Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key fixture in your nursery for years, so it's important to pick a crib that you love admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, since your child could fall in. Instead, opt for a design which can easily be transformed into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents as parents, we want to provide our babies the best start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You don't need to use a crib that has a lot loose or missing pieces or is one that doesn't meet current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is in compliance with the most stringent safety requirements.
The crib's slats must be closely spaced so that children do not get their fingers or heads in the slats. They should not have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could result in injury. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib, must be adjustable to various heights so that it can grow with your child.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds because they could strangle your baby. It's a good idea examine your crib frequently for missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that have gotten lost in the course of time.
Some cribs have a side panel which can be lowered. However, it will not stay down for long. These are great for parents who don't want to share the bed. Just make sure you put your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're seeking an eco-friendly crib, choose one made of sustainable forests. You should also choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed the tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you're looking for something more durable, consider a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates and other chemicals.
Style
If you're going for an elegant or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 fits well in tiny spaces since it's slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up among the most beautiful cribs we've ever seen, even among sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib is made using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs that 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 takes more space in the nursery compared to other top picks.
It's a great choice for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also bulkier than the other options and will need to be disassembled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood like oak or maple. They are also made of mahogany, cherry, birch or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and resist damage and nicks much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This can make a crib susceptible to scratches and dents, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of the standard crib is that it usually comes with a toddler rail which can help keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. However, keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for added security.
Convertibility
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right crib. Consider the size, style, slats, and if it is convertible. It is essential to pick a crib you love as it will be there for your baby for a long time. It is also important to choose the crib that is compatible with the decor of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or traditional.
A convertible crib is an excellent choice because it will grow with your child until it becomes an infant bed, and eventually a full-size bed. This will save you money in the end because you won't have to purchase a mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified which means it meets or surpasses federal safety standards for design and construction. Additionally, it comes with three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easy to move your baby out of the crib. It is simple to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using an electric drill or driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a great option. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and is a great purchase. It has a classic design and can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. This crib is also simple to put together and has a low-profile that makes it easy to reach into and out of for short parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists looking to keep their bedroom simple and tidy. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be outfitted into an adult bed or a full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. cots4totsuk was built 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 non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib should have sturdy construction and easy assembly instructions that result in relatively frustration-free installation. And a stylish design that fits with the decor of your nursery is essential. There are a variety of crib models that can be purchased at different prices.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, a 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 babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons will encase your baby in a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It could also serve as a portable play area providing your child with the security and comfort to rest on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to siblings. It meets all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents might prefer a minimal crib to complement their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more formal design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter category of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet to an infant crib, and then to a full crib all without bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you are a parent who doesn't like excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is less cluttered and more clean visually. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to help your baby grow into a toddler, but they have a more traditional style than other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.