Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key feature in your nursery for years so it's crucial to choose a crib you enjoy seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby could get into, and choose an option that is easily convertible to a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. It's not necessary to have a crib that has lots of missing or loose pieces or is one that doesn't meet current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it meets the most important safety standards.
The slats in a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from falling or catching their heads in them and should not have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other ornaments that could create a risk. The mattress support system, which is vital to the security of your crib, must be adjustable to various heights so that it can expand with your child.
You'll also want to avoid hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains since they pose a strangulation risk for your infant. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be removed. However, it will not stay down for long. These are useful for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make certain that you're in a space that is away from windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If Cot Bed seeking an eco-friendly crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. You should also consider a crib that is 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 is made from sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a chic crib can be a wonderful option. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with an adjustable lower height mattress. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up among the most beautiful cribs we've ever seen even among sea grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety modern colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've tried, but it's sturdy enough to make it 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 more space in the nursery when compared to our other top choices.
While a good option for smaller spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also a bit heavier than our other choices and will probably require dismantling to fit through doors that are standard when moving from room to room.
Baby Cot are typically made of wood such as oak or maple. They can also be made of mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are generally more durable than other materials, and are resistant to damage better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make the crib more susceptible to scratches and dent, which could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it typically includes a toddler rail, which will help keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. However, be aware 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 factors to consider. It is important to think about the size, style, and slat style and if it's convertible or not. It's crucial to choose the crib you love since it will be there for your baby for many years. You should also select a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib will expand with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, then an adult size bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't need to buy a mattress for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs on the market however, some stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it is in compliance with or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of the construction and finish. It also has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile design that makes it easier to get your child in and out of it. This crib is also relatively easy to build and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes with an electric drill or driver.
Another option is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and a great buy. It is a classic design and can be made into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to assemble and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach to and out of for short parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery design simple and simple. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be outfitted as an adult bed or a full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality must be built with strength and easy assembly instructions that result in an easy and painless installation. And a stylish design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also crucial. There are numerous crib models that can be purchased at different costs.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, a crib, or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to roll and rock to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for reflux babies. The added canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a comfortable like a womb. It can also serve as a portable play space, providing your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest when they are on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a modern style with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It meets all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges, and is easily dressed with a sheet.
Some parents may want a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more formal style that is suited to the room's decor. If you fall in the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib, and then to a full crib, all without the need for bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you are a parent who doesn't like the fussiness of a crib, pick one 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 pieces you'll need for your baby to grow into a toddler, however 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.