Why Best Crib Is Tougher Than You Imagine

Choosing the Best Crib

A crib is a crucial feature in your nursery for a long time, so it's important to pick one you love looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your baby could get into, and select an option that can be easily converted to a toddler bed or daybed.

Safety

We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. You don't want to use an old crib that might have a lot of loose or broken parts, and you definitely don't want one that isn't conforming to the current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is up to the highest safety requirements.

The slats of a crib must be closely spaced to ensure that children don't get their heads or fingers within them. They should not have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments which could cause injury. The mattress support system, which is vital to the security of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various heights so that it can grow with your child.

It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects, such as curtains or blind strings, as these present a strangulation risk for your baby. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if they are damaged.

Some cribs come with a side panel that can be removed. However it won't be down for long. These are great for parents who don't want to share a bed. Be sure to put your crib away from windows and radiators.

If you're looking for an environmentally friendly crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you're looking to buy something superior, select a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA, BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemical compounds.

Style

Whether you're working with an elegant or minimalist design, a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with the option of a lower-height mattress. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up there with the best-looking cribs we've ever seen even in a sea grey!"

This classic high-back crib is crafted using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It's a bit heavier than other cribs we've examined, but it's strong 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.  Cots For Tots  takes up more square footage in the nursery than our other top choices.

While it's a great choice for smaller spaces, its unique design can be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also more 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 made of wood such as maple or oak. They can also be made from mahogany, cherry, birch or cherry. They are generally longer-lasting than other materials and can withstand damage better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make the crib more vulnerable to dent and scratches which could require more frequent cleaning.

Another benefit of a standard crib is that it often comes with a toddler rail which will ensure your child's safety from falling off and climbing. However, be aware that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for added safety.

Convertibility

When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration. It is important to think about the size, style, and slat type and whether it's convertible or not. It's important to find the crib you love, as it will be with your baby for a long period of time. You also want to choose the crib that fits into your home's decor, whether that be modern or traditional.

A convertible crib is an excellent option because it can grow with your child to an infant bed, and eventually to a larger bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't need to buy a mattress for your child.

Some convertible cribs stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finishing. It also comes with three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. The crib is also easy to put together, taking 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. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and a great buy. It is a classic crib that could be transformed into an infant bed or a daybed. This crib is also simple to put together and has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out of for smaller parents.

The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists looking to keep their nursery simple and clean. This chic crib can be transformed into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy with environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and specifically designed to work alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.

Budget

A good crib should have sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions that result in the installation process being relatively easy. A chic design that is in line with your nursery decor is important. Cribs are available in terms of price, but there are models that are suitable for every budget.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options available that are available. It can be used as a bassinet crib or a toddler bed. It can also gently soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle slope for reflux babies. The added drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a cozy baby-like womb. It could also serve as a portable play area and provide your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.

Another option that doesn't compromise on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is made sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down between 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 free of rough or sharp edges, and is easily dressed with sheets.

Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to complement their contemporary or modern home. Others might prefer a more refined design that matches the decor of the room. If you fall in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full crib all without adding mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you are an adult who doesn't enjoy the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is more simple and clean in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to help your baby become a toddler, however they have more of a traditional style than other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.