Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key element in your nursery for years and it's essential to pick one you love admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your little one could fall into, and opt for an option that is easily convertible to a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our children the best start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You don't need to use cribs that have a lot loose or missing pieces and you shouldn't choose one that doesn't meet the current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of the crib must be spaced to prevent children from falling or catching their heads in them and should not have any decorative cut outs or other decorations which could cause injury risk. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib and should be able to adjust to different heights to accommodate your child as they grow.
It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains, because they pose the risk of strangulation to your child. Examine your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be lowered. However it won't stay down for long. These are useful for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be sure that you're positioned in an area away from radiators and windows and that your baby isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're seeking an eco-friendly crib, select one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's recommended to pick a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to buy something better, choose a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemicals.
Style
Whether you're working with an elegant or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is essential. best cot bed is sleek and slim which makes it a perfect choice for small spaces. It's GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up there with the best-looking cribs we've seen, even among a sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib has been constructed from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last through the age of toddler 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 than our other top cribs.
While it's a great option for small spaces, its distinctive design may be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also bulkier than our other choices 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 made of wood such as oak or maple. They can also be made from mahogany, cherry, birch or cherry. They are typically longer-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to damage better than soft pine. However, be aware of the fact that certain manufacturers use pine instead of the more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This can make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and could require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of the standard crib is that it often includes a toddler rail, which will help to keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. However, 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
There are numerous things to consider when choosing the right crib. You must consider size, style and slat type, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It's important to find a crib that you love, as it will be used by your child for a long time. You should also select a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib can grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and eventually an adult size bed. This will save you money in the long run since you don't have to buy a separate mattress for your child.
Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finishing. In addition, it has three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby in and out of the crib. The crib is also simple to assemble, taking less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.
Another option that is worth considering is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a great value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It is a classic crib that could be converted into a toddler bed or daybed. This crib is easy to put together, and its low profile makes it easier for parents to move in and out.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery design simple and tidy. This chic crib can be made into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and employs eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and designed to be used with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions. This will make the process effortless. A chic design that is in line with your nursery decor is important. Cribs vary in terms of price however there are some models that suit every budget.
For instance, 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 be used to gently help your baby sleep or create an easy slope for babies with reflux. The drape rod and canopy envelop your child in a warm womb-like environment. It can also serve as a portable play area that provides your child with a secure and comfortable spot to sleep when they are moving around.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn't sacrifice style. It blends a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and can be passed on to siblings. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed with a sheet.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to complement their modern or contemporary home. Some prefer a more refined design that is in keeping with the interior decor of the room. If you're in the latter group of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. The elegantly designed model can be converted from bassinet to an infant crib, and then to a full-sized crib, all without adding mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who 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 pieces you need to assist your baby to grow into a toddler. They do however have an older-style look when in comparison to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.