10 Best Crib Tips All Experts Recommend

Choosing the best rated cribs Crib

A crib will be a major fixture in your nursery for years so it's crucial to choose a crib you enjoy admiring. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your little one might get into, and choose a design 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 starts with a crib that's safe. You shouldn't use an old crib that might contain a lot of broken or broken parts, and you don't want one that isn't in compliance with current safety standards. When purchasing a crib make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats on a crib must be closely spaced so that children cannot catch their heads or fingers in them. They should not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments that could result in injuries. The mattress support system, which is vital to the safety of your crib, should be adjustable to different heights so that it can adapt to the needs of your child.

Avoid hanging items like blind strings or curtains, since they could strangle your child. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for loose or missing items, and replace any that have gotten lost over time.

Some cribs have a side panel that can be moved down. However it won't stay down for very long. These are ideal for parents who want to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be certain that you're in a room that is away from windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.

If you are seeking a green crib, select one constructed 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 want to go even further, look for a crib that's made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.

Style

Whether you're working with a minimal or classic design, an attractive crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has an adjustable lower height mattress. 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 a sea of grey!"

This classic high-back baby crib is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of modern colors that will match any style. It's a bit heavier than the other cribs we've tested, but it's durable 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 up more space in the nursery compared to some of our other top ranked cribs picks.

It's a great option for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also more bulkier than our other choices and will have to be disassembled in order to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are usually constructed from wood, like maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry, or birch. They tend to be more long-lasting than other materials and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. But be aware that some manufacturers use pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable since it's less expensive. This can make a crib susceptible to scratches and dents, which may require more frequent cleaning.

Another benefit of a standard crib is that it often comes with a toddler rail which will ensure your child's safety from climbing and falling out. But keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for added security.

Convertibility

There are numerous things to consider when choosing a crib. Consider the size, style, slats, and whether it is convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib that you love because it will be used by your child for a long period of time. It is also important to choose the crib that will go with the style of your home, whether it's contemporary or traditional.

A convertible crib is a fantastic choice because it will grow with your child until it becomes an infant bed, and eventually into a full-size bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't need to purchase a mattress for your child.

There are a variety of convertible cribs available however, some stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it meets or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of construction and finish. It also comes with three adjustable mattress settings and a low-profile that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. The crib is also simple to assemble in less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.

Another good option is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It has a classic design and can be converted to a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed by 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 last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists looking to keep their nursery simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be made as a full-size toddler cot bed sales or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib sets is made in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing techniques. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is specifically designed to work alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.

Budget

A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and simple assembly instructions that allow for the installation process being relatively easy. A stylish design that fits with your nursery decor is also crucial. Cribs are available in terms of cost however, there are models that are suitable for every budget.

For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or as a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle slope for babies with reflux. The added canopy and drape rod will encase your child in a warm womb-like environment. It can also be used as a portable play space and provides your child with a secure and comfortable place to nap when they are traveling.

Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is produced sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts which could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and does not have sharp edges.

Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home. Some prefer a more elegant style that is in keeping with the décor of the room. If you fall into the latter category of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great option. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full crib, all without bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're a parent that isn't interested in fussiness, go for the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need for your baby to develop into an adult, but they have more of a traditional look than some other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.