Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key element in your nursery for years, so it's important to pick one you love admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby might get into, and select one that is able to be converted to a toddler bed, or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best cots for newborns start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. You don't need to use an infant crib with a lot loose or missing 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 is up to the highest safety requirements.
The slats in a crib should be tightly spaced cots to tots stop children from getting their hands or heads in the slats, and they shouldn't have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other embellishments which could cause injury risk. A mattress support system is vital to the crib's safety, and it should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.
It is also recommended to avoid hanging objects like blind strings or curtains, since they pose an opportunity for strangulation for your child. Be sure to check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs have a side panel which can be lowered. However, it will not stay down for very long. They are great for parents who wish cots to tots co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but make sure you're in an area away from radiators and windows and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you are seeking an eco-friendly crib, pick one that is made of wood from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you're looking to go further, you should look for a crib made of sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
If you're looking to design a minimalist or classic 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 testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most attractive cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of modern colors that match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs that we've tested, but it's durable 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 as compared to other top choices.
It's a great option for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also a bit bulkier than some of our other picks, and it will likely require dismantling to fit through doors that are standard when you move from room to space.
Standard cribs are typically constructed from wood, such as maple or oak. They can also be made of cherry, mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and resist scratches and dings 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.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it typically includes a toddler rail, which can help to keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. Be aware that a lot of cribs specifically designed for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. Take into consideration the size, style, slats and whether it is convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib that you love, as it will be a part of your baby for a long time. It is also important to select a crib that will fit to the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib will grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and eventually a full size bed. This will save you money over the long term since you don't have to purchase a mattress for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs on the market, but some stand out more than others. One of them 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 construction and finish. It also has three adjustable mattress settings and a low-profile that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. It is also simple to assemble and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.
Another option that is worth considering 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 converted into a toddler bed or daybed. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out of for short parents.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery designs simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be transformed to become a full-size toddler bed or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions that result in relatively frustration-free installation. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price, but there are models that suit every budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or as a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently rock your baby to slumber or create a gentle slope for babies with reflux. The added canopy and drape rod will encase your child in a warm like a womb. It could also serve as a portable play yard providing your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to rest on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice style. It combines a modern style with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents might want a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home, while others may prefer a more stately design that suits the room's decor. If you're in the latter group of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into a mini-crib and then a full-size crib without the need for mattresses or bars.
If you are an adult who doesn't enjoy the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is more simple and clean in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to assist your baby to grow into an adult. However, they sport an older-style look when as compared to other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.