5 Best Crib Lessons From The Professionals
Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key fixture in your nursery for many years and it's essential to pick one you love admiring. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your child could get into, and opt for an option 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 infant crib with many missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that isn't in line with current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of a crib must be closely spaced so that children do not get their heads or fingers in the slats. They should not contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other decorations that could cause injuries. The mattress support system, which is essential to the security of your crib, must be adjustable to various heights to allow it to expand with your child.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds as they can strangle your baby. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for loose or missing items, and replace them if they are missing or that are loosened over time.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be lowered. However it won't stay down for long. These are great for parents who do not want to share a bed. Be sure to keep your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're looking for a crib which is environmentally friendly, consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It's important to pick a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low emissions of chemicals. If you want to go further, look for a crib that's made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
If you're planning to work with an elegant or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the best-looking ones we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of contemporary colors that can be matched to any style. It's heavier than the other cribs we've examined, but it's strong 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 some of our other top choices.
While it's a great option for smaller spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also bulkier than our other picks and will require to be disassembled in order to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically constructed from wood, such as maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist nicks and dings much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make a crib vulnerable to dents and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of a standard crib is that it usually includes a toddler rail, which can help keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. Keep in mind that some cribs designed for toddlers require you to purchase an additional toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and if it's convertible. It is essential to choose a crib that you love because it will be used by your child for a long time. You also want to choose a crib that will fit in with the decor of your home whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib is a great option because it can grow with your child to an infant bed, and eventually to a larger bed. This can save you money in the long run because you don't have to buy an additional bed for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than other. cots to tots -in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it is in compliance with or exceeds federal safety standards for the construction and finish. It also has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and a low profile that makes it easy to move your baby in and out of the crib. It is easy to assemble 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 an excellent value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It's a classic style and can be made into a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is simple to put together and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move into and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery designs simple and clean. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be made as a full-size toddler bed or bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy using eco-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy structure and straightforward assembly instructions that result in relatively frustration-free installation. And a stylish design that is compatible with the decor of your nursery is important. Cribs are available in terms of cost however there are some models that suit every budget.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, crib or toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for reflux babies. The canopy and drape rod add-ons will encase your baby in an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It can even double as a play yard that can be carried around, giving your child an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.
Another option that doesn't compromise on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no drop-sides or decorative cutouts that could catch clothing. It is free of sharp or rough edges and is easily dressed with sheets.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to complement their contemporary or modern home. Some prefer a more elegant style that is in keeping with the decor of the room. If best cots for newborns fall into the latter category 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 into an infant crib and then a full-size crib, without the need for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent who isn't a fan of 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 components you require to help your baby grow into a toddler, but they're more of a traditional style than other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.