10 Best Crib Tips All Experts Recommend

Choosing the Best Crib

A crib will be a major feature in your nursery for many years and it's essential to pick a crib that you love looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, since your child could fall in. Instead, opt for one that is easily converted into a toddler or daybed.

Safety

As parents are, we'd like to give our babies the best start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You don't want an old crib that might contain a lot of broken or missing parts, and you do not want one that isn't up to current safety standards. If Cots For Tots UK buying a brand new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is in compliance with the most stringent safety standards.

The slats on a crib should be positioned to ensure that children don't get their heads or fingers in the slats. They shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could result in injuries. The mattress support system, which is vital to the security of your crib, should be able to be adjusted to various levels so that it can grow with your child.

Avoid dangling items such as blind strings or curtains, as they can strangle your baby. Be sure to check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if they are damaged.

Some cribs come with a side panel which can be lowered. However it won't stay down for very long. They are ideal for parents who do not want to share with their children. Just make sure you put your crib away from windows and radiators.

If you're looking for a crib which is environmentally friendly, consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. You should also consider a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go even further, you should look for a crib made of sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.

Style

Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to design an elegant or classic nursery, a chic crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great option for spaces that are tight. It's GREENGUARD Certified and comes with the option of a lower-height mattress. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most beautiful cribs we've seen even in a sea of grey!"

This classic high-back baby crib is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of contemporary colors that can be matched to any style. It's heavier than other cribs that we've examined, but it's strong enough to get through toddler-graduation 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than some of our other top picks.

It's a great choice for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also a bit heavier than some of our other choices and will probably require dismantling to fit through doors that are standard when moving from room to space.

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

Another benefit of the standard crib is that it often comes with a toddler rail which will ensure your child's safety from climbing and falling out. However, be aware that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for added safety.

Convertibility

When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of factors to consider. You have to consider size, style and slat type and whether it's convertible or not. It is essential to choose a crib that you love, as it will be a part of your child for a long time. You should also choose a crib to fit in with the decor of your home, whether it's traditional or modern.

A convertible crib can grow with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, then an adult size bed. This can save you money in the long run since you don't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.

Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it meets or exceeds 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 simple 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 another good option. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and a great deal. It has a classic design and can be made into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. This crib is also simple to assemble and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached into and out of for smaller parents.

The final 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 simple. This elegant crib can be made into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing techniques. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and specifically designed to work together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.

Budget

A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and straightforward assembly instructions that result in the installation process being relatively easy. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price however there are some models that will fit into any budget.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most versatile options that are available. 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 an easy slope for babies who are reflux. The drape rod and canopy envelop your child in a warm womb-like environment. It can also be used as a portable play area that provides your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest when they are moving around.

Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines sustainable materials. The solid Birch 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, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.

Some parents prefer a simple crib to match their contemporary or modern home. Others may prefer a more elegant design that complements the decor of the room. If your preference falls into the latter look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into a mini-crib and then a full-size crib with no need for mattresses or bars.

If you are a parent who isn't a fan of fussiness, choose a crib that is simpler and cleaner in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require for your baby to become an adult, but they're more of a traditional look than some other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.