Choosing the Best Crib

A crib is a crucial feature in your nursery for a long time and it's essential to pick one you love admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your little one could get into, and choose one that is able to be converted to a toddler bed or daybed.

Safety

We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. You don't need to use cribs that have lots of missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that doesn't meet the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats of a crib should be positioned 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 also crucial to the safety of the crib and must be able to adjust to different heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.

It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects like curtains or blind strings, because they pose a strangulation risk for your baby. Examine your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.

Some cribs come with the option of a side panel that could be lowered however it won't stay in place for Great Crib long. These are great for parents who don't want to share a bed. Make sure to place your crib away from windows and radiators.

If you're looking for an environmentally friendly crib, choose one made of sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something better, choose a crib made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA, BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemical compounds.

Style

If you're looking to design an elegant or classic nursery, a stylish crib can be a wonderful option. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect fit for tight spaces. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most beautiful cribs we've seen, even in the midst of grey!"

The classic high-back crib for babies is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of modern colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've examined, but it's strong enough to make it through toddlerhood 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.

While it's a great option for small cot beds spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also bulkier 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 constructed from wood, including maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand nicks and dings much better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of the more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This could make the crib more vulnerable to dent and scratches which could require more frequent cleaning.

Another plus to the standard crib is that it often comes with a toddler rail which can help keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. But keep in mind that many toddler-safe cribs will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for extra safety.

Convertibility

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It is essential to pick the crib you love since it will be used by your baby for a long time. You should also pick the crib that is compatible with the style of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or traditional.

A convertible crib will expand with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, and eventually to a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run since you don't have to buy a mattress for your child.

There are a variety of convertible cribs available, but some stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified which means it meets or surpasses federal safety standards for the construction and finish. It also comes with three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile design that allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. It is easy to assemble this crib and takes less than 15 minutes with an electric drill or driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a good option. This crib is a great value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It has a classic design and can be converted to a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to assemble and has a low-profile that makes it easy to reach in and out of for short parents.

The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists looking to keep their room simple and clean. This elegant crib can be made into a toddler or 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 is made to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.

Budget

A quality crib will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions. This will make the process painless. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs are available in terms of cost however there are some models that are suitable for 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 rock gently to rock your baby to slumber or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a comfortable womb-like environment. It can also double as a portable play yard and provide your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It blends a modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is made sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could catch clothing. It has no sharp or rough edges and can easily be dressed with a sheet.

Some parents prefer a simple crib to match their contemporary or modern home. Some prefer a more elegant style that is in keeping with the décor of the room. If you're in the latter group of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet into mini cotbed cribs and later to a full-sized crib, all without adding mattresses or bars, so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're a parent who's not interested in fussiness, go for the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to assist your baby to grow into a toddler. However, they sport more of a traditional style as compared to other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.