Five Best Crib Lessons From The Pros
Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major fixture in your nursery for many years, so it's important to choose a crib you enjoy seeing. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby might get into, and choose a design that can be easily converted to a toddler bed, or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. It's not necessary to have a crib that has lots of missing or loose pieces or is one that isn't in line with current safety standards. When purchasing a crib make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of the crib should be spaced to stop children from falling or catching their heads in them and also they shouldn't contain any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other ornaments that could pose an injury risk. A mattress support system is also crucial to the safety of the crib and must be able to adjust to different heights to accommodate your baby as they develop.
Avoid hanging items like blind strings or curtains, because they could strangle your baby. It's a good idea to examine your crib frequently for missing or loose items, and replace any that are loosened in the course of time.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be moved down. However, it will not 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 radiators and windows.
If you are seeking an eco-friendly crib, select one made of wood from sustainable forests. It is also recommended to choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed the tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you're looking for something even superior, select a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA, BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemicals.
Whether you're working with a minimal or classic design, a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great fit for tight spaces. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the best-looking ones we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of contemporary colors that can be matched to any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs we tested, but durable enough to last into 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 our other top choices.
It's a good choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also a bit heavier than some of our other options and will probably require dismantling in order to fit through doors that are standard when moving from room to space.
Standard cribs are usually constructed from wood, including maple, oak, ash, mahogany, cherry, or birch. They are generally more durable than other materials and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make a crib susceptible to scratches and dents and may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling or climbing. Be aware, however, that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are numerous things to consider when choosing a crib. You have to consider the size, style and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It's important to find a crib you like, as it will be with your child for a long period of time. You also want to choose the crib that fits in with the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib can grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and then a full size bed. This can save you money over time because you won't need to purchase an additional bed for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs available However, some stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it meets or exceeds government safety standards in design and construction. It also comes with three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. It is also easy to build and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes with an electric drill or driver.
Another option that is worth considering is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be converted into an infant bed or a daybed. This crib is easy to assemble, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move in and out.
The last 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 clean. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be outfitted into a full-size toddler bed or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and employs eco-friendly manufacturing techniques. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality is one that has a solid construction and easy assembly instructions. This makes the assembly painless. A chic design that complements your nursery decor is important. Cribs vary in terms of cost however, there are models that will fit into any budget.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or as a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to help your baby sleep or create a gentle slope for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with the comfort of a womb-like environment. It could also serve as a play yard that can be carried around providing your child with a comfortable and secure place to nap on the go.
Another option that doesn't skimp on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could snag clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed with sheets.
Some parents may want a minimalist crib to match their modern or contemporary home, whereas others may prefer a more stately design that complements the decor of the room. If your preference falls into the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms 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're a parent that isn't interested in fussiness, go for the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to assist your baby to grow into a toddler. However, they have an older-style look when as compared to other models, such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.