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Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you like. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, as your child may fall into. Instead, pick one that can easily be transformed into a toddler or daybed.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. It's not necessary to have an infant crib with a lot loose or missing pieces, nor do you want one that isn't in line with the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats in the crib should be spaced to prevent children from getting their hands or heads in the slats cots and tots also they shouldn't contain any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other ornaments that could create a risk. A mattress support system is vital to the crib's safety and should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your baby as they grow.
Avoid hanging items like curtains or blinds, since they could strangle your baby. It's a good idea to check your crib regularly for loose or missing items, and replace them if they are missing or that have become dislodged over time.
Some cribs come with a side panel which can be removed. However, it will not stay down for long. These are useful for parents who wish to sleep with their children without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make sure that you're positioned in an area that is away from windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly crib, select one made of wood from sustainable forests. You should also consider one that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed the tests to ensure that there are no emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to go further, you should look for a crib that is 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 planning to work with a classic or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing an elegant crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 can be used in smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It's GREENGUARD Certified and has the option of a 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 the midst of grey!"
The classic high-back crib for babies is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of contemporary colors that can be matched to any aesthetic. It's a bit heavier than other cribs that we've examined, but it's strong enough to make it through 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 takes up more space in the nursery compared to some of our other top picks.
While it's a great choice for small spaces, its unique design may be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also bulkier than the other options and will need to be disassembled in order to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed of wood like oak or maple. They can also be made from mahogany, cherry, birch or cherry. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand nicks and dings much better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods because it's less expensive. This can make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it typically comes with a toddler rail which can help to keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. But keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail to ensure security.
Convertibility
When it comes to selecting a crib, there are many aspects to take into consideration. Consider the size, style, slats and whether it is convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib that you like since it will be there for your baby for a long time. You also want to choose the crib that fits into your home's decor regardless of whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is a fantastic choice because it will grow with your child until it becomes a toddler bed, and later to a larger bed. This will save you money over time because you won't have to buy a separate bed for your child.
There are numerous convertible cribs available, but certain models stand out more than others. One of them is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that 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 an extremely low profile, making it easy to move your baby out and in of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to put together and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a good alternative. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and a great crib buy. It is a classic design and can be transformed into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. 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 final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for minimalists looking to keep their nursery simple and clean. This elegant crib can be made into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy using environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality is one that has a solid construction and easy assembly instructions. This will make the process easy. And a stylish design that matches your nursery decor is also essential. There are numerous cribs available to be purchased at different prices.
For Mini Cot Beds 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 roll and rock to gently help your baby sleep or create an easy incline for babies with reflux. The add-on drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a comfortable baby-like womb. It can also serve as a portable play area and provides your child with a safe and comfortable spot to sleep when they are on the move.
Another option that doesn't sacrifice on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with environmentally friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could catch clothing. It is free of sharp or rough edges and is easily dressed with sheets.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to complement their modern or contemporary home. Others may prefer a more elegant design that matches the décor of the room. If your preference falls in the latter category, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full crib all without the need for mattresses or bars, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you are a parent who isn't a fan of the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is more simple and clean in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to aid your baby's development into a toddler. They do however have a more traditional look in comparison to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.