Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key fixture in your nursery for many years, so it's important to pick one you love seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, since your child might fall in. Instead, choose one that is easily converted into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
As parents as parents, we want to provide our children the best possible start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. You don't need to use an infant crib with many missing or loose pieces and you shouldn't choose 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 on a crib must be closely spaced so that children do not get their heads or fingers in the slats. They should also not include any decorative cutouts or other embellishments which could cause injury. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib, must be adjustable to various levels so that it can grow with your child.
It is also recommended to avoid hanging objects like curtains or blind strings, because they pose the risk of strangulation to your cheap baby cots. Examine your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be lowered. However it won't be down for long. These are useful for parents who want to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but make sure you're in a space away from radiators and windows and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're looking for a crib that is environmentally friendly, consider one made from wood from sustainable forests. It's important to select a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go even 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 VOCs and chemicals.
Style
Whether you're working with a minimal or classic style for your nursery, choosing a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect choice for small spaces. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has a lower height mattress setting. One of our test participants, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the Best cot for 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 variety modern colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last until the age of toddler 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 picks.
While it's a great option for smaller spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also a bit bulkier than our other choices and will probably require dismantling in order to fit through doors that are standard in order to move from room the next.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, such as maple or oak. They are also made of mahogany, cherry, birch, or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and resist damage and nicks much better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This can make the crib more prone to dent and scratches which could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling or climbing. However, keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail to ensure safety.
Convertibility
There are numerous things to think about when choosing a crib. Consider the size, style, slats, and if it's convertible. It is essential to pick the crib you love since it will be with your Baby Cot Bed for a long time. It is also important to select the crib that fits to the decor of your home, whether that be traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib will expand 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 many different convertible cribs available however, some stand out more than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified which means it meets or surpasses federal safety standards for the construction and finish. It also has three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low profile that makes it easier to get your child in and out of it. It's easy to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using an electric drill or driver.
Another option that is worth considering is another option is the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic crib that could be converted into a toddler bed or daybed. The crib is simple to assemble, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move in and out.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery design simple and clean. This elegant crib can be transformed into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing techniques. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and straightforward assembly instructions that allow for relatively frustration-free installation. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs are available in terms of price, but there are models that will fit into any budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most versatile options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or as a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to help your baby sleep or create an easy slope for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It can also be used as a portable play area and provides your child with a secure and comfortable space to rest when they are traveling.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts which could catch clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges, and is easily dressed by a sheet.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to complement their modern or contemporary home. Some prefer a more refined design that matches the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full crib, all without adding mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're an adult who doesn't enjoy fussiness, choose a crib that is simpler and cleaner looking. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to allow your baby to develop into a toddler, however they have more of a traditional design than some models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.