8 Tips To Up Your Best Crib Game
Choosing the Best Crib
Pick a crib you like. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your little one 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 starts with a crib that is safe. You shouldn't use an old crib that may contain a number of loose or broken parts, and you certainly do not want one that isn't up to current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is up to the highest safety requirements.
The slats that comprise the crib should be spaced to prevent children from falling or catching their heads in them and should not have any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could create a risk. A mattress support system is vital to the crib's safety and must be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your child as they grow.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds as they can strangle your child. Examine 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 down for very long. These are great for parents who don't want to share with their children. Make sure to keep your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're looking for a crib which is green, you should consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. You should also choose a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that it emits no 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 chemicals.
Style
Whether you're working with a minimal or classic design, a stylish crib is essential. 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 most beautiful cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety modern colors that will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs that we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last into 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 some of our other top choices.
While it's a great option for small spaces, its distinctive design can be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also a bit bulkier than our other options, and it will likely require dismantling in order to fit through doors that are standard when moving from room to room.
Standard cribs are made from wood, like maple or oak, ash, mahogany, cherry or birch. They are generally more durable than other materials and can withstand scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make the crib more vulnerable to dent and scratches which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling out or climbing. Keep in cots and tots that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to buy an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are numerous aspects to take into consideration when selecting a crib. Think about the size, design, slats, and whether it is convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib you like, as it will be with your child for a long period of time. You also want to choose a crib that is a good fit in with the decor of your home, whether that be modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is a fantastic option since it grows with your child into a toddler bed, and later into a full-size bed. This will save money over time because you won't have to buy an additional bed for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified that means it meets or surpasses government safety standards in design and construction. online cots has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. It is easy to assemble this crib and takes less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another good option. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and a great deal. It has a classic design and can be converted to a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is simple to assemble, and its low profile makes it easier for parents to get in and out.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for those who want to keep their room simple and clean. This stylish crib can be converted into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy with environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy structure and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process effortless. A stylish design that is compatible with the decor of your nursery is important. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price, but there are models that are suitable for every budget.
For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet crib, or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to rock and roll to gently help your baby sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies with reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a comfortable like a womb. It can also be used as a portable play area and provides your child with a safe and comfortable place to nap while on the move.
Another option that doesn't compromise on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to siblings. It meets all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges, and is easily dressed by a sheet.
Some parents might want a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, whereas others may prefer a more formal style that suits the room's decor. If your preference falls into the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet to an infant crib and then a full-size crib with no need for bars or mattresses.
If you're a parent who 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 help your baby grow into a toddler. They do however have more of a traditional style as compared to other models, such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.