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Choosing the Best Crib

Pick a crib you like. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides, since your child could fall in. Instead, choose an option that can easily be converted into a daybed or toddler.

Safety

As parents are, we'd like to give our babies the best cots start in life, and that begins 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 current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The crib's slats must be closely spaced so that children do not get their heads or fingers within the slats. They should also not include any decorative cutouts or other embellishments which could result in injury. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib and should be able to adjust to different heights to accommodate your baby as they develop.

Avoid hanging objects such as curtains or blinds since they could strangle your baby. Examine your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if necessary.

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

If you're seeking a crib that is green, you should consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's important to pick a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go a step further, you should look for a crib that is made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.

Style

If you're looking to design an elegant or classic nursery, a chic crib can be a wonderful option. The SnuzPod4 can be used in tiny spaces since it's slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up there with the best infant cribs-looking cribs we've seen, even among sea grey!"

This classic high-back crib is made with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs that we test, but it's durable enough to last 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than some of our other top cribs.

It's a great choice for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also a bit heavier than some of our other picks and will probably require dismantling in order to fit through standard doors when you move from room to the next.

Standard cribs are usually constructed from wood, including maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry or birch. They tend to be more durable than other materials, and are resistant to scratches and dings better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers use pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable because it's less expensive. This can make a crib vulnerable to dents and scratches and may require more frequent cleaning.

Another plus to a standard crib is that it typically comes with a toddler rail which can ensure your child's safety from falling down and climbing. But keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail to ensure security.

Convertibility

There are numerous things to consider when choosing the right crib. You must consider the size, style, and slat type, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It is essential to choose a crib you like, as it will be used by your baby for a long time. You should also pick the crib that is compatible with the style of your home, regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.

A convertible crib is a great option because it can grow with your child until it becomes an infant bed, and eventually to a larger bed. This can save you money in the long run since you don't have to buy an additional bed for your child.

Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three adjustable mattress height settings and an extremely low profile, making it easy to get your baby in and out of the crib. It's easy to put together this crib in less than 15 minutes to assemble using a cordless driver/drill.

Another option that is worth considering is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic design and can be converted to an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. It is also easy to put together and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach in and out of for short parents.

The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for those who want to keep their nursery simple and tidy. It's a stylish, affordable crib that can be outfitted as a full-size toddler bed or bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and uses environmentally conscious production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.

Budget

A good crib will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions that allow for the installation process being relatively easy. A stylish design that fits with your nursery decor is also important. There are many different models of cribs that can be purchased at different costs.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most versatile options 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 an easy slope for babies who are reflux. The canopy and drape rod will encase your child in a warm baby-like womb. It can even double as a play yard that can be carried around providing your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to rest on the go.

Another option that doesn't compromise on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It meets all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.

Some parents might want a minimalist crib to match their modern or contemporary home, whereas others may prefer a more formal style that is suited to the room's decor. If your preference falls in the latter category you should consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib, and then to a full crib, all without mattresses or bars, so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're a parent who isn't interested in fussiness, go for the less cluttered and more elegant recommended cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to assist your baby to grow into a toddler. However, they have a more traditional look as compared to other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.