's decor. If you fall in the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet to an infant crib and then a full-size crib, without the requirement for mattresses or bars.

If you're a parent who isn't in the mood for fussiness, choose the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to aid your baby's development into a toddler. However, they have an older-style look when compared to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.