Choosing the Best Crib

Choose a crib that you like. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, since your child could fall in. Instead, opt for an option that is easily converted to a daybed or toddler.

Safety

As parents are, we'd like to give our babies the best start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You don't want an old crib that may contain a number of loose or damaged parts, and you certainly don't want one that isn't in compliance with current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from getting their hands or heads in them and also they shouldn't contain any decorative cut outs or other ornaments that could pose an injury risk. The mattress support system, which is vital to the safety of your crib should be able to be adjusted to various heights to allow it to adapt to the needs of your child.

You'll also want to avoid hanging objects, such as curtains or blind strings, since they pose the risk of strangulation to your baby. Examine your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if they are damaged.

Some cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lowered however it won't stay down for long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share the bed. Be sure to put your crib away from radiators and windows.

If you're seeking a crib that is environmentally friendly, consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's recommended to select a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to go further, look for a crib made of 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 a minimal or classic design, an attractive crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek and is a great choice for small spaces. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with an adjustable lower height mattress. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've seen, even among a sea 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 the other cribs that we tested, but durable enough to last through the age of toddler 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 more space in the nursery compared to some of our other top picks.

It's a good choice for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also heavier than our other picks and will probably need to be disassembled to fit through doors that are standard when you move from room to room.

Standard cribs are usually made from wood, such as maple, oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This could make the crib more prone to dent and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.

Another benefit of a standard crib is that it often includes a toddler rail, which will help to keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. Keep in mind that some cribs for toddlers will require you to purchase an additional toddler cot bed sales rail.

Convertibility

When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration. You have cots to tots consider the size, style, and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It is essential to pick the crib you love since it will be with your baby for a long time. You should also choose the crib that is compatible with the style of your home, no matter if it's traditional or modern.

A convertible crib will expand with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, then a full size bed. This will save you money in the long run since you don't have to buy a mattress for your child.

Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finishing. Additionally, it comes with three adjustable mattress height settings and a low profile that makes it simple to get your baby out and in of the crib. The crib is also easy to put together and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a great alternative. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and is a great purchase. It has a classic design and can be converted to a toddler 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 makes it easy to reach in and out for small parents.

The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery design simple and tidy. This stylish crib can be converted into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly production methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and designed to be used together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.

Budget

A good crib will have a sturdy structure and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively effortless. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is essential. There are numerous cribs available to be purchased at different costs.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most flexible options that are available. It can be used as a bassinet crib or a toddler bed. It can also gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an easy slope for babies who are reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a cozy baby-like womb. It can also double as a portable play area, giving your child a comfortable and secure place to rest on the go.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice style. It combines a contemporary style with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could snag clothing. It has no rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed by a sheet.

Some parents prefer a minimalist crib that matches their contemporary or modern home. Others might prefer a more elegant design that is in keeping with the décor of the room. If you're in the latter group of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This stylish model converts from a bassinet into mini cribs beds and later to a full crib, all without mattresses or bars, so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're a parent who isn't in the mood for fussiness, choose the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to allow your baby to grow into a toddler, however they have more of a traditional design than some models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.