Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you love. It will be part of your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides as your child could fall in. Instead, pick a design which can easily be transformed into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. You don't need to use an infant crib with lots of missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that isn't up to the current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib should be spaced evenly to ensure that children don't get their fingers or heads in them. They should not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other embellishments which could cause injury. A mattress support system is vital to the crib's safety and must be capable of adjusting to various sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.
You'll also want to avoid hanging objects like curtains or blind strings, because they pose an opportunity for strangulation for your baby. Be sure to check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be removed. However, it will not stay down for long. These are great for parents who do not want to share with their children. Make sure to put your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're looking for a crib which is green, you should consider one made from wood from sustainable forests. You should also choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed the tests to ensure that there are no emissions of chemicals. If you want to go a step further, look for a crib that is made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
No matter if you want to design an elegant or classic nursery, a chic crib will be a great addition. The SnuzPod4 fits well in small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has an adjustable lower height mattress. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most attractive cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of modern colors that match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs we've test, but it's durable enough to last until 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 square footage in the nursery than our other top cribs.
It's a great choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also heavier than our other choices and may need to be disassembled to fit through standard doors when you move from room to the next.
Standard cribs are usually made from wood, like maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany, or birch. They tend to be more durable than other materials and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods because it's less expensive. This could make the crib more vulnerable to dent and scratches, which could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling or climbing. Keep in mind that some cribs specifically designed for toddlers require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right crib. You have to consider size, style and slat type, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose the crib you love since it will be with your baby for many years. You should also pick the crib that will go with the decor of your home, no matter if it's contemporary or traditional.
A convertible crib is an excellent option because it can grow with your child until it becomes a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't have 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 good example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it is in compliance with or exceeds federal safety standards for design and construction. It also comes with three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. It is also easy to put together, taking less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a good option. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is a classic crib that can be transformed into the toddler bed or daybed. It is also easy to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach into and out of for short parents.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery design simple and clean. This elegant crib can be transformed into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A good crib should have sturdy construction and straightforward assembly instructions that allow for an easy and painless installation. And a stylish design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also essential. Cribs vary in terms of price however, there are models that suit every budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most versatile 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 an easy slope for babies with reflux. The add-on drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a comfortable like a womb. It can also double as a portable play area, giving your child an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to nap on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice design. It blends a modern design with sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, including no drop-sides or decorative cutouts that could catch clothing. It does not have sharp or rough edges and can easily be dressed by a sheet.
best cots uk may want a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more stately design that is suited to the room's decor. If you fall into the latter category of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. The elegantly designed model can be converted from bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full crib, all without the need for 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 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need to allow your baby to become a toddler, however they have more of a traditional design than some models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.