Choosing the Best Crib

Pick a crib you like. It will be in your nursery for many years. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your child could fall into, and choose a design that is easily convertible into a toddler bed or daybed.

Safety

We want to give our children the best cot bed possible start in life. This starts with a crib that is safe. You don't want an old crib that may have a lot of loose or missing parts, and you certainly shouldn't buy one that's not up to current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is up to the highest safety requirements.

The slats in the crib must be spaced to prevent children from falling or catching their heads in them, and they shouldn't have any decorative cutouts or other embellishments that could pose an injury risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the security of your crib, must be adjustable to various levels so that it can expand with your child.

Avoid hanging items like blind strings or curtains, as they can strangle your baby. Examine your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if needed.

Some cribs have an additional side panel that can be removed. However, it will not stay down for very long. They are ideal for parents who do not want to share the bed. Just make sure you keep your crib away from windows and radiators.

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

Style

If you're planning to work with a minimal or classic design, an attractive crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is a great choice for tiny spaces since it's slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. 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!"

This classic high-back baby crib is made from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of modern colors that match any style. It's heavier than other cribs we tested, but durable enough to last until the age of toddler 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 some of our other top choices.

It's a good choice for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also more bulkier than our other choices and will require to be disassembled to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.

Standard cribs are made from wood, including maple oak, ash cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are generally more durable than other materials, and are resistant to nicks and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make the crib more vulnerable to dent and scratches which may require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling or climbing. However, keep in mind that many recommended cribs for toddlers require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for added safety.

Convertibility

When it comes to selecting a crib, there are numerous factors to consider. Consider the size, style, slats, and if it is convertible. It's crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be with your baby for Nursery Cots a long time. You should also select a crib that is a good fit into your home's decor whether it's traditional or contemporary.

A convertible crib is a fantastic option because it can grow with your child until it becomes a toddler bed and then into a full-size bed. This can save you money in the long run because you don't need to purchase an additional bed for your child.

There are many different convertible cribs available however, some stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. 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 that makes it easier to take your child into and out of it. It is easy to assemble this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is another great option. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is a classic crib that could be converted into an infant bed or a daybed. This crib is easy to assemble, and its low profile makes it easier for parents to get into and out.

The last 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. This stylish crib can be transformed into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious production methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and specifically designed to work together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.

Budget

A good crib will have a sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process painless. And a design that is compatible with the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are numerous crib models that can be bought at various prices.

For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet, crib or as a toddler bed. It can also rock gently to help your baby sleep or create an easy slope for reflux babies. The drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a cozy womb-like environment. It could also serve as a portable play area and provide your child with the security and comfort to sleep on the move.

Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and meets all CPSC safety standards, which include 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 by a sheet.

Some parents may want an uncluttered crib that complements their modern or contemporary home, while others may prefer a more stately design that suits the room's decor. If you fall into the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This elegant model converts from a bassinet to the size of a mini-crib, and then into a full-size crib without the requirement for mattresses or bars.

If you're an adult who doesn't enjoy the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is simpler and cleaner in appearance. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to help your baby grow into an adult, but they have a more traditional look than some other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.