Choosing the Best Crib

Choose a crib that you love. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your child could fall into, and choose a design that can be easily converted to a toddler bed or daybed.

Safety

We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. You don't want to use an old crib that might contain a lot of broken or damaged parts, and you definitely don't want one that isn't in compliance with current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats on a crib should be spaced evenly to ensure that children don't get their fingers or heads in the slats. They should also not include any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could cause injuries. The mattress support system, which is essential to the security of your crib, must be adjustable to various heights to allow it to adapt to the needs of your child.

Avoid hanging objects such as blind strings or curtains, because they could strangle your baby. It's a good idea check your crib regularly for loose or missing items, and replace them if they are missing or that have gotten lost in the course of time.

Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be lifted, but it won't stay down for very long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share the bed. Make sure to keep your crib away from windows and radiators.

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

Style

If you're going for an elegant or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek and is a great fit for tight spaces. It's GREENGUARD Certified and comes with an adjustable lower height mattress. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up there with the best cots-looking cribs we've ever seen even in a sea grey!"

This classic high-back baby crib is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety contemporary colors that can be matched to any style. It's heavier than the other cribs we've tested, but durable enough to last into toddlerhood 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 ranked cribs picks.

While it's a great choice for smaller spaces, its unique design can be challenging to find bedding and sheets for. It's also heavier than our other picks and will need to be disassembled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.

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

A standard crib will include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling out or climbing. However, be aware that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for added safety.

Convertibility

There are many things to think about when choosing the right crib. Think about the size, design, slats, and whether it's convertible. It is essential to pick a crib that you like since it will be there for your baby for many years. You should also choose the crib that is compatible 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, and eventually a full size bed. This will save money in the long run since you don't have to buy an additional bed for your child.

Certain convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified which means it meets or surpasses federal safety standards for the construction and finish. It also has three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it easy to move 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 another excellent option. The crib is GreenGuard Certified Gold and a great buy. It is a classic design and can be converted to a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. This crib is also simple to put together and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out of for smaller parents.

The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for those who want to keep their room simple and tidy. This stylish crib can be made into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy using eco-friendly production methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.

Budget

A quality crib will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively effortless. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of cost, but there are models that will fit into any budget.

For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib or as a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to soothe your baby to sleep or create a gentle slope for babies who are reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod encase your baby in a comfortable womb-like environment. It can also double as a portable play area and provide your child with a comfortable and secure place to sleep on the move.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn't sacrifice style. It blends a modern design with sustainable materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to children. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and does not have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.

Some parents prefer a minimalist crib that matches their modern or contemporary home. Others might prefer a more elegant style that complements the décor of the room. If you fall into the latter category you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from a bassinet to an infant crib, and then to a full-sized crib, all without the need for mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're a parent who isn't a fan of excessive fussiness, consider a crib that is simpler and cleaner visually. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to help your baby grow into a toddler. However, they sport a more traditional look compared to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.