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Choosing the Best Crib
Choose a crib that you love. It will be part of your nursery for many years. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides, since your child may fall into. Instead, pick one that can easily be converted into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our babies the best cot bed start in life, and it starts with a safe crib. It's not necessary to have an infant cot bed crib with many missing or loose 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 slats that comprise a crib should be tightly spaced to stop children from falling or catching their heads in the slats and also they shouldn't contain any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could create a risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib must be adjustable to various heights so that it can grow with your child.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, because they could strangle your baby. It's a good idea examine your crib frequently for missing or loose objects, and replace any that have become dislodged over time.
Some cribs come with a side panel that can be removed. However it won't stay down for very long. These are ideal for parents who wish to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make certain that you're in a room away from radiators and windows and that your baby isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.
If you're looking for a crib which is eco-friendly, think about one made from wood from sustainable forests. You should also consider a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you want to go further, you should look for a crib that's made from sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals tots and cots VOCs.
Style
If you're looking to design a classic or minimalist nursery, a stylish crib can be a wonderful addition. The SnuzPod4 fits well in smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, said that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've seen, even among a sea grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety contemporary colors that can be matched to any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last through the toddler years 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 space in the nursery than our other top picks.
It's a great option for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also more bulkier than our other choices and will have to be dismantled to pass through doors that are standard when moving it from room to room.
Standard cribs are usually constructed of wood, like maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers make use of pine instead of hardwoods that are more durable because it's cheaper. This could make a crib more susceptible to damage and scratches and could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to protect your child from falling or climbing. However, be aware that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for added safety.
Convertibility
There are numerous aspects to take into consideration when selecting the right crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and whether it's convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib that you like since it will be there for your baby for many years. It is also important to select a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or contemporary.
A convertible crib can grow with your child, eventually becoming a toddler bed, and eventually to a full-size bed. This will save you money in the long run because you won't need to buy a separate mattress for your child.
Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it is in compliance with or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finish. Additionally, it comes with three adjustable height settings for the mattress and a low profile that makes it simple to get your baby in and out of the crib. The crib is also easy to build in less than 15 minutes using a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a great alternative. This crib is a good value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It's a classic style and can be made into an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed by the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is simple to put together and its low profile makes it easy for parents to get into and out.
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. This elegant crib can be made into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly painless. A stylish design that is compatible with the decor of your nursery is essential. Cribs can run the gamut in terms of price however there are some models that will fit into any budget.
For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options on the market. It can be used 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 rods provide the baby with the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can even double as a portable play area, giving your child an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to rest on the go.
Another option that doesn't compromise on style is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which blends modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is manufactured sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to children. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It has no sharp or rough edges and is easily dressed with sheets.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib that matches their modern or contemporary home. Others may prefer a more elegant design that matches the decor of the room. If you fall in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet into the size of a mini-crib, and then into a full-size crib with no need for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent that isn't into fussiness, opt for the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the components you require to allow your baby to grow into a toddler, however 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.