Choosing the Best Crib

A crib is a crucial element in your nursery for a long time and it's essential to choose a crib you enjoy admiring. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby could fall into, and select one that is able to be converted to a toddler bed or daybed.

Safety

We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. You don't need to use an infant crib with many missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that doesn't meet current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is in compliance with the most stringent safety standards.

The slats in a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from getting their hands or heads in them and should not have any decorative cut outs or other decorations that could create a risk. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib, and it should be adjustable to different sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.

Avoid hanging objects such as curtains or blinds as they can strangle your baby. It's a good idea inspect your crib on a regular basis for loose or missing items, and replace them if they are missing or that have gotten lost in the course of time.

Some cribs have a side panel that can be removed, but it won't stay in place for long. They are ideal for parents who do not want to share a bed. Just make sure you place your crib away from windows and radiators.

If you're seeking a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's important to pick a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to buy something more durable, consider a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA, BPA-based chemicals, phthalates, and other chemicals.

Style

If you're going for a minimal or classic design, a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect option for spaces that are tight. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test participants, 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 is made using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs that we've tried, but it's sturdy 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than our other top cribs.

While it's a great choice for smaller spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also more bulkier than the other options and will need to be disassembled in order to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are constructed of wood, like maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry or birch. They tend to be longer-lasting than other materials and can withstand scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make a crib more vulnerable to dents cots and tots scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling out or climbing. Be aware that some cribs for toddlers will require the purchase of a separate toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

There are many things to consider when choosing the right crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and whether it's convertible. It's crucial to choose the crib you love since it will be used by your Baby Cot for many years. It is also important to select a crib that is a good fit into your home's decor regardless of whether it's modern or traditional.

A convertible crib is an excellent choice because it will grow with your child until it becomes a toddler bed and then to a larger bed. This will save you money in the end because you won't have to purchase a mattress for your child.

There are numerous convertible cribs available however, some stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified that means it meets or exceeds government safety standards in design and construction. It also has three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile design that allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. It is also simple to assemble and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another excellent option. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and a great buy. It has a classic design and can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached into and out for small parents.

The final crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists who want to keep their room simple and clean. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be transformed as a toddler bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy using eco-friendly production methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and is specifically designed to work alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.

Budget

A quality crib will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions. This makes the assembly effortless. And a stylish design that fits with the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs vary in terms of cost however there are some models that suit every budget.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most versatile options that are available. It can be set up as a bassinet crib, or a toddler bed. It can also roll and rock to gently help your baby sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies who have reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a cozy like a womb. It can even double as a portable play yard and provide your child with a comfortable and secure place to sleep on the move.

Another option that doesn't sacrifice on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, good Cribs which is a modern-day crib that combines sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to siblings. It meets all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.

Some parents might want an uncluttered crib that complements their contemporary or modern home, whereas others may prefer a more formal style that suits the room's decor. If you fall in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from a bassinet to a mini crib and then to a full-sized crib, all without adding bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're a parent who's not in the mood for fussiness, choose the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to assist your baby to grow into a toddler. However, they have more of a traditional style compared to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.