Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your baby could get into, and select one that is easily convertible into 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. You don't want to use an old crib that could contain a number of loose or broken parts, and you certainly don't want one that isn't in compliance with current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced to stop children from falling or catching their heads in them and also they shouldn't contain any decorative cut outs or other ornaments that could pose an injury risk. The mattress support system, which is vital to the safety of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various levels so that it can adapt to the needs of your child.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds as they can strangle your child. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be removed. However 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 be sure that you're positioned in an area free of windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're seeking an eco-friendly crib, choose one constructed from sustainable forests. It's recommended to choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low chemical emissions. If you're looking to buy something superior, select a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates and other chemical compounds.
Style
If you're going for a minimal or classic nursery aesthetic, choosing an attractive crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect choice for small spaces. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most beautiful cribs we've seen, even in the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back crib has been constructed with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's a bit heavier than other cribs we've tested, but it's durable 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 takes up more square footage in the nursery than some of our other top choices.
While it's a great option for smaller spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also a bit heavier than our other picks, and it will likely need to be disassembled to fit through standard doors when moving from room to the next.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, such as maple or oak. They can also be made of mahogany, birch or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and resist nicks and dings much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This can make a crib vulnerable to dents and scratches and could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it typically includes a toddler rail, which can help keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. However, keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for extra safety.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are many things to consider. It is important to think about the size, style, and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It is essential to pick a crib you love as it will be used by your baby for many years. You should also select the crib that fits in with the decor of your home whether it's traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib can grow with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, and eventually a full size bed. This will save you money over the long term since you don't have to buy a separate mattress for your child.
Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it is in compliance with or exceeds the government safety standards for construction and finishing. In addition, it has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby out of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to build in less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.
Another good option is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a great value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed or daybed. This crib is easy to put together, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move in and out.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists who want to keep their nursery simple and clean. This elegant crib can be made into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy using eco-friendly production methods. best infant cribs is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
best cot beds will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions that result in an easy and painless installation. And a stylish design that is compatible with the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are many different models of cribs that can be purchased at different costs.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most versatile options that are available. It can be used as a bassinet, a crib or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to roll and rock to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for babies with reflux. The drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a cozy baby-like womb. It can also serve as a portable play space and provides your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest while moving around.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice design. 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 on to siblings. It meets all CPSC standards and doesn't 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 sheets.
Some parents may want a minimal crib to complement their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more stately design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter category of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full crib, all without adding bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who isn't into fussiness, opt for the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require to allow your baby to become an adult, but they're more of a traditional design than some models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.