Choosing the Best Crib

Pick a crib you love. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides, as your child could fall in. Instead, opt for a design which is easily converted into a daybed or toddler.

Safety

As parents as parents, we want to provide our children the best cots possible start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You shouldn't use an old crib that might have a lot of loose or damaged parts, and you definitely shouldn't buy one that's not in compliance with current safety standards. When purchasing a crib ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats of a crib must be closely spaced so that children do not get their heads or fingers in the slats. They should not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments that could cause injuries. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib, and it should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your baby as they develop.

Avoid hanging objects such as curtains or blinds, as they can strangle your baby. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.

Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be removed. However, it will not stay down for long. These are ideal for parents who wish to co-sleep without the risks of bed sharing, but make certain that you're in a room free of windows and radiators and that your child isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.

If you're looking for a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It's recommended to choose a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you want to go even further, you should look for a crib made of sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.

Style

If you're planning to work with a minimal or classic design, an attractive crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, 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!"

This classic high-back crib is crafted with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's a bit heavier than other cribs that we've tested, but it's durable enough to last 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 space in the nursery than some of our other top choices.

While it's a great option for small spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also heavier than our other choices and will require to be disassembled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are usually constructed of wood like oak or maple. They can also be made of mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware of the fact that some manufacturers use pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable since it's less expensive. This could make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.

Another benefit of the standard crib is that it usually includes a toddler rail, which will help to keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. Be aware that some cribs specifically designed for toddlers require you to buy a separate toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

When it comes to selecting a crib, there are many factors to consider. Consider the size, style, slats and whether it is convertible. It's important to find a crib you like, as it will be with your child for a long period of time. You should also select the crib that fits into your home's decor regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.

A convertible crib can grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and eventually a full size cheap cot bed. This will save money in the long run because you don't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.

There are many different convertible cribs available, but some stand out better than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified that means it meets or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of construction and finish. In addition, it has three height settings that can be adjusted and Best Cot Beds [Trade-Britanica.Trade] an extremely low profile, making it simple to get your baby out and in of the crib. It's easy to put together this crib in less than 15 minutes to assemble using an electric drill or driver.

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

The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists who want to keep their room simple and tidy. This elegant crib can be transformed into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy using eco-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.

Budget

A good crib will have a sturdy structure and straightforward assembly instructions that allow for the installation process being relatively easy. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery is crucial. Cribs are available in terms of price, but there are models that will fit into any budget.

For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to rock your Baby Cot Bed to slumber or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The canopy and drape rods provide the baby with the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can also serve as a portable play area and provides your child with a safe and comfortable spot to sleep when moving around.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a modern design with sustainable materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and can be passed on to children. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges, and is easily dressed with a sheet.

Some parents prefer a minimalist crib that matches their modern or contemporary home. Others may prefer a more elegant design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter group of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant model converts from a bassinet to the size of a mini cot beds-crib, and then into a full-size crib without the requirement for mattresses or bars.

If you are a parent who doesn't like 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 pieces you'll need to help your baby become an adult, but 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.