Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major feature in your nursery for a long time, so it's important to pick a crib that you love seeing. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides, as your child could fall in. Instead, choose an option that can easily be transformed into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our babies the best start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You shouldn't use a crib that has many missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that isn't up to the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib should be positioned to ensure that children don't get their heads or fingers within the slats. They should not have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments which could cause injury. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety and must be capable of adjusting to various heights to accommodate your child as they grow.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your baby. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs come with a side panel that can be removed. However 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 make sure you're in an area free of windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you're looking for an environmentally friendly crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. You should also choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed the tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go even further, look for a crib that's made from sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
Whether you're working with a minimal or classic design, an elegant crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good fit for tight spaces. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has an adjustable lower height mattress. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, stated that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've ever seen even among sea grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety modern colors that match any aesthetic. It's a bit heavier than the other cribs 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. cot sale takes up more space in the nursery than some of our other top choices.
It's a great choice for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also bulkier than our other choices and will need to be dismantled to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood, like maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They tend to be longer-lasting than other materials and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make a crib susceptible to damage and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling or climbing. But keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for extra safety.
Convertibility
When it comes to choosing a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. You have to consider the size, style, and slat style and whether it's convertible or not. It is essential to pick a crib you love as it will be there for your baby for a long time. You should also choose the crib that is compatible with the decor of your home, no matter if it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is a great option because it can grow with your child until it becomes a toddler bed and then into a full-size bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't need to buy a mattress for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs on the market however, certain models stand out more 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 federal safety standards for construction and finish. It also comes with three adjustable mattress settings and a low-profile design that allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. It's easy to put together this crib and takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using a cordless driver/drill.
Another option is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic crib that could be transformed into an infant bed or a daybed. This crib is easy to put together and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move in and out.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery decor simple and simple. This elegant crib can be transformed into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy using eco-friendly production methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy structure and simple assembly instructions that lead to an easy and painless installation. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are many different cribs available to be bought at various prices.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib, or as a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to rock your baby to slumber or create an easy slope for babies with reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod encase your child in a warm womb-like environment. It could also serve as a portable play yard providing your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to nap on the go.
Another option that doesn't sacrifice on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to siblings. It meets all CPSC standards and does not have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and does not have sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to complement their modern or contemporary home. Others might prefer a more elegant design that is in keeping with the décor of the room. If you're in the latter group of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. This stylish model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib, and then to a full crib, all without adding mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who isn't into fussiness, opt for the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as 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 the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.