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Choosing the Best Crib

A crib will be a key element in your nursery for years, so it's important to pick one you love looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby could get into, and select one that can be easily converted to a toddler bed or daybed.

Safety

As parents as parents, we want to provide our children the best start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. You don't want an old crib that might contain a number of loose or damaged parts, and you definitely do not want one that isn't up to current safety standards. When purchasing a crib ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats of the crib should be spaced so that children aren't getting their hands or heads in the slats and should not have any decorative cut outs or other embellishments that could create a risk. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib should be adjustable to different levels so that it can grow with your child.

It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains, since they pose the risk of strangulation to your child. Examine your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if needed.

Some cribs have a side panel that can be removed but it won't be down for very long. These are ideal for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be certain that you're in a room free of windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.

If you're seeking a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to select a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you're looking 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

Whether you're working with an elegant or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing an attractive crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good option for spaces that are tight. It's GREENGUARD Certified and comes with the option of a lower-height mattress. One of our test participants, Mother & Baby Cot Bed Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most attractive cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"

This classic high-back baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety modern colors that match any style. It's heavier than the other cribs we've tested, but durable enough to last through the toddler years 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 square footage in the nursery than our other top picks.

It's a great option for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also heavier than our other picks, and it will likely need to be disassembled to fit through doors that are standard in order to move from room space.

Standard cribs are typically constructed from wood, such as oak or maple. They are also made of cherry, mahogany, birch or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This could make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches, which could require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling out or climbing. Remember that a lot of cribs for toddlers will require the purchase of an additional toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

When it comes to choosing a crib, there are numerous factors to consider. You must consider size, style and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It is essential to choose a crib you like because it will be a part of your child for a long time. It is also important to select a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home, whether that be traditional or contemporary.

A convertible crib is an excellent option because it can grow with your child until it becomes a toddler bed, and later to a larger bed. This can save you money in the long run because you don't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.

Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finish. Additionally, it comes with three height settings that can be adjusted and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby out of the crib. The crib is also easy to build and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.

Another good option is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and a great buy. It's a classic style and can be converted to an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. This crib is also simple to assemble and has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached into and out of for smaller parents.

The final crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists who want to keep their nursery cots simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be transformed into an adult bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of an optional 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 non-toxic mattresses.

Budget

A good crib should have sturdy construction and best cot beds easy assembly instructions that lead to the installation process being relatively easy. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery is essential. There are a variety of crib models that can be bought at various prices.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or a toddler bed. It can also gently help your baby sleep or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a comfortable like a womb. It could also serve as a portable play area, giving your child an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to nap on the go.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice design. It combines a contemporary design with eco-friendly materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and can 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 catch clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed with a sheet.

Some parents prefer a simple crib to match their modern or contemporary home. Others may prefer a more elegant style that is in keeping with the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter group of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great option. This stylish model can be converted from a bassinet to an infant crib and then a full-size crib, without the need for bars or mattresses.

If you're a parent who isn't interested in fussiness, go for the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require for your baby to develop into a toddler, but they have more of a traditional style than other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.