Choosing the Best Crib

Pick a crib you like. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides, as your child might fall in. Instead, opt for a design which is easily converted into a daybed or toddler.

Safety

As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best baby cots start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. You don't need to use cribs that have lots of missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that isn't up to the current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is up to the highest safety standards.

The slats that comprise a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from falling or catching their heads in them, and they shouldn't have any decorative cut outs or other embellishments which could cause injury risk. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib and should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.

Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, as they can strangle your baby. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for loose or missing items, and replace them if they are missing or that have become dislodged over time.

Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be removed. However it won't stay down for very long. They are great for parents who want to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make sure you're in a room free of windows and radiators and that your best baby cots isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.

If you're seeking a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking to buy something superior, select a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemical compounds.

Style

Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to design an elegant or classic nursery, a chic crib can be a wonderful option. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect option for spaces that are tight. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most attractive cribs beds we've seen even in the midst of grey!"

This classic high-back baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety modern colors that match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last until 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 as compared to some of our other top choices.

It's a great option for small cot beds spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also more bulkier than our other picks and will have to be disassembled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are typically made of wood such as oak or maple. They are also made of mahogany, cherry, birch or cherry. They are generally longer-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to damage better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This could make a crib more vulnerable to dents and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.

Another benefit of the standard crib is that it often comes with a toddler rail which can help to keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. Keep in mind that a lot of cribs specifically designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration. You must consider the size, style and slat style, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose the crib you love since it will be there for your baby for many years. You also want to choose a crib that is a good fit into your home's decor, whether that be traditional or modern.

A convertible crib is an excellent option because it can grow with your child until it becomes an infant bed, and eventually into a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you won't need to buy a mattress for your child.

Certain convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and an extremely low profile, making it easy to move your baby in and out of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to build, taking less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another good option. This crib is a great value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It is a classic crib that could be converted into the toddler bed or daybed. The crib is also easy to assemble and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach to and out for small 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 tidy. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be made into a toddler bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and employs eco-friendly production methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made 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 easy assembly instructions that result in the installation process being relatively easy. And a stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is essential. There are numerous cribs available to be purchased at different prices.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options available on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet crib or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to rock and roll to gently help your baby sleep or create a gentle incline for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rods will encase your baby in the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can even double as a play yard that can be carried around and provide your child with a comfortable and secure place to rest on the go.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice style. It blends a modern design with sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, which include no drop-sides or decorative cutouts that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and does not have sharp edges.

Some parents prefer a minimalist crib that matches their modern or contemporary home. Some prefer a more elegant style that is in keeping with the decor of the room. If you're in the latter category of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great option. This stylish model can be converted from a bassinet into a mini-crib and then a full-size crib without the need for bars or mattresses.

If you're a parent who isn't in the mood for fussiness, choose the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require to allow your baby to grow into a toddler, but 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.