Best Crib 101 A Complete Guide For Beginners

Choosing the Best Crib

A crib will be a major feature in your nursery for many years so it's crucial to pick a crib that you love looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides, as your child might fall in. Instead, pick an option that can easily be transformed to a daybed or toddler.

Safety

As parents, we want to give our children the best cots for newborns possible start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. You don't need to use cribs that have lots of missing or loose pieces or is one that isn't in line with current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is in compliance with the most recommended cribs stringent safety standards.

The slats in the crib must be spaced so that children aren't getting their hands or heads in them, and they shouldn't have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other ornaments that could create a risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib should be able to be adjusted to various levels so that it can grow with your child.

Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds because they could strangle your child. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if needed.

Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be removed. However it won't stay down for long. They are ideal for parents who do not want to share with their children. Just make sure you place your crib away from windows and radiators.

If you're seeking a green crib, choose one made of wood from sustainable forests. You should also choose 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 further, you should look for a crib that is made from sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, Mini Cotbed and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.

Style

If you're planning to work with a classic or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great option for spaces that are tight. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test participants, 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!"

This classic high-back Baby Crib (buzzbii.com) is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of contemporary colors that can be matched to any style. It's heavier than other cribs we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last 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 occupies more space in the nursery than some of our other top cribs.

It's a great option for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also heavier than the other options and will require to be disassembled in order to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are usually constructed of wood, like maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand damage and nicks much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This can make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and may require more frequent cleaning.

Another benefit of the standard crib is that it typically comes with a toddler rail which can ensure your child's safety from falling off and climbing. Keep in mind, however, that many cribs for toddlers will require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

There are many things to consider when choosing a crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats and whether it's convertible. It is essential to pick a crib that you like since it will be there for your baby for many years. You should also select a crib that will fit in with the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.

A convertible crib is an excellent option since it grows with your child until it becomes an infant bed, and eventually into a full-size bed. This will save you money over time because you won't need to purchase an additional bed for your child.

Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finishing. It also comes with three adjustable mattress settings and a low-profile that allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. The crib is also simple to assemble, taking less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a good option. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and a great buy. It's a classic style and can be converted to a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to assemble and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach in and out of for short parents.

The final crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for those who want to keep their nursery simple and clean. This elegant crib can be made into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy using eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.

Budget

A quality crib is one that has a solid construction and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly painless. A stylish design that matches your nursery decor is important. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of cost however there are some models that suit every budget.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most versatile options that are available. It can be set up as a bassinet, a crib, or a toddler bed and can also roll and rock to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for babies with reflux. The added canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a cozy like a womb. It can also serve as a portable play space that provides your child with a safe and comfortable spot to sleep when on the move.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn't sacrifice design. It blends a modern style with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to siblings. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It does not have sharp or rough edges and is easily dressed by sheets.

Some parents might want a minimal crib to complement their contemporary or modern home, whereas others may prefer a more stately design that suits the room's decor. If you fall into the latter category of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This stylish model converts from a bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full crib all without the need for bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're an adult who doesn't enjoy excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is more simple and clean visually. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need to help your baby become an adult, but 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.