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Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major element in your nursery for years and it's essential to pick a crib that you love seeing. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides as your child could fall in. Instead, choose an option that can easily be converted to a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our babies the best cots start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You don't need to use a crib that has lots of missing or loose pieces or is one that doesn't meet the current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, make sure you look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it meets the most important safety requirements.
The slats in a crib should be tightly spaced to prevent children from falling or catching their heads in the slats, and they shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could pose an injury risk. The mattress support system, which is vital to the safety of your crib should be adjustable to different levels so that it can adapt to the needs of your child.
You'll also want to avoid hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains, as these present a strangulation risk for your child. Be sure to check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if necessary.
Some cribs come with the option of a side panel that could be removed however it won't stay down for very long. They are great for parents who wish to co-sleep without the risks of bed sharing, but make sure you're in an area free of windows and radiators and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're seeking a crib that is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to select a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to go more, consider 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 looking to create a classic or minimalist nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek, making it a good option for spaces that are tight. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has an adjustable lower height mattress. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up there with the best-looking recommended cribs we've ever 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 contemporary colors that can be matched to any style. It's heavier than the other cribs we 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 takes up more square footage in the nursery than our other top cribs.
It's a great choice for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also a bit bulkier than our other picks and will probably require dismantling to fit through doors that are standard when moving from room to space.
Standard cribs are usually made of wood such as oak or maple. They are also made of mahogany, birch, or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand nicks and dings much better than soft pine. But be aware that some manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This could make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches which could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling or climbing. Keep in mind that a lot of cribs specifically designed for toddlers will require you to buy a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are a lot of aspects to take into consideration when selecting a crib. You must consider the size, style, and slat type and whether it's convertible or not. It is essential to pick the crib you love since it will be with your baby cots on sale for many years. It is also important to select the crib that fits in with 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 eventually an adult size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you don't have to buy an additional bed for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs available, but certain models stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it is in compliance with or exceeds the government safety standards for construction and finishing. It also has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and a low profile that makes it simple to get your baby in and out of the crib. It is simple to put together this crib and takes less than 15 minutes using a cordless driver/drill.
Another option is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and a great deal. It has a classic design and can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. It is also easy to assemble and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach in and out of for smaller parents.
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, affordable crib that can be outfitted as a full-size toddler bed or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and employs eco-friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A quality crib will have a sturdy structure, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the installation relatively easy. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs vary in terms of cost however, there are models that suit every 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, a crib or a toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies with reflux. The drape rod and canopy envelop your child in a warm womb-like environment. It can also serve as a portable play space that provides your child with a safe and comfortable place to nap when on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice style. It combines a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and can be passed on to siblings. It meets all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed by a sheet.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to match their contemporary or modern home. Some prefer a more refined design that is in keeping with the décor of the room. If you fall in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from a bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full crib all without adding mattresses or bars, meaning you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who's not in the mood for fussiness, choose the more simple and clean-looking cribs. 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, Small cot Beds they sport more of a traditional style compared to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.