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Choosing the Best Crib

Pick a crib you love. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your little one could get into, and opt for a design that is easily convertible to a toddler bed or daybed.

Safety

We want to give our children the best cot bed start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. It's not necessary to have cribs that have lots of missing or loose pieces and you shouldn't choose one that isn't in line with the current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it meets the most important safety requirements.

The slats of a crib must be closely spaced to ensure that children don't get their fingers or heads in the slats. They shouldn't contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other decorations that could result in injury. A mattress support system is crucial to the safety of the crib and must be able to adjust to different heights to accommodate your baby as they develop.

Avoid dangling items such as blind strings or curtains, because they could strangle your child. Be sure to check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.

Some cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered, but it won't stay down for very long. These are great crib for parents who don't want to share with their children. Be sure to place your crib away from windows and radiators.

If you're seeking a crib that is environmentally friendly, consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It is also recommended cribs to choose one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking to buy something better, choose a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates, and other chemicals.

Style

Whether you're working with an elegant or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing an elegant crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim and is a great choice for small spaces. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up there with the best-looking cribs we've seen, even among sea grey!"

This classic high-back baby crib is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of modern colors that will match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs we've 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 more space in the nursery compared to other top picks.

While a good option for smaller spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also bulkier than our other picks and will need to be dismantled to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are typically constructed from wood, such as oak or maple. They are also made of cherry, mahogany, birch or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand nicks and dings much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and may require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will also include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling out or climbing. Keep in mind, however, that many cribs designed for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

When you are deciding on a crib, there are many things to consider. Think about the size, design, slats, and if it is convertible. It's important to find a crib you like, as it will be used by your baby for a long period of time. You also want to choose a crib that will fit to the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.

A convertible crib will expand with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and then an adult size bed. This will save you money in the end because you won't need to purchase a mattress for your child.

There are numerous convertible cribs available, but some stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it meets or surpasses the safety standards of the government in terms of construction and finish. It also comes with three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile 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 an electric drill or driver.

Another good option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is GREENGUARD Certified Gold and a great deal. It's a classic style and can be converted to an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached in and out of for short parents.

The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery decor simple and tidy. It's a stylish and affordable cots crib that can be transformed as a toddler bed or full-size bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy with environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's non-toxic mattresses.

Budget

A quality crib will have a sturdy construction, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process painless. A stylish design that matches your nursery decor is important. There are many different cribs available to be bought at various prices.

For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib or toddler bed. It can also rock and roll to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an easy incline for babies who have reflux. The canopy and drape rods envelop the baby in a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It can also serve as a portable play area that provides your child with a safe and comfortable spot to sleep while moving around.

Another option that doesn't skimp on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with environmentally friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch plywood crib 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 cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could catch clothing. It has no rough or sharp edges and can easily be dressed with a sheet.

Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to complement their modern or contemporary home. Others may prefer a more refined design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter category you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet into a mini crib and then to a full-sized crib, all without adding bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're a parent who doesn't like the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is simpler and cleaner visually. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to help your baby grow into an adult. However, they have an older-style look when in comparison to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.