Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major feature in your nursery for a long time, so it's important to pick one you love admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your baby might get into, and opt for an option that is able to be 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's safe. You shouldn't use a crib that has a lot loose or missing pieces or is one that isn't up to current safety standards. If you're buying a new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is up to the highest safety standards.
The slats of a crib should be positioned so that children cannot catch their heads or fingers within them. They shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could cause injuries. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib should be able to be adjusted to various heights so that it can grow with your child.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds as they can strangle your baby. It's a good idea examine your crib frequently for missing or loose items, and replace any that are loosened in the course of time.
Some cribs have the option of a side panel that could be removed, but it won't stay down for long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share the bed. Just make sure you put your crib away from windows and radiators.
If best cot beds looking for a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low chemical emissions. If you want to go even further, you should look for a crib made of sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
If you're planning to work with an elegant or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with the option of a lower-height mattress. One of our testers, 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 crib is made using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors to fit any style. It's heavier than other cribs we've test, but it's durable 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 takes up more space in the nursery when compared to other top choices.
It's a good choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also a bit bulkier than some of our other choices, and it will likely require dismantling in order to fit through standard doors in order to move from room the next.
Standard cribs are usually made of wood such as oak or maple. They can also be made from mahogany, cherry, birch or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand scratches and dings better than soft pine. But be aware that some manufacturers use pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable because it's cheaper. This can make the crib more prone to scratches and dent, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling out or climbing. Be aware, however, that many cribs for toddlers require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.
best cot bed
There are numerous things to consider when choosing the right crib. Think about the size, design, slats, and if it is convertible. It is essential to choose a crib you like, as it will be used by your child for a long period of time. It is also important to choose the crib that will go with the decor of your home, whether it's contemporary or traditional.
affordable cots can grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, then a full size bed. This will save money over time because you won't have to buy an additional bed for your child.
Some convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finishing. It also has three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile design that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. It is simple to put together this crib in less than 15 minutes using a cordless driver/drill.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a great alternative. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and a great buy. It has a classic design and can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to assemble and has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached in and out of for smaller parents.
The final crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists looking to keep their nursery simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be transformed to become a full-size toddler bed or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively effortless. And a stylish design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also important. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of cost however there are some models that are suitable for every budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib, or as a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently rock your baby to slumber or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons envelop the baby in an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It can even double as a play yard that can be carried around and provide your child with the security and comfort to nap on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice design. It combines a modern style with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts which could catch clothing. It is easy to dress with a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents might want a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more stately design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib, without the need for bars or mattresses.
If you are a parent who doesn't like excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is more simple and clean in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to aid your baby's development into an adult. They do however have more of a traditional style in comparison to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.