Choosing the Best Crib

A crib will be a key element in your nursery for a long time so it's crucial to pick one you love seeing. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby could fall into, and opt for an option that is easily convertible to a toddler bed or daybed.

Safety

We want to give our children the best crib start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. You don't want to use an old crib that may contain a lot of broken or broken parts, and you 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 standards.

The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from catching their fingers or head in them and should not have any decorative cut outs or other ornaments that could create a risk. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib and should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.

It is also recommended to avoid hanging objects like blind strings or curtains, since they pose an opportunity for strangulation for your baby. It is a good idea to examine your crib frequently for missing or loose items, and replace any that are loosened in the course of time.

Some cribs come with a side panel which can be moved down. However it won't stay down for long. These are great for parents who do not want to share with their children. Be sure to put your crib away from radiators and windows.

If you're looking for a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made of wood from sustainable forests. You should also consider a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you're looking to go further, you should look for a crib that is made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.

Style

No matter if you want to design a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek, making it a good fit for tight spaces. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has a lower height mattress setting. One of our test participants, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most beautiful 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 heavier than the other cribs we've examined, but it's strong enough to make it through toddler-graduation 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 space in the nursery than our other top choices.

While it's a great choice for small cot beds spaces, its distinctive design can be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also bulkier than the other options and will require to be disassembled in order to fit through doorways 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 can withstand nicks and dings much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make a crib more vulnerable to dents and scratches and could require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling out or climbing. Keep in mind that some cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

When it comes to selecting a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and whether it is convertible. It's crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be there for your baby for many years. You also want to choose a crib that will fit in with the decor of your home regardless of whether it's modern or traditional.

A convertible crib is a fantastic choice because it will grow with your child into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed. This can save you money in the long run because you don't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.

There are many different 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 federal safety standards for construction and finish. 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. This crib is also relatively easy to put together and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a good alternative. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is a classic crib that could be transformed into a toddler bed or daybed. This crib is also simple to put together and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached in and out for small cot beds parents.

The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists who want to keep their room simple and clean. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be made to become a full-size toddler bed or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and employs eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.

Budget

A good crib will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively effortless. A chic design that is in line with your nursery decor is important. There are many different models of cribs that can be purchased at different prices.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options available that are available. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or toddler bed. It can also rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for reflux babies. The added drape rod and canopy envelop your child in a warm baby-like womb. It can also serve as a portable play area, providing your child with a secure and comfortable spot to sleep while traveling.

Another option that doesn't sacrifice on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides which could catch clothing. It has no sharp or rough edges and can easily be dressed by sheets.

Some parents may want a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more formal style that complements the decor of the room. If you're in the latter group of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet into a mini crib and then to a full crib, all without bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're a parent who's not interested in fussiness, go for the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need for 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 the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.