Choosing the Best Crib

A crib will be a major element in your nursery for many years and it's essential to choose a crib you enjoy admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your child could get into, and opt for a design that is easily convertible to 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 a crib that has lots of missing or loose pieces or is one that isn't up to current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats that comprise the crib should be spaced to stop children from getting their hands or heads in the slats and also they shouldn't contain any decorative cut outs or other decorations that could pose an injury risk. The mattress support system, which is crucial to the safety of your crib should be able to be adjusted to various levels so that it can expand with your child.

You'll also want to avoid hanging objects like curtains or blind strings, since they pose a strangulation risk for your baby. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if they are damaged.

Some cribs have a side panel that can be lifted however it won't stay down for very long. These are ideal for parents who want to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make certain that you're in a room free of windows and radiators and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.

If you're seeking a crib that is green, you should consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It's recommended to pick a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low emissions of chemicals. If you're looking for something more durable, consider a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA, BPA-based chemicals, phthalates, and other chemicals.

Style

Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to create a minimalist or classic nursery, a stylish crib can be a wonderful option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim which makes it a perfect fit for tight spaces. It's also GREENGUARD Certified and has a lower height mattress setting. One of our test participants, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the best-looking ones we've seen even in the midst of grey!"

This classic high-back crib has been constructed using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's heavier than the other cribs we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last through 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 more space in the nursery compared to our 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 bulk it. This crib is also relatively easy to put together and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes using the use of a cordless drill/driver.

Another good option 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 an infant bed or a daybed. The crib is also easy to assemble and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out of for best crib short parents.

The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for those who want to keep their bedroom simple and tidy. It's a stylish, affordable cots crib that can be made to become an adult bed or a full-size cheap cot bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing techniques. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's non-toxic mattresses.

Budget

A quality crib should have sturdy construction and simple assembly instructions that result in an easy and painless installation. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery is essential. There are many different crib models that can be bought at various prices.

For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet crib or a toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently help your Baby Crib sleep or create a gentle incline for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rod add-ons envelop the baby in an ambiance that is warm and womb-like. It can also be used as a portable play space that provides your child with a secure and comfortable place to nap while traveling.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another option that doesn't sacrifice design. It combines a modern design with sustainable materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is made sustainably in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down between siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and is free of sharp edges.

Some parents prefer a simple crib to complement their contemporary or modern home. Others may prefer a more refined design that complements the decor of the room. If you're in the latter group of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great option. This stylish model can be converted from a bassinet into an infant crib and then a full-size crib without the need for bars or mattresses.

If you are an adult who doesn't enjoy the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is simpler and cleaner visually. 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 a toddler, but they're more of a traditional style than other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.