Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key element in your nursery for many years and it's essential to choose a crib you enjoy seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides, as your child may fall into. Instead, pick a design which can easily be converted into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our babies the best start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You shouldn't use an infant crib with a lot loose or missing pieces, nor do you want one that isn't up to current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, make sure you look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it meets the most important safety requirements.
The slats on a crib should be spaced evenly so that children cannot catch their fingers or heads in the slats. They should not have any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could cause injury. A mattress support system is crucial to the safety of the crib, and it should be capable of adjusting to various sizes to accommodate your child as they develop.
Avoid dangling items such as blind strings or curtains, since they could 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 in the course of time.
Some cribs come with the option of a side panel that could be removed, but it won't stay down for long. These are useful for parents who wish to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be certain that you're in a room free of windows and radiators and that your child isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you are seeking an eco-friendly crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something better, choose a crib made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates, and other chemicals.
Style
If you're looking to create a classic or minimalist nursery, a stylish crib will be a great option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great choice for small spaces. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've ever seen even among sea grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of modern colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs that we've tested, but it's durable enough to last 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 square footage in the nursery than our other top choices.
It's a great choice for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also a bit bulkier than some of our other options, and it will likely need to be disassembled to fit through doors that are standard in order to move from room space.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, such as maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry or birch. They tend to be more durable than other materials and can withstand damage better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This can make a crib more vulnerable to dents and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to the standard crib is that it typically includes a toddler rail, which will help keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. However, keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for extra safety.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are many factors to consider. It is important to think about the size, style and slat type, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It is essential to pick the crib you love since it will be used by your baby for many years. You should also select a crib that is a good fit in with the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib is an excellent choice because it will grow with your child into an infant bed, and eventually to a larger bed. This can save you money in the long run since you don't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.
Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile design that allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. It is also easy to put together in less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another option is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It is a classic crib that can be transformed into an infant bed or a daybed. The crib is easy to put together and its low profile makes it easier for parents to move in and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery design simple and simple. This elegant crib can be converted into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and employs eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is designed to be used with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A good crib is one that has a solid construction and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process effortless. A stylish design that fits with the decor of your nursery is essential. There are many different cribs available to be purchased at different costs.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib, or as a toddler bed. It can also gently help your baby sleep or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The canopy and drape rods will encase your baby in a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It can also serve as a portable play space that provides your child with a secure and comfortable spot to sleep when traveling.
Another option that doesn't skimp on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with environmentally friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides which could catch clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to complement their modern or contemporary home. Others might prefer a more elegant style that matches the décor of the room. If your preference falls into the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. small cot beds designed model can be converted from bassinet to an infant crib, and then to a full-sized crib, all without mattresses or bars, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you are a parent who doesn't like 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 a toddler. They do however have an older-style look when in comparison to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.