Best Crib 101: It's The Complete Guide For Beginners
Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major fixture in your nursery for a long time, so it's important to pick one you love admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides as your child might fall in. Instead, choose a design which can easily be converted into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our children the best possible start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You don't want an old crib that could have a lot of loose or missing parts, and you certainly shouldn't buy one that's not in compliance with current safety standards. If you're buying a new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it meets the most important safety requirements.
The slats of a crib should be spaced evenly so that children do not get their fingers or heads in the slats. They shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could result in injuries. The mattress support system, which is vital to the security of your crib, must be adjustable to various heights to allow it to adapt to the needs of your child.
Avoid hanging objects such as curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your child. It's a good idea examine your crib frequently for any missing or loose items, and replace any that have gotten lost in the course of time.
Some cribs come with a side panel that can be removed however it won't stay down for long. These are useful for parents who wish to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be sure you're in an area free of windows and radiators and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're seeking a green crib, pick one that is constructed from sustainable forests. You should also consider a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed the tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go even further, look for a crib that is made from sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
No matter if you want to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good option for spaces that are tight. It's GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. 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!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety contemporary colors that can be matched to any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last until the age of toddler 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 cribs.
It's a great choice for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also a bit heavier than some of our other choices and will probably require dismantling in order to fit through standard doors in order to move from room room.
Standard cribs are made from wood, like maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are typically longer-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to nicks and dings better than soft pine. But be aware that some manufacturers use pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable since it's less expensive. This could make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it usually includes a toddler rail, which can help to keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. However, keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for extra safety.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are numerous things to consider. It is important to think about size, style and slat style and if it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose a crib that you like since it will be used by your baby for a long time. You should also select a crib that is a good fit into your home's decor regardless of whether it's traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib can grow with your baby, becoming a toddler bed, and eventually an adult size bed. This can save you 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 others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low profile that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. The crib is also easy to put together and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.
Another good option is an alternative to 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 simple to put together and its low profile makes it easy for parents to get in and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery decor simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive 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 built in Italy using eco-friendly production methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and made to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality should have sturdy construction and easy assembly instructions that lead to an easy and painless installation. A chic design that complements your nursery decor is important. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price however there are some models that are suitable for every budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options that are available. It can be set up as a bassinet, a crib or a toddler bed. It can also rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle incline for babies with reflux. The added canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a comfortable womb-like environment. It can also serve as a portable play area that provides your child with a secure and comfortable spot to sleep while on the move.
good cribs that doesn't sacrifice on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to children. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents might prefer an uncluttered crib that complements their contemporary or modern home, whereas others may prefer a more formal style that suits the room's decor. If you're in the latter group of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into the size of a mini-crib, and then into a full-size crib with no need for mattresses or bars.
If you are a parent who doesn't like the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is less cluttered and more clean looking. good cribs 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need for your baby to develop into a toddler, however they're more of a traditional look than some other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.