Choosing the Best Crib

Choose a crib that you love. It will be in your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides as your child might fall in. Instead, pick a design which is easily converted to a daybed or toddler.

Safety

We want to give our children the best cots start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. It's not necessary to have an infant crib with lots of missing or loose pieces or is one that isn't in line with the current safety standards. If you're purchasing a new crib, be sure to look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it meets the most important safety requirements.

The slats of a crib should be spaced evenly so that children do not get their fingers or heads in the slats. They should not include any decorative cutouts or other ornaments that could cause injury. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib must be adjustable to various heights to allow it to adapt to the needs of your child.

You'll also want to avoid hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains, as these present an opportunity for strangulation for your infant. It's a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for any missing or loose items, and replace them if they are missing or that have gotten lost over time.

Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be moved down. However, it will not stay down for very long. These are ideal for parents who wish to co-sleep, but without the dangers of bed-sharing, but make sure you're in a space away from radiators and windows and that your child isn't too close to the curtain or window sill.

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. You should also choose a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something superior, select a crib that is made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates, and other chemicals.

Style

Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to design an elegant or classic nursery, a chic crib can be a wonderful option. The SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, making it a good choice for small spaces. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up there with the most attractive cribs we've ever seen even in a sea grey!"

This classic high-back baby crib is constructed from solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of modern colors that match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs that we've examined, but it's strong enough to last 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 crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified that means it is in compliance with or exceeds government safety standards in design and construction. Additionally, it comes with 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. It is simple to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes to assemble using a cordless driver/drill.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a great alternative. This crib is a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is an old-fashioned best crib that can be transformed into an infant bed or a daybed. 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 ideal for minimalists who want to keep their bedroom simple and clean. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be transformed to become a full-size toddler bed or Mini Cot Bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.

Budget

A quality crib is one that has a solid construction and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly effortless. And a stylish design that matches your nursery decor is also important. There are numerous cribs available to be bought at various prices.

For instance, the highly 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. It can also rock and roll to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies who have reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a comfortable cheap baby cots-like womb. It can also serve as a portable play space and provides your child with a safe and comfortable spot to sleep while moving around.

The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice design. It blends a modern aesthetic with sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is sustainably made in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress with sheets and does not have sharp edges.

Some parents prefer a simple crib that matches their modern or contemporary home. Others might prefer a more refined design that complements the interior decor of the room. If your preference falls in the latter category look into the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. 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 a parent who doesn't like the fussiness of a crib, pick one that is more simple and clean visually. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to allow your baby to grow into a toddler, however they have more of a traditional look than some other models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.