10 Best Crib Tricks Experts Recommend

Choosing the Best cot for newborn Crib

Pick a crib you love. It will be part of your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides, since your child might fall in. Instead, opt for one that can easily be converted to a daybed or toddler.

Safety

We want to give our children the best start in life. This starts with a crib that's safe. You shouldn't use an old crib that may contain a lot of broken or missing parts, and you definitely shouldn't buy one that's not up to current safety standards. When buying a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats of a crib should be positioned so that children cannot catch their fingers or heads in them. They should not have any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could result in injury. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib and must be capable of adjusting to various sizes to accommodate your child as they develop.

Avoid hanging items like blind strings or curtains, as they can strangle your child. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for missing or loose objects, and replace any that are loosened over time.

Some cribs come with the option of a side panel that could be lowered, but it won't stay down for long. These are ideal for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but be sure that you're positioned in an area free of windows and radiators and that your Baby beds isn't too close cots to tots the window or curtain sill.

If you are seeking an eco-friendly crib, select one made of sustainable forests. It's important to select a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something more durable, consider a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemicals.

Style

If you're planning to work with a classic or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 fits well in smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with an adjustable lower height mattress. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most attractive 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 of modern colors that match any style. It's heavier than the other cribs that we tested, but durable 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than our other top cribs.

It's a great option for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also a bit heavier than our other picks and will probably require dismantling to fit through doors that are standard in order to move from room space.

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

Another plus to a standard crib is that it usually comes with a toddler rail which will help keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. Keep in mind that some cribs designed for toddlers require you to buy a separate toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

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

A convertible crib can grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and eventually to a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run since you don't have to buy a separate mattress for your child.

There are numerous convertible cribs available however, certain models stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it is in compliance with or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of construction and finish. Additionally, it comes with three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easy to get your baby out of the crib. It is also simple to assemble in less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.

Another option that is worth considering is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a great value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed. The crib is easy to put together, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to get in and out.

The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for those who want to keep their bedroom simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be transformed as a toddler Mini Cot Bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing techniques. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.

Budget

A good crib must be built with strength and simple assembly instructions that allow for an easy and painless installation. A stylish design that matches your nursery decor is also essential. There are a variety of crib models that can be purchased at different costs.

For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, a crib or a toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently help your baby sleep or create an easy incline for babies with reflux. The drape rod and canopy envelop your child in a warm baby-like womb. It can also serve as a portable play space that provides your child with a safe and comfortable spot to sleep while traveling.

Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, including no drop-sides or decorative cutouts that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and does not have sharp edges.

Some parents may want a minimalist crib to match their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more formal design that suits the room's decor. If you fall in the latter category you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant-looking model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib, and then to a full crib, all without the need for mattresses or bars, so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you are an adult who doesn't enjoy the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is more simple and clean visually. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to aid your baby's development into an adult. However, they sport more of a traditional style compared to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.