Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you love. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, since your child could fall in. Instead, choose one that is easily converted into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
We want to give our children the best cots for newborns start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. It's not necessary to have an infant crib with many missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that isn't up to the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats on a crib should be positioned so that children do not get their heads or fingers within them. They should not have any decorative cutouts 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 levels so that it can expand with your child.
Avoid hanging objects such as curtains or blinds as they can strangle your baby. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lowered but it won't be in place for long. These are useful for parents who want to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but make sure that you're positioned in an area that is away from windows and radiators and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're looking for an environmentally friendly crib, pick one that is constructed from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to select a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low emissions of chemicals. If you want to go a step further, you should look for a crib that's made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to create a classic or minimalist nursery, a stylish crib will be a great option. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek, making it a good choice for small spaces. It also comes with 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 the best cot newborn-looking ones we've seen even in the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of contemporary colors that can be matched to any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs we've test, 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 space in the nursery than our other top picks.
While it's a great option for small spaces, its distinctive design can be challenging to find bedding and sheets for. It's also bulkier than our other picks and will need to be disassembled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed of wood like oak or maple. They can also be made from cherry, mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and resist damage and nicks much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This could make the crib more vulnerable to dent and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of a standard crib is that it usually comes with a toddler rail which can help keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. But keep in mind that many toddler-safe cribs will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail to ensure security.
Convertibility
There are numerous aspects to take into consideration when selecting the right crib. Consider the size, style, slats, and if it is convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib you like because it will be used by your baby for a long time. You should also select a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home whether it's traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib will grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and then to a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run since you don't have to buy a separate mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards in the construction and finish. It also has three height settings that can be adjusted and an extremely low profile, making it simple to get your baby in and out of the crib. It's easy to put together this crib in less than 15 minutes with a cordless driver/drill.
Another option that is worth considering is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It has a classic design and can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is easy to put together, and its low profile makes it easy best cots for newborns parents to get in 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 room simple and clean. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be made to become a toddler bed or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly easy. And a design that fits with the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs are available in terms of price however there are some models that will fit into any budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib or toddler bed and can also roll and rock to gently help your baby sleep or create a gentle incline for babies who have reflux. The added drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a cozy baby-like womb. It can also double as a play yard that can be carried around and provide your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to rest on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a modern aesthetic with sustainable materials. The solid wood 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 in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts which could catch clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges and is easily dressed with a sheet.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to match their modern or contemporary home. Some prefer a more elegant design that complements the interior decor of the room. If you're in the latter group of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet to a mini-crib and then a full-size crib without the requirement for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent who's not interested in fussiness, go for the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to assist your baby to grow into a toddler. However, they sport more of a traditional style compared to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.