What Best Crib Could Be Your Next Big Obsession

Choosing the Best Crib

Pick a crib you love. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your little one could fall into, and choose one 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 starts with a crib that is safe. It's not necessary to have cribs that have a lot loose or missing pieces and you shouldn't choose one that doesn't meet current safety standards. When buying a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats in the crib should be spaced so that children aren't catching their fingers or head in them and should not have any decorative cut outs or other decorations that could create a risk. 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.

It is also recommended to avoid dangling objects such as blind strings or curtains as these present the risk of strangulation to your child. Be sure to check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.

Some cribs come with the option of a side panel that could be lifted, but it won't stay in place for long. These are great for parents who don't want to share the bed. Make sure to place your crib away from windows and radiators.

If you are seeking a green crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low chemical emissions. If you're looking to buy something better, choose a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates and other chemical compounds.

Style

If you're going for a minimal or classic nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good fit for tight spaces. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up there with the best-looking cribs we've ever seen even among sea grey!"

This classic high-back crib has been constructed using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs we've examined, but it's strong enough to get 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 square footage in the nursery than some of our other top choices.

While it's a great choice for small spaces, its distinctive design can be challenging to find bedding and sheets for. It's also a bit bulkier than our other choices and may require dismantling in order to fit through standard doors when moving from room to room.

Standard cribs are made of wood such as oak or maple. They can also be made from mahogany, cherry, birch, or cherry. They are generally longer-lasting than other materials and can withstand nicks and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make the crib more vulnerable to scratches and dent, which may require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling or climbing. However, keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail to ensure security.

Convertibility

There are numerous aspects to take into consideration when selecting the right crib. Think about the size, design, slats and whether it is convertible. It is essential to pick the crib you love since it will be there for your baby for a long time. It is also important to select a crib that will fit to the decor of your home whether it's modern or traditional.

A convertible crib can grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, then to a full-size bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't need to buy a mattress 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 is in compliance with or exceeds the government safety standards for construction and finishing. It also has three adjustable mattress height settings and a low profile that makes it easy to move your baby in and out of the crib. It's easy to put together this crib in less than 15 minutes to assemble using an electric drill or driver.

Another good option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a great value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It is a classic crib that can be converted into an infant bed or a daybed. The crib is simple to put together, and its low profile makes it easier for parents to get into and out.

The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery design simple and simple. This stylish crib can be transformed into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious production methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and made to be used in conjunction alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.

Budget

A crib that is of good quality should have sturdy construction and straightforward assembly instructions that lead to the installation process being relatively easy. And a design that is compatible with the decor of your nursery is important. There are many different cribs available to be purchased at different prices.

For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib, or as a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently help your baby sleep or create an easy slope for reflux babies. The added drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a comfortable baby-like womb. It could also serve as a portable play area providing your child with the security and comfort to nap on the go.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It combines a contemporary design with sustainable materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and can be passed down 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 is free of rough or sharp edges and can easily be dressed with a sheet.

Some parents might prefer 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 you fall into the latter category you should 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 without the requirement for mattresses or bars.

If you are a parent who isn't a fan of the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is more simple and clean looking. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to help your baby grow into an adult. They do however have a more traditional look in comparison to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.