Choosing the Best Crib

A crib will be a major feature in your nursery for years, so it's important to pick a crib that you love admiring. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby could fall into, and select an option that is easily convertible into 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 might have a lot of loose or missing parts, and you definitely don't want one that isn't conforming to the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats on a crib should be positioned so that children do not get their fingers or heads in them. They should also not include any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could cause injury. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib, must be adjustable to various heights so that it can adapt to the needs of your child.

You'll also want to avoid dangling objects such as blind strings or curtains, as these present the risk of strangulation to your infant. Be sure to check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if needed.

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 the bed. Make sure to keep your crib away from windows and radiators.

If you're looking for a crib that is green, you should consider one made from wood from sustainable forests. It's important to choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed a test for low emissions of chemicals. If you want to go even further, look for a crib that is made from sustainably 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 style for your nursery, choosing an elegant crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most beautiful cribs we've seen even in a sea of grey!"

The classic high-back crib for babies is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety contemporary colors that can be matched to any style. It's a bit heavier than other cribs that we've examined, but it's strong enough to get through toddler-graduation 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 our other top cribs.

While a good option for small spaces, its distinctive design can be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also a bit bulkier than our other options and will probably require dismantling in order to fit through standard doors when moving from room to space.

Standard cribs are usually made from wood, such as maple, oak, ash, cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. However, be aware of the fact that some manufacturers use pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable because it's less expensive. This could make the crib more vulnerable to scratches and dent, which may require more frequent cleaning.

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

Convertibility

When you are deciding on a crib, there are many factors to consider. Think about the size, design, slats and whether it is convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be with your baby 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 will grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, then an adult size bed. This will save you money over time because you won't have to buy an additional bed for your child.

Some convertible cribs stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified which means it is in compliance with or exceeds government safety standards in the construction and finish. It also comes with three adjustable mattress settings and 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, which takes less than 15 minutes with a cordless driver/drill.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a great alternative. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It's a classic style and can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach into and out of for short parents.

The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists looking to keep their room simple and clean. This elegant crib can be converted into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.

Budget

A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions that lead to an easy and painless installation. A stylish design that fits with your nursery decor is also crucial. There are a variety of crib models that can be purchased at different prices.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most versatile options that are available. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or a toddler bed. It can also gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an easy slope for reflux babies. The canopy and drape rod add-ons envelop the baby in the comfort of a womb-like environment. It could also serve as a play yard that can be carried around, giving your child a comfortable and secure place 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 birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, Cots4Tots.Co.uk which include no drop-sides or decorative cutouts that could snag clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges, and is easily dressed with sheets.

Some parents might want a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more stately design that complements the decor of the room. If your preference falls into the latter category you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet into mini cribs and later to a full-sized crib, all without mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're an adult who doesn't enjoy excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is less cluttered and more clean visually. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to assist your baby to grow into a toddler. However, they have a more traditional look compared to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.