Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. It will be part of your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides, as your child might fall in. Instead, choose a design which can easily be transformed into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
As parents as parents, we want to provide our children the best start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You shouldn't use an old crib that might have a lot of loose or broken parts, and you certainly do not want one that isn't in compliance with 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 positioned so that children cannot catch their heads or fingers in the slats. They should also not include any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could result in injuries. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the security of your crib, should be adjustable to different heights so that it can expand with your child.
It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects like blind strings or curtains as these present the risk of strangulation to your infant. It's a good idea check your crib regularly for missing or loose items, and replace any that have become dislodged over time.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be lowered. However it won't stay down for long. These are great for parents who don't want to share with their children. Just make sure you place your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're looking for a crib which is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It's recommended to pick a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something better, choose a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemical compounds.
Style
If you're planning to work with a classic or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing an elegant crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect choice for small spaces. 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 beautiful cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is constructed 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 the other cribs that we tested, but durable enough to last through the toddler years 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 some of our other top picks.
While a good option for small spaces, its distinctive design can be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also 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 from wood, such as maple, oak, ash, mahogany, cherry or birch. They tend to be more durable than other materials, and are resistant to nicks and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This could 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 or climbing. Be aware that a lot of cribs for toddlers will require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are many things to consider. Take into consideration the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It's crucial to choose the crib you love since it will be used by your baby for a long time. You should also choose a crib to fit in with the decor of your home, no matter if it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib will grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and then an adult size bed. This can save you money in the long run because you don't have to buy a separate bed for your child.
Certain convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finishing. Additionally, it comes with three adjustable height settings for the mattress and a low profile that makes it simple to get your baby out and in of the crib. It is simple to put together this crib and takes less than 15 minutes with an electric drill or driver.
Cot Bed 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a great alternative. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and a great deal. It is a classic crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed or daybed. The crib is simple to put together and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move into and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for those who want to keep their bedroom simple and clean. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be outfitted as a toddler bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy using environmentally friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly effortless. And a design that fits with the decor of your nursery is essential. There are numerous crib models that can be purchased at different prices.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most versatile options that are available. It can be used as a bassinet crib or a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently rock your baby to slumber or create a gentle slope for reflux babies. The added canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a cozy like a womb. It could also serve as a play yard that can be carried around and provide your child with the security and comfort to rest on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice style. It blends a modern style with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to siblings. It meets all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and does not have sharp edges.
Some parents may want an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, while others might prefer a more formal style that is suited to the room's decor. If you fall into the latter group of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib with no need for bars or mattresses.
If you're a parent who doesn't like excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is more simple and clean looking. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to help your baby grow into an adult. However, they have a more traditional look in comparison to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.