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Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major element in your nursery for years so it's crucial to choose a crib you enjoy seeing. Avoid cribs that have cutouts and drop-sides, as your child might fall in. Instead, opt for one that can easily be transformed into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
We want to give our children the best crib newborn start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. You shouldn't use an infant crib with lots of missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that doesn't meet the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats that comprise a crib should be tightly spaced to stop children from catching their fingers or head in them and should not have any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could create a risk. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib, and it should be capable of adjusting to various heights to accommodate your Baby beds as they develop.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds because they could strangle your baby cots on sale. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for missing or loose items, and replace any that have gotten lost over time.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be moved down. However, it will not stay down for long. These are great for parents who don't want to share with their children. Just make sure you put your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're looking for a crib which is green, you should consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It's important to select a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go a step more, consider a crib that's made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
If you're going for a classic or minimalist nursery cots aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 can be used in small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and has an adjustable lower height mattress. One of our test participants, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most attractive cribs we've seen, even in a sea of grey!"
This classic high-back crib has been constructed with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of modern colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs we've evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last until 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 space in the nursery than some of our other top rated cots cribs.
While it's a great choice for smaller spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also more bulkier than the other options and will have to be disassembled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually made from wood, like maple or oak, ash, mahogany, cherry, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand nicks and dings much better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable since it's less expensive. This can make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling 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 for added safety.
Convertibility
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right crib. You must consider the size, style, and slat type and whether it's convertible or not. It is essential to choose a crib that you love, as it will be used by your child for a long period of time. You should also pick the crib that is compatible with the style of your home, whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is a fantastic choice because it will grow with your child until it becomes an infant bed, and eventually a full-size bed. This will save you money in the end because you won't have to purchase a mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified which means it is in compliance with or exceeds government safety standards in construction and finish. Additionally, it comes with three adjustable mattress height settings and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby out and in of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to put together, taking less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a good option. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is a classic crib that can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed. This crib is also simple to assemble and has a low-profile that allows it to be easily reached in and out of for smaller parents.
The last crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists who want to keep their bedroom simple and clean. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be outfitted to become an adult bed or a full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.
Budget
A good crib is one that has a solid construction, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process easy. And a stylish design that is compatible with your nursery decor is also essential. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price however there are some models that will fit into any budget.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most versatile options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib or as a toddler bed. It can also be used to gently rock your baby to slumber or create an easy slope for babies who are reflux. The drape rod and canopy envelop your child in a warm womb-like environment. It can even double as a play yard that can be carried around providing your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to sleep on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice style. It blends a modern style with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It meets all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents may want an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, while others might prefer a more stately design that suits the room's decor. If you fall into the latter group of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. This elegant model converts from a bassinet to a mini-crib and then a full-size crib, without the need for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent that isn't into fussiness, opt for the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require to allow your baby to become a toddler, however they have a more traditional look than some other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.