Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby could fall into, and choose one that can be easily converted to a toddler bed, or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. It's not necessary to have cribs that have lots of missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that doesn't meet current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of the crib should be spaced to stop children from getting their hands or heads in them, and they shouldn't have any decorative cut outs or other ornaments which could cause injury risk. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib and must be capable of adjusting to various sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.
It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects like blind strings or curtains, since they pose the risk of strangulation to your child. Examine your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be removed, but it won't stay in place for long. They are great for parents who want to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make certain that you're in a space away from radiators and windows and that your baby isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're looking for a crib which is green, you should consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. You should also choose 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 buy something superior, select a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates and other chemical compounds.
Style
No matter if you want to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good choice for small spaces. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with an adjustable lower height mattress. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the best-looking ones we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's heavier than the other cribs that we test, but it's durable enough to last into 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 our other top choices.
It's a great choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also a bit heavier than some of our other choices, and it will likely need to be disassembled to fit through doors that are standard when you move from room to space.
Standard cribs are constructed of wood like maple or oak. They can also be made from mahogany, cherry, birch, or cherry. They tend to be more long-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to scratches and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware of the fact that certain manufacturers use pine instead of the more durable hardwoods because it's less expensive. This could make a crib more vulnerable to dents and scratches and may require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of the standard crib is that it typically includes a toddler rail, which will ensure your child's safety from falling off and climbing. Keep in mind, however, that many cribs specifically designed for toddlers require the purchase of a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When it comes to choosing a crib, there are numerous aspects to take into consideration. You have to consider size, style and slat type, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It's important to find a crib that you love, as it will be with your baby for a long time. You also want to choose the crib that fits into your home's decor whether it's traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib will grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and then to a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you won't need to purchase a mattress for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs available however, some stand out better than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified, which means it meets or surpasses government safety standards in the construction and finish. It also comes with three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile design that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. The crib is also simple to assemble in less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.
Another option that is worth considering is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is a classic crib that can be transformed into the toddler bed or daybed. The crib is simple to put together and its low profile makes it easier for parents to get into and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists looking to keep their nursery simple and tidy. This stylish crib can be converted into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing techniques. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is specifically designed to work together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy structure and simple assembly instructions that lead to the installation process being relatively easy. And a design that matches your nursery decor is also essential. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price however there are some models that are suitable for every budget.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. best cot newborn can be used as a bassinet, a crib or toddler bed. It also has the ability to roll and rock to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can even double as a play yard that can be carried around, giving your child an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice design. It combines a contemporary design with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and can be passed on to siblings. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and does not have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It has no rough or sharp edges and can easily be dressed by a sheet.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to match their modern or contemporary home. Others might prefer a more refined design that complements the décor of the room. If you fall in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet into mini cribs and later to a full crib all without mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're an adult who doesn't enjoy the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is more simple and clean in appearance. 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, best cots for newborns sport more of a traditional style compared to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.