Choosing the best cot bed Crib

A crib is a crucial feature in your nursery for many years, so it's important to pick one you love seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby could fall into, and choose a design that is easily convertible to a toddler bed or daybed.

Safety

We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. It's not necessary to have cribs that have many missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that isn't up to current safety standards. When purchasing a crib ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats on a crib must be closely spaced so that children do not get their heads or fingers within them. They shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could cause injuries. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety, and it should be able to adjust to different sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.

You'll also want to avoid dangling objects such as blind strings or curtains as these present a strangulation risk for your baby. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if needed.

Some cribs have a side panel that can be lifted but it won't be down for very long. These are ideal for parents who want to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make certain that you're in a space that is away from windows and radiators and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.

If you're seeking a green crib, pick one that is constructed from sustainable forests. It's important to pick a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go more, consider a crib made of sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.

Style

If you're going for a classic or minimalist design, a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great choice for small spaces. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most beautiful cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"

This classic high-back crib has been constructed from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors to fit any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've tried, Baby cheap cot beds (More Support) but it's sturdy enough to get 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 occupies more space in the nursery than some of our other top cribs.

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 pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.

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

Another benefit of the standard crib is that it typically comes with a toddler rail which will ensure your child's safety from falling off and climbing. However, keep in mind that many toddler-safe cribs will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for added security.

Convertibility

There are many things to consider when choosing the right crib. Consider the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It's important to find the crib you love, as it will be used by your baby for a long time. You should also select the crib that fits in with the decor of your home whether it's traditional or modern.

A convertible crib can grow with your baby cots on sale, becoming a toddler bed, and eventually an adult size bed. This will save you money over time because you won't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.

There are many different convertible cribs on the market, but some stand out better than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finish. Additionally, it comes with three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it simple to get your baby in and out of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to put together in less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a good alternative. This crib is a great value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It's a classic style and can be converted to a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size infant cot bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is easy to put together and its low profile makes it easier for parents to move into and out.

The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists who want to keep their nursery simple and tidy. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be made to become an adult bed or a full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.

Budget

A good crib should have sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions that allow for an easy and painless installation. A stylish design that matches your nursery decor is important. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price however, 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 set up as a bassinet, crib, or a toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle incline for babies with reflux. The added canopy and drape rod encase your child in a warm baby-like womb. It can also be used as a portable play area that provides your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest when they are traveling.

Another option that doesn't skimp on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to siblings. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It has no rough or sharp edges and can easily be dressed by a sheet.

Some parents may want a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more formal design that is suited to the room's decor. If you're in the latter category of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great option. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet into mini cribs and later to a full crib, all without mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're a parent that isn't interested in fussiness, go for the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to aid your baby's development into an adult. However, they have more of a traditional style as compared to other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.