10 Ways To Build Your Best Crib Empire

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 that your baby could fall into, and choose a design that can be easily converted into a toddler bed or daybed.

Safety

As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best possible start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You don't want to use an old crib that may contain a lot of broken or missing parts, and you definitely shouldn't buy one that's not conforming to the current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is in compliance with the most stringent safety standards.

The slats of a crib should be tightly spaced to stop children from catching their fingers or head in the slats and should not have any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other embellishments which could cause injury risk. A mattress support system is vital to the crib's safety and should be adjustable to different sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.

Avoid dangling items such as blind strings or curtains, because they could strangle your child. Examine your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if necessary.

Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be lowered, but it won't stay down for very long. These are great for parents who do not want to share the bed. Make sure to put your crib away from windows and radiators.

If you're looking for an environmentally friendly crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. It's recommended to choose a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you want to go a step further, look for a crib that is made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.

Style

If you're going for a classic or minimalist style for your nursery, choosing an elegant crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for small spaces because it is slim and sleek. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, Mother & baby cot online Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the best crib for newborn-looking ones we've seen even in the midst of 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 tried, but it's sturdy enough to get through toddler-graduation 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 more space in the nursery when compared to some of our other top choices.

It's a great choice for small spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also bulkier than our other choices and will have to be disassembled to fit through standard doorways when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are usually made from wood, like maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist damage and nicks much better than soft pine. However, be aware that certain manufacturers use pine instead of the more durable hardwoods because it's less expensive. This can make the crib more vulnerable to scratches and dent, 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

When it comes to choosing a crib, there are numerous things to consider. Think about the size, design, slats and whether it is convertible. It is crucial to choose the crib you love since it will be there for your baby for a long time. You should also select a crib that will fit to the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or contemporary.

A convertible crib is a great option since it grows with your child until it becomes a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you won't have to buy a mattress for your child.

Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finishing. It also comes with three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile design that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. It is simple to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes with an electric drill or driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a good alternative. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed. The crib is easy to assemble, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move into and out.

The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists looking to keep their bedroom simple and clean. This elegant crib can be made into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy using eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.

Budget

A quality crib will have a sturdy structure and simple assembly instructions that lead to relatively frustration-free installation. And a design that fits with your nursery decor is also crucial. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price however there are some models that suit every budget.

For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, a crib or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to roll and rock to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies who have reflux. The added canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a comfortable like a womb. It can also serve as a portable play area, providing your child with a secure and comfortable place to nap when they are moving around.

Another option that doesn't skimp on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with sustainable materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe cots to tots last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, including no drop-sides or decorative cutouts that could catch clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges, and is easily dressed by a sheet.

Some parents prefer a minimalist crib to complement their contemporary or modern home. Some prefer a more refined design that matches the interior decor of the room. If you fall in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib without the requirement for mattresses or bars.

If you're a parent who's not into fussiness, opt for the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to aid your baby's development into an adult. However, they sport a more traditional look compared to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.