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Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you like. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides as your child may fall into. Instead, choose a design which is easily converted into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. It's not necessary to have a crib that has a lot loose or missing pieces and you shouldn't choose one that doesn't meet the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of the crib should be spaced to stop children from getting their hands or heads in the slats, and they shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could create a risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the security of your crib, must be adjustable to various heights to allow it to adapt to the needs of your child.
You'll also want to avoid hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains, since they pose a strangulation risk for your child. It is a good idea to examine your crib frequently for missing or loose objects, and replace any that are loosened over time.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be moved down. However it won't stay down for very long. They are great for parents who want to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed sharing, but make sure 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 are looking for an environmentally friendly crib, pick one that is made of wood from sustainable forests. It's recommended to pick a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking for something superior, select a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemicals.
Style
If you're looking to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a chic crib can be a wonderful option. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect choice for small spaces. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and has the option of a lower-height mattress. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, stated that the crib was "up among the most beautiful cribs we've ever seen, even in a sea grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of modern colors that will match any style. It's heavier than the other cribs that we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last into the toddler years 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 picks.
While it's a great option for smaller spaces, its unique design can be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also more bulkier than our other picks and will require to be disassembled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood like oak or maple. They can also be made from cherry, mahogany, birch or cherry. They are generally longer-lasting than other materials and resist damage better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This could make the crib more prone to dent and scratches, which could require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of a standard crib is that it often comes with a toddler rail which can help to keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. Be aware that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are a lot of aspects to take into consideration when selecting a crib. Think about the size, design, slats and whether it's convertible. It's crucial to choose the crib you love since it will be there for your baby for a long time. You should also select a crib that will fit into your home's decor, whether that be traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib can grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and then 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.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified that means it meets or surpasses government safety standards in the construction and finish. In addition, it has three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easy to move your baby in and out of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to put together, taking less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib is a good alternative. This crib is an excellent value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It is a classic design and can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is simple to put together and its low profile makes it easy for parents to get into and out.
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 clean. It's a stylish, affordable cots crib that can be outfitted to become a full-size toddler bed or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy using environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality is one that has a solid construction, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process easy. And a stylish design that fits with the decor of your nursery is essential. There are numerous crib models that can be purchased at different prices.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib or toddler bed. It also has the ability to roll and rock to gently help your baby sleep or create an easy incline for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rods will encase your baby in a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It could also serve as a portable play area, giving your child a comfortable and secure place to nap on the go.
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 from siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to match their modern or contemporary home. Others may prefer a more elegant design that complements the décor of the room. If you fall into the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from a bassinet to a mini cotbed crib and then to a full crib, all without mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you are a parent who doesn't like fussiness, choose a crib that is more simple and clean looking. 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 grow into an adult, but they have more of a traditional look than some other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.