Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery

Cribs provide infants with an exclusive sleeping space to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent routine of sleeping. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options like bassinets.

Whether you go for an innovative design or a traditional one, make sure to verify that it is GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it satisfies the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Also, consider other features to determine the ideal crib for your family.

1. Safety

As a parent, the safety of your baby is a top priority. You want your child to sleep comfortably in a safe environment free of dangers, such as sharp edges or splinters. Pick a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.

These include slat spacings no wider than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's legs, arms or head from being caught; mattresses that are well-made and comfortable with no drop sides; a solid crib with no wobbling parts and clear assembly instructions. Beware of any bells or whistles like bumper pads or streamers that can strangle your baby.

Choose a crib coated with low-VOC paints that is a safer choice to traditional glues and varnishes that release harmful chemicals into the air. Choose mattresses made of non-toxic materials such as organic foam and cotton.

Select a crib that does not have decorative embellishments or cutouts. They could cause injuries should your child pick them up or gets their fingers stuck in them. Also, make sure that the mattress cover is securely fit to the frame of the crib and that there are no gaps between the mattress and the frame. It is also recommended to avoid placing pillows comforters, quilts, sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Mobiles are also dangerous, as they can be pulled over the baby, causing them to collapse. In the ideal scenario, you should stay clear of the use of mobiles completely and choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for your baby's health and let you monitor your baby while they sleep.

2. Convenience

One of the most crucial things your baby will need is a safe place to sleep. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby to sleep, especially when you are engaged in other household chores.

You'll probably find cribs at your local home goods store or nursery. These types of establishments have to adhere to strict guidelines set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are generally the best place to begin your search for a quality crib. If you're planning to purchase a crib for your home, there are many things to consider before making your purchase.

Cribs are a great option for infants, newborns and toddlers, providing an inviting sleeping space that will last well beyond their first few years of life. Many cribs come with convertible features which allow you to transform the crib into a toddler bed or a full-sized bed. This can save you money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.

The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some cribs also have a changing station that is a great option if you have limited room in your nursery.

Travel cribs provide a similar level of comfort, cribs since they're designed to be lightweight and foldable for easy transport. This makes them a great choice when traveling with your child, or when visiting family and friends because you can easily put the crib away in just a few minutes prior to leaving. However, the light construction of cribs for travel can result in less robust construction than standard cribs which could be a concern for some parents.

3. Style

If you're looking for a crib that can stand out in a room choose a crib that has a distinctive style. You may find one with sleek, minimalist designs or one that is constructed of a material like bamboo or glass and has clear sides for easy access. These are often more expensive than solid wood alternatives, but they can add a beautiful centerpiece to any nursery.

Other cribs have an older style with beautiful curves, moldings and the look of heirloom pieces. They can be extremely extravagant, and are typically made by hand with exquisite details. These are excellent options when you're looking for the perfect crib that will be an important family heirloom in the future. They also work well with any style.

A Scandinavian crib is another popular design. It features straight lines that are smooth and straight with the light, bare-wood finish. This lets the natural beauty the wood to shine through. They're an excellent fit for any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.

Cribs that can serve as a combination of a changing table can make it much easier to change your baby, particularly when they're younger and have trouble sitting up on their own. These cribs come with drawers for storing wipes, diapers and other essentials.

Some cribs are curving or have designs on the side which can be used to create an illusion of a canopy. They can add a touch of elegant to any nursery and keep your baby comfortable and cool during their sleep. Be sure to use fabrics that aren't too long and tightly anchored to your crib. This will stop your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.

4. Convertibility

A crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed is a fantastic investment for any family. This feature can save you money purchasing four separate beds over your child's development and will also free up space in the nursery. A lot of convertible cribs are also equipped with conversion kits that can be stored easily, making them easy to set up and use at any time.

When looking for a brand crib for your child, bear in mind that a lot of cribs include additional features like adjustable heights for the mattress or drawers. This allows you to alter the look and functionality of your crib, and could be particularly beneficial when you have only a tiny or limited storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels that can be extremely helpful if you want to move the bed around for cleaning or for any other reason.

Convertible cribs are generally made of durable non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the rigorous safety standards established by CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature an elegant or contemporary design that will fit into a broad selection of nursery décor. Some cribs are crafted from wood and others are made out of steel or painted. Certain brands are even committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs that use GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins are released into the environment.

The best convertible crib for your nursery cots will take some thought and research however, it's an important decision that will be used for many years to come. Consider your options carefully and make sure you evaluate prices, delivery and setup times and other factors to make the best choice for your family.

5. Value

The crib is the most important piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby, and it has a big impact on the overall design and feel of the room. It is essential to choose a crib that fits your style or goes perfectly with your decor. This can make a big impact on how you feel about your nursery.

In the same way, cribs designed to convert into toddler beds or daybeds increase their value as your child grows, providing you a long-term benefit. They're also generally less expensive than full-size beds, and can be traded in or donated to a family member when your child no longer requires them.

Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain, since most recommended cribs of the components can be removed and cleaned and many have an adapter kit that allows you to transform them into the appropriate size Mini Cot Bed for your child. Wood cribs are especially durable and can withstand the rigors of frequent use, with some last through multiple children.

Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options which makes them more convenient to move around when changing sheets or altering mattress height. However, they can be more worn out and need replacement earlier than innerspring mattresses.

Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual firm or two-stage mattresses, are designed to be used for babies and toddlers. One side is soft for infants, while the other is more firm for toddlers. They are usually safer than foam mattresses, cribs and may be more comfortable to older children who don't want the sagging feel of foam. They're typically cheaper than innerspring mattresses.