Choosing the Best Crib

Pick a crib you like. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides, as your child may fall into. Instead, choose a design which can easily be transformed to a daybed or toddler.

Safety

We want to give our children the best crib for newborn possible start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. You don't need to use an infant crib with lots of missing or loose pieces, nor do you want 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 crib's slats should be positioned so that children do not get their heads or fingers within the slats. They shouldn't include any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could result in injuries. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib, and it should be adjustable to different sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.

You'll also want to avoid dangling objects such as curtains or blind strings, as these present an opportunity for strangulation for your baby. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for missing or loose items, and replace any that have become dislodged over time.

Some cribs come with a side panel which can be moved down. However it won't be down for long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share with their children. Be sure to place your crib away from windows and radiators.

If you're looking for a crib which is green, you should consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you're looking to go even further, look for 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 going for a classic or minimalist nursery aesthetic, choosing a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 can be used in tiny spaces since it's slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the best-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 of modern colors that will match any aesthetic. It's a bit heavier than other cribs we've tested, but it's durable enough to make it 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 up more square footage in the nursery than our other top cribs.

While it's a great option for small spaces, its distinctive design may be difficult to find bedding and sheets for. It's also more bulkier than our other picks and will require to be disassembled to fit through doorways that are standard when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are made from wood, such as maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry, or birch. They are typically longer-lasting than other materials and can withstand damage better than soft pine. But be aware that some manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods since it's less expensive. This can make a crib vulnerable to dents and scratches and could require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will also include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling out or climbing. But keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase your own separate toddler cheap cot bed rail for extra safety.

Convertibility

There are numerous things to think about when choosing a crib. You have to consider size, style and Tots and cots slat type, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It's important to find the crib you love, as it will be with your child for a long period of time. You also want to choose a crib that is a good fit into your home's decor whether it's modern or traditional.

A convertible crib can grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and then to a full-size bed. This will save money over time because you won't have to buy an additional bed for your child.

There are numerous convertible cribs available, but certain models stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified, which means it meets or surpasses the safety standards of the government in terms of design and construction. It also has three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low-profile that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. It is also easy to put together and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using an electric drill or driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another great option. This crib 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 also easy to assemble and has a low-profile that makes it easy to reach into and out for small parents.

The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists looking to keep their nursery decor simple and clean. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be outfitted into a full-size toddler bed or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy with environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and specifically designed to work alongside the brand's non-toxic mattresses.

Budget

A good crib should have sturdy construction and straightforward assembly instructions that allow for an easy and painless installation. And a design that fits with the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs vary in terms of price however there are some models that will fit into any budget.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, is one of the most versatile options that are available. It can be set up as a bassinet, crib or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to rock and roll to gently soothe your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies who have reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons provide the baby with a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It can also serve as a portable play space and provides your child with a safe and comfortable place to nap while traveling.

Another option that doesn't sacrifice on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is made sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, including no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could snag clothing. It is free of rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed with sheets.

Some parents prefer a minimalist crib that matches their contemporary or modern home. Others may prefer a more elegant style that complements the décor of the room. If you're in the latter group of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great choice. This elegant model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib without the need for mattresses or bars.

If you're a parent that isn't in the mood for fussiness, choose the less cluttered and more elegant cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need for your baby to grow into an adult, but they're more of a traditional look than some other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.