Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major element in your nursery for a long time and it's essential to pick one you love admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides as your child might fall in. Instead, opt for a design which can easily be transformed to a daybed or toddler.
Baby Cot Bed want to give our children the best start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. You shouldn't use an old crib that may have a lot of loose or broken parts, and you shouldn't buy one that's not in compliance with current safety standards. If you're buying a new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it meets the most important safety requirements.
The crib's slats must be closely spaced to ensure that children don't get their heads or fingers in the slats. They shouldn't include any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could result in injuries. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety, and it should be able to adjust to different heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.
You'll also want to avoid hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains as these present an opportunity for strangulation for your infant. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs come with a side panel that can be lifted but it won't be in place for long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share with their children. Be sure to put your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're looking for a crib that is green, you should consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's recommended to select a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something even more durable, consider a crib made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemical compounds.
Style
If you're planning to work with an elegant or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing an attractive crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and has an adjustable lower height mattress. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed 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 is crafted from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors to fit any style. It's heavier than 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 when compared to our other top choices.
While a good option for small spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find bedding and sheets for. It's also heavier than the other options and will require to be disassembled in order to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood, including maple, oak, ash, mahogany, cherry or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand nicks and dings much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This can make the crib more prone 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. Keep in mind, however, that many cribs for toddlers require you to buy a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are many things to consider. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and if it is convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib you like, as it will be used by your child for a long period of time. You also want to choose a crib that will fit in with the decor of your home, whether that be traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib is an excellent option since it grows with your child to a toddler bed and then a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you don't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs on the market However, some stand out better than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified, which means it is in compliance with or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finish. In addition, it has three height settings that can be adjusted and an extremely low profile, making it easy to move your baby in and out of the crib. The crib is also easy to build, taking less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a good option. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and a great buy. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed or daybed. This crib is also simple to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach into and out of for smaller parents.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery design simple and clean. This elegant crib can be converted into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy using environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A good crib should have sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions that allow for an easy and painless installation. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of cost however, there are models that are suitable for every budget.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rods will encase your baby in an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It could also serve as a portable play area, giving your child an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.
Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines environmentally friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides which could catch clothing. It is free of sharp or rough edges and is easily dressed with a sheet.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home. Some prefer a more elegant style that complements the décor of the room. If you fall in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet to an infant crib and then a full-size crib, without the need for mattresses or bars.
If you're an adult who doesn't enjoy fussiness, choose a crib that is more simple and clean visually. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need to allow your baby to grow into an adult, but they're more of a traditional design than some models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.