10 Best Crib Tips All Experts Recommend
Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your child might get into, and select an option that is able to be converted to a toddler bed, or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. You don't need to use an infant crib with lots of missing or loose pieces and you shouldn't choose one that doesn't meet current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The crib's slats must be closely spaced to ensure that children don't get their heads or fingers in the slats. They should not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other ornaments that could cause injury. The mattress support system, which is vital to the security of your crib, must be adjustable to various levels so that it can grow with your child.
Avoid hanging objects such as curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your child. Be sure to check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be moved down. However it won't be down for long. These are great for parents who don't want to share a bed. Make sure to put your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're seeking a crib that is green, you should consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. recommended cribs 's also a good idea to choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low emissions of chemicals. If best cots looking to go even more, consider a crib that is made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
No matter if you want to design an elegant or classic nursery, a stylish crib will be a great option. The SnuzPod4 fits well in smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most attractive cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is made with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs that we've tested, but it's durable 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 more space in the nursery when compared to other top choices.
While it's a great option for small spaces, its distinctive design may be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also more bulkier than the other options 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, including maple or oak, ash, mahogany, cherry, or birch. They tend to be more durable than other materials and can withstand damage better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This could make the crib more vulnerable to scratches and dent, which could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it often includes a toddler rail, which can help keep your child safe from climbing and falling out. However, keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for added security.
Convertibility
When it comes to selecting a crib, there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration. It is important to think about the size, style and slat type and whether it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be with your baby for a long time. You also want to choose a crib that will fit to the decor of your home regardless of whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is a fantastic option since it grows with your child to a toddler bed and then a full-size bed. This will save money in the long run because you don't have to buy an additional bed for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than other. One of them 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 has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. It's easy to put together this crib and takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another good option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It is a classic crib that can be converted into the toddler bed or daybed. The crib is easy to assemble, and its low profile makes it easier for parents to move in and out.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery designs simple and clean. This chic crib can be transformed into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality is one that has a solid construction, and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly easy. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery is crucial. Cribs are available in terms of price however, there are models that suit every 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, crib or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to rock and roll to gently help your baby sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies who have reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a comfortable baby-like womb. It can also be used as a portable play space and provides your child with a safe and comfortable place to nap when on the move.
Another option that doesn't sacrifice on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with environmentally friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is produced sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides which could catch clothing. It is easy to dress with a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents may want a minimalist crib to match their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more formal design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet into a mini-crib and then a full-size crib with no requirement for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent who isn't in the mood for fussiness, choose the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to aid your baby's development into an adult. They do however have an older-style look when compared to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.