Choosing the
Best Crib
A crib will be a major fixture in your nursery for many years, so it's important to pick one you love seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides as your child could fall in. Instead, choose a design which is easily converted into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our children the
best cot newborn start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. You shouldn't use cribs that have many missing or loose pieces or is one that doesn't meet the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The crib's slats should be spaced evenly so that children do not get their heads or fingers within them. They shouldn't include any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could result in injury. A mattress support system is crucial to the safety of the crib and should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.
You'll also want to avoid hanging objects like blind strings or curtains because they pose the risk of strangulation to your child. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for any missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that have gotten lost over time.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be moved down. However, it will not stay down for very long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share a bed. Just make sure you keep your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're looking for an environmentally friendly crib, choose one made of sustainable forests. It's important to choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking for something more durable, consider a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates, and other chemicals.
Style
No matter if you want to design a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic addition. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect choice for small spaces. 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 some of the best-looking ones we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs we've tested, but it's durable enough to get 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 space in the nursery as compared to our other top picks.
While a good option for small spaces, its distinctive design can be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also bulkier than our other picks and will have to be disassembled in order to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed from wood, such as maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and resist nicks and dings much better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers use pine instead of the more durable hardwoods because it's cheaper. This can make the crib more susceptible to scratches and dent, which could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it often includes a toddler rail, which can ensure your child's safety from falling down and climbing. But 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
When it comes to choosing a crib, there are many aspects to take into consideration. You have to consider the size, style, and slat type, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose the crib you love since it will be with your baby for a long time. You should also choose the crib that is compatible with the style of your home, whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib will grow with your
Baby Cot Bed, becoming a toddler bed, then an adult size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you won't have to purchase a mattress for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs available however, certain models stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it meets or surpasses government safety standards in design and construction. It also has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile design that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. It's easy to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.
Another good option is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It's a classic style and can be made into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is easy to put together, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to get in and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists looking to keep their bedroom simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be transformed as an adult bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing techniques. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and specifically designed to work together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality is one that has a solid construction, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process painless. And a design that fits with your nursery decor is also crucial. There are numerous crib models that can be bought at various prices.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the
most recommended cribs versatile options 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 a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The added canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a comfortable womb-like environment. It can even double as a play yard that can be carried around providing your child with the security and comfort to sleep on the move.
Another option that doesn't compromise on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with sustainable 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 is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents might prefer an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, whereas others may prefer a more formal style that is suited to the room's decor. If your preference falls into the latter category you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib, without the need for bars or mattresses.
If you're a parent that isn't in the mood for fussiness, choose the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to help your baby grow into an adult. However, they have an older-style look when as compared to other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.
