Choosing the Best Crib

Choose a crib that you love. It will be part of your nursery for a long time. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your child could fall into, and opt for an option that is easily convertible into a toddler bed or daybed.

Safety

As parents as parents, we want to provide our children the best possible start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. It's not necessary to have a crib that has lots of missing or loose pieces or is one that doesn't meet the current safety standards. When buying a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats of the crib should be spaced so that children aren't getting their hands or heads in them, and they shouldn't have any decorative cut outs or other ornaments which could cause injury risk. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib and must be capable of adjusting to various heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.

Avoid hanging objects such as curtains or Cot Sales blinds as they can strangle your child. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for loose or missing objects, and replace any that are loosened over time.

Some cribs have a side panel which can be removed. However it won't stay down for very long. These are great for parents who don't want to share with their children. Just make sure you keep your crib away from radiators and windows.

If you are seeking a green crib, choose one made of sustainable forests. You should also choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that there are no 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 chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates and other chemicals.

Style

No matter if you want to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a chic crib is a fantastic addition. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim which makes it a perfect option for spaces that are tight. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, stated that the crib was "up there with the best-looking cribs we've ever 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 to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs we test, but it's durable enough to last into 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 more space in the nursery as compared to other top picks.

It's a great option for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also bulkier than the other options and will require to be disassembled in order to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are typically constructed from wood, including maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and Good Cribs resist damage and nicks much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches which may require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling out or climbing. Be aware that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

When you are deciding on a crib, there are many aspects to take into consideration. You have to consider size, style and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It is essential to choose a crib that you love, as it will be a part of your baby for a long time. It is also important to choose a crib to fit in with the style of your home, no matter if it's contemporary or traditional.

A convertible crib will grow with your baby, becoming 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 bed for your child.

Certain convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction cots and tots finishing. It also has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and a low profile that makes it simple to get your baby out of the crib. It is easy to assemble this crib in less than 15 minutes using a cordless driver/drill.

Another good option is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It's a classic style and can be converted to a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib 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 ideal for minimalists who want to keep their room simple and tidy. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be outfitted to become a full-size toddler bed or bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy using eco-friendly production methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and made to be used in conjunction alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.

Budget

A quality crib must be built with strength and simple assembly instructions that lead to the installation process being relatively easy. A stylish design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also crucial. Cribs vary in terms of price however there are some models that suit every budget.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most versatile options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib or a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to help your baby sleep or create a gentle slope for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rods envelop the baby in a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It can also double as a portable play area, giving your child a comfortable and secure place to sleep on the move.

Another option that doesn't sacrifice on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic birch plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and is free of sharp edges.

Some parents prefer a minimalist crib that matches their modern or contemporary home. Others might prefer a more refined design that complements the interior decor of the room. If you're in the latter group 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 a bassinet to a mini crib and then to a full crib all without the need for mattresses or bars, crib Sets so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're an adult who doesn't enjoy excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is less cluttered and more clean visually. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require to allow your baby to develop into a toddler, however they have more of a traditional design than some models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.