Choosing the Best Crib

A crib will be a key fixture in your nursery cot for sale years, so it's important to choose a crib you enjoy looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your child could fall into, and select a design that is easily convertible 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 begins with a safe crib. You don't need to use an infant crib with many missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that isn't in line with the current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, be sure cots to tots look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is up to the highest safety standards.

The slats of a crib should be positioned to ensure that children don't get their fingers or heads in the slats. They shouldn't contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other decorations that could result in injuries. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the security of your crib, should be adjustable to different heights so that it can expand with your child.

It is also recommended to avoid hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains as these present a strangulation risk for your child. Be sure to check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if needed.

Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be removed. However it won't stay down for long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share with their children. Make sure to place your crib away from radiators and windows.

If you're looking for a crib which is green, you should consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. You should also choose a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure that there are no emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to buy something better, choose a crib made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA chemical compounds, BPA-based chemicals phthalates and other chemicals.

Style

If you're going for a minimal or classic nursery aesthetic, 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 test subjects, 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!"

The classic high-back crib for babies is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a range of modern colors that match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs that 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 occupies more square footage in the nursery than our other top ranked cribs choices.

It's a great option for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also a bit heavier than some of our other choices and may need to be disassembled to fit through standard doors when moving from room to the next.

Standard cribs are typically made from wood, like maple, oak, ash, mahogany, cherry, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and they resist nicks and dings much better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This can make a crib more susceptible to scratches and dents and may require more frequent cleaning.

Another benefit of the standard crib is that it usually includes a toddler rail, which can help to keep your child safe from falling off and climbing. Remember that some cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.

Convertibility

There are a lot of things to think about when choosing a crib. It is important to think about the size, style and slat type, as well as whether it's convertible or not. It is essential to pick the crib you love since it will be with your baby for a long time. You also want to choose a crib that is a good fit to the decor of your home, whether that be traditional or modern.

A convertible crib will expand with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and eventually an adult size bed. This will save money in the long run because you don't have to buy an additional bed for your child.

Some convertible cribs stand out more than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finishing. In addition, it has three height settings that can be adjusted and a low profile that makes it simple to get your baby out and in of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to put together, taking less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.

Another option that is worth considering is another option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed. This crib is easy to put together and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move into and out.

The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery design simple and tidy. This stylish crib can be made into a toddler or full-size bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy using eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and made to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.

Budget

A good crib will have a sturdy construction and easy assembly instructions. This will make the process easy. And a design that fits with the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are numerous crib models that can be purchased at different costs.

For instance, the highly rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be used as a bassinet crib or as a toddler bed. It can also gently help your baby sleep or create an easy slope for babies who are reflux. The canopy and drape rods will encase your baby in the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can also be used as a portable play area and provides your child with a secure and comfortable space to rest when they are on the move.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that does not sacrifice design. It blends a modern aesthetic with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It meets all CPSC standards and does not have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and does not have sharp edges.

Some parents might want an uncluttered crib that complements their contemporary or modern home, while others might prefer a more formal style that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This stylish model converts from bassinet to a mini crib and then to a full-sized crib, all without the need for 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 simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the pieces you need to help your baby grow into an adult. However, they sport a more traditional look as compared to other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.