Choosing the Best Crib

A crib will be a major element in your nursery for years, so it's important to pick one you love looking at. Avoid any with cutouts or drop-sides that your child could get into, and choose a design that can be easily converted to a toddler bed or daybed.

Safety

We want to give our children the best start in life. This begins with a crib that is safe. You shouldn't use an infant crib with many missing or loose pieces, nor do you want one that isn't in line with current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, make sure you look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure it is in compliance with the most stringent safety requirements.

The slats on a crib should be positioned so that children cannot catch their fingers or heads in them. They shouldn't include any decorative cutouts or other decorations that could cause injury. A mattress support system is also vital to the crib's safety, and it should be capable of adjusting to various sizes to accommodate your child as they develop.

Avoid hanging objects such as blind strings or curtains, because they could strangle your baby. Check your crib for missing or loose items and replace them if they are damaged.

Some cribs come with a side panel which can be lowered. However it won't be down for long. They are ideal for parents who don't want to share the bed. Just make sure you keep 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. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that it emits no chemical emissions. If you're looking to go a step further, look for a crib made of sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, Phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.

Style

If you're going for an elegant or minimalist design, a stylish crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek, making it a good option for Mini Cot Bed spaces that are tight. It's GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. One of our test subjects, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with some of the most beautiful 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 will match any style. It's heavier than other cribs that we've tried, but it's sturdy 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 more space in the nursery cots as compared to other top 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 our other options and will probably need to be disassembled to fit through standard doors when you move from room to space.

Standard cribs are typically constructed of wood, like maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry or birch. They tend to be more durable than other materials and can withstand scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers opt for pine over more durable hardwoods to save money. This could make the crib more prone to dent and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will include an infant rail to prevent your child from falling or climbing. However, be aware that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail to ensure security.

Convertibility

There are numerous things to consider when choosing the right crib. Think about the size, design, slats and whether it's convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib you love as it will be used by your baby for many years. You should also pick a crib to fit in with the style of your home, no matter if it's contemporary or traditional.

A convertible crib is a great option since it grows with your child into an infant bed, and eventually a full-size bed. This will save you money in the end because you won't have to buy a mattress for your child.

There are a variety of convertible cribs available, but some stand out better than others. 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. It also comes with three adjustable mattress settings as well as a low profile that makes it easier to get your child in and out of it. It is easy to assemble this crib and takes less than 15 minutes with a cordless driver/drill.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is also a great alternative. This crib is an excellent value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It has a classic design and can be converted to a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. This crib is also simple 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 is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists looking to keep their room simple cots and tots clean. This elegant crib can be made into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.

Budget

A crib that is of good quality will have a sturdy structure and simple assembly instructions that result in an easy and painless installation. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is essential. There are a variety of cribs available to be bought at various prices.

The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for example, 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 rock gently to help your baby sleep or create a gentle slope for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons will encase your baby in the comfort of a womb-like environment. It can also be used as a portable play space and provides your child with a safe and comfortable spot to sleep while on the move.

Another option that doesn't skimp on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which combines a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to siblings. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and has no drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress using a sheet and has no sharp edges.

Some parents might want a minimalist crib to match their contemporary or modern home, while others may prefer a more formal design that suits the room's decor. If you fall into the latter group of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant-looking model converts from bassinet to a mini cot beds crib and then to a full crib, all without adding mattresses or bars, so you'll have less mess to clean up.

If you're a parent who's not in the mood for fussiness, choose the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to aid your cheap baby cots's development into an adult. However, they sport more of a traditional style as compared to other models, such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.