Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you love. It will be part of your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, since your child could fall in. Instead, opt for a design which can easily be converted into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best possible start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You don't need to use cribs that have many missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that doesn't meet the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from falling or catching their heads in the slats and also they shouldn't contain any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could create a risk. The mattress support system, which is essential to the security of your crib, must be adjustable to various heights to allow it to adapt to the needs of your child.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, because they could strangle your baby. It's a good idea to examine your crib frequently for missing or loose objects, and replace any that are loosened in the course of time.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be lifted, but it won't stay down for very long. These are ideal for parents who wish to co-sleep, but 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 environmentally friendly, consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. You should also consider a crib that has been 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 to go a step further, look for a crib that's made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
No matter if you want to design a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib can be a wonderful option. The SnuzPod4 can be used in 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 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 has been constructed using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's a bit heavier than other cribs that we've examined, but it's strong enough to last 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 our other top choices.
It's a great choice for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also more bulkier than our other picks and will require to be disassembled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually constructed of wood, like maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are generally more durable than other materials and can withstand scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make a crib susceptible to scratches and dents, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling or climbing. Keep in mind that some cribs designed for toddlers require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are many things to consider when choosing a crib. You have to consider the size, style and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It's important to find the crib you love, as it will be with your child for a long time. You also want to choose the crib that fits into your home's decor, whether that be modern or traditional.
A convertible crib will grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and then 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 many different convertible cribs available, but some stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finish. Additionally, it comes with three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby out of the crib. The crib is also easy to put together in less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.
Another option that is worth considering is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It is a classic design and can be converted to an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is easy to put together and its low profile makes it easier for parents to move into and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery design simple and clean. This chic crib can be converted into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy with environmentally-friendly production methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is specifically designed to work with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions that result in the installation process being relatively easy. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery is essential. best infant cribs are available in terms of price however there are some models that will fit into any budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options available on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib, or as a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently help your baby sleep or create an easy slope for babies who are reflux. The added drape rod and canopy envelop your child in a warm like a womb. It can even double as a play yard that can be carried around and provide your child with a comfortable and secure place to sleep on the move.
Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is produced sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, including no drop-sides or decorative cutouts that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and does not have sharp edges.
Some parents might prefer an uncluttered crib that complements their contemporary or modern home, whereas others may prefer a more stately design that suits the room's decor. If you fall in the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into a mini-crib and then a full-size crib, without the need for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent that isn't into fussiness, opt for the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to aid your baby's development into an adult. They do however have an older-style look when in comparison to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.