7 Practical Tips For Making The Most Out Of Your Best Crib
Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you love. Baby beds will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your baby might get into, and choose one that is easily convertible into a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. You don't want to use an old crib that may contain a number of loose or missing parts, and you certainly do not want one that isn't conforming to the current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, make sure you look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is up to the highest safety requirements.
The crib's slats should be positioned so that children do not get their heads or fingers in the slats. They should not include any decorative cutouts or other embellishments which could cause injuries. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety and should be adjustable to different sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds as they can strangle your child. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered. However it won't be down for long. These are great for parents who don't want to share the bed. Make sure to put your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're seeking a crib that is environmentally friendly, consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you want to go even further, look for a crib made of sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
If you're looking to design a classic or minimalist nursery, a stylish crib will be a great addition. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek and is a great fit for tight spaces. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up there with the best-looking cribs we've ever seen even in a sea grey!"
This classic high-back crib is made with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've examined, but it's strong enough to get 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 as compared to our other top picks.
While a good option for small spaces, its distinctive design may be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also a bit bulkier than some of our other options, and it will likely require dismantling to fit through doors that are standard in order to move from room room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood, like maple, oak, ash, cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand nicks and dings much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This could make a crib more vulnerable to dents and scratches and could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling or climbing. Be aware that a lot of cribs specifically designed for toddlers will require you to buy an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are numerous things to think about when choosing the right crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It is crucial to choose the crib you love because it will be used by your child for a long time. You should also pick a crib to fit in with the style of your home, whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is an excellent option because it can grow with your child into an infant bed, and eventually into a full-size bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't have to buy a mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified that means it is in compliance with or exceeds federal safety standards for design and construction. It also comes with three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile design that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. It is also easy to put together, taking less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a good option. This crib is a good value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be transformed into an infant bed or a daybed. The crib is easy to put together and its low profile makes it easier for parents to get in and out.
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 clean. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be transformed to become a toddler bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious 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 construction and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process painless. A chic design that is in line with your nursery decor is important. Cribs are available in terms of price however, there are models that suit every budget.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet crib, or a toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies with reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod will encase your child in a warm womb-like environment. It can also serve as a portable play space, providing your child with a secure and comfortable spot to sleep while moving around.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice design. It blends a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It meets all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It has no rough or sharp edges and is easily dressed by a sheet.
Some parents might want an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, while others might prefer a more formal style that is suited to the room's decor. If your preference falls into the latter, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet to a mini-crib and then a full-size crib without the need for mattresses or bars.
If you're an adult who doesn't enjoy the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is simpler and cleaner looking. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require for your baby to become a toddler, but they have a more traditional style than other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.