Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you like. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your child could fall into, and select a design that is able to be converted into a toddler bed 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 don't need to use an infant crib with a lot loose or missing pieces, nor do you want one that isn't in line with the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats that comprise the crib should be spaced to prevent children from falling or catching their heads in the slats and should not have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments which could cause injury risk. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib, should be adjustable to different levels so that it can adapt to the needs of your child.
Avoid hanging items like blind strings or curtains, since they could strangle your baby. It is a good idea to examine your crib frequently for missing or loose items, and replace any that have gotten lost in the course of time.
Some cribs have a side panel which can be removed. However it won't be down for long. These are great for parents who do not want to share the bed. Make sure to put your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're looking for a crib that is green, you should consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. You should also choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you want to go even more, consider a crib that's made from sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to design a classic or minimalist nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic addition. The SnuzPod4 can be used in small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and has the option of a lower-height mattress. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most beautiful cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is made with 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 tested, but it's durable 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. It also occupies more space in the nursery than some of 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 heavier than our other choices and will need to be disassembled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood like maple or oak. They are also made of cherry, mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are typically more durable than other materials and can withstand scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This could make the crib more vulnerable to scratches and dent, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it usually comes with a toddler rail which will help to keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. Remember, however, that many cribs for toddlers will require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are numerous aspects to take into consideration when selecting the right crib. You have to consider the size, style, and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It is essential to choose a crib you like, as it will be used by your child for a long period of time. You should also select a crib that will fit into your home's decor whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib will grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and then to a full-size bed. This can save you money over time because you won't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it is in compliance with or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of design and construction. It also has three height settings that can be adjusted and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby out of the crib. It is also simple to assemble and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another good alternative. This crib is an excellent value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be converted into an infant bed or a daybed. The crib is also easy to assemble and has a low-profile that makes it easy to reach in and out of for smaller parents.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. cheap cot beds is a great alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery designs simple and clean. 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. This crib was built in Italy using eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality must be built with strength and straightforward assembly instructions that allow for an easy and painless installation. And a design that fits with the decor of your nursery is crucial. Cribs are available in terms of price however there are some models that are suitable for every budget.
For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or as a toddler bed. It can also gently soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a comfortable like a womb. It could also serve as a portable play yard, giving your child the security and comfort to rest on the go.
Another option that doesn't sacrifice on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides which could catch clothing. It has no rough or sharp edges and can easily be dressed by a sheet.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to match their modern or contemporary home. Others might prefer a more elegant design that is in keeping with the interior decor of the room. If you fall into the latter group of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great option. This elegant-looking model converts from bassinet to 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's not 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 pieces you need to assist your baby to grow into a toddler. However, they have an older-style look when in comparison to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.