Choosing the Best Crib

A crib will be a major feature in your nursery for many years, so it's important to pick a crib that you love admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, since your child may fall into. Instead, choose a design which can easily be converted to a daybed or toddler.

Safety

We want to give our children the best cot bed possible start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. You don't want to use an old crib that may contain a number of loose or damaged parts, and you definitely do not want one that isn't up to current safety standards. If you're buying a new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it meets the most important safety standards.

The slats in a crib should be tightly spaced so that children aren't getting their hands or heads in the slats, and they shouldn't have any decorative cut outs or other embellishments which could cause injury risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the security of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various levels so that it can adapt to the needs of your child.

It is also recommended to avoid hanging objects, such as curtains or blind strings, as these present an opportunity for strangulation for your infant. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if they are damaged.

Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be lowered but it won't be down for long. These are great for parents who don't want to share with their children. Be sure to place your crib away from radiators and windows.

If you're seeking a crib that is green, you should consider one made from wood from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed the tests to ensure that there are no emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to buy something better, choose a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemicals.

Style

Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to design a classic or minimalist nursery, a chic crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good choice for small cot beds spaces. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with an adjustable lower height mattress. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most attractive cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"

This classic high-back crib is made with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've examined, but it's strong enough to last 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 up more space in the nursery than some of our other top cribs.

While it's a great choice for small spaces, its distinctive design can be challenging to find bedding and sheets for. It's also a bit heavier than our other choices and may need to be disassembled to fit through standard doors when moving from room to space.

Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood, like maple or oak, ash, mahogany, cherry, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and resist damage and nicks much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make the crib more vulnerable to scratches and dent, which may require more frequent cleaning.

Another plus to a standard crib is that it usually includes a toddler rail, which will ensure your child's safety from climbing and falling out. 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 security.

Convertibility

There are many things to consider when choosing a crib. You must consider the size, style and slat type, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It's crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be used by your baby for many years. You also want to choose a crib that will fit into your home's decor whether it's traditional or contemporary.

A convertible crib is an excellent option since it grows with your child to a toddler bed and then into 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 on the market, but some stand out better than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it is in compliance with or exceeds the government safety standards for construction and finishing. Additionally, it comes with three adjustable mattress height settings and a low profile that makes it easy to move your baby out and in of the crib. It is simple to put together this crib, Best Crib which takes less than 15 minutes using a cordless driver/drill.

The DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib is a great alternative. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and a great buy. It is a classic crib that can be transformed into the toddler bed or daybed. This crib is easy to assemble, and its low profile makes it easier for parents to move in and out.

The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists looking to keep their room simple and tidy. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be transformed as an adult bed or a full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and employs eco-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.

Budget

A quality crib should have sturdy construction and straightforward assembly instructions that allow for relatively frustration-free installation. A stylish design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also essential. Cribs vary in terms of price however there are some models that are suitable for every budget.

For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib or as a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to rock your baby to slumber or create an easy slope for reflux babies. The added canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a cozy like a womb. It can also serve as a portable play area, providing your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest while traveling.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It blends a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and does not have sharp edges.

Some parents prefer a simple crib that matches their modern or contemporary home. Others might prefer a more refined design that is in keeping with the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model can be converted from a bassinet to an infant crib and then a full-size crib without the need for bars or mattresses.

If you're a parent who's not into fussiness, opt for the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to help your baby develop into an adult, but they're more of a traditional style than other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.