A How-To Guide For Best Crib From Start To Finish
Choosing the best cot beds Crib
A crib is a crucial element in your nursery for many years, so it's important to pick a crib that you love looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your little one could fall 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 starts with a crib that's safe. You don't need to use an infant crib with a lot loose or missing pieces and you shouldn't choose one that doesn't meet the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats on a crib must be closely spaced to ensure that children don't get their fingers or heads in them. They shouldn't include any decorative cutouts or other embellishments which 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.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds because they could strangle your child. Examine your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs come with a side panel that can be removed. However, it will not stay down for long. These are great for parents who do not want to share a bed. Just make sure you keep your crib away from radiators and windows.
If you're seeking an eco-friendly crib, select one constructed from sustainable forests. You should also consider a crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking to buy something better, choose a crib made of sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA, BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemical compounds.
Style
No matter if you want to design an elegant or classic nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 can be used in smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, Mother & Baby cots online Editor Maria Martin, cheap cot beds says the crib is "up there with some of the most attractive 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 variety modern colors that match any aesthetic. It's a bit heavier than other cribs we've examined, but it's strong enough to get through toddlerhood 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 cribs.
While it's a great option for smaller spaces, its unique design can be difficult to find sheets and other bedding for. It's also a bit bulkier than some of our other picks and may need to be disassembled to fit through doors that are standard when moving from room to room.
Standard cribs are constructed of wood, including maple, oak, ash, cherry, mahogany, or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand nicks and dings much better than soft pine. But be aware that certain manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods because it's less expensive. This could make the crib more vulnerable to dent and scratches which could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling or climbing. However, keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for extra safety.
Convertibility
There are numerous things to consider when choosing the right crib. You have to consider size, style and slat type and if it's convertible or not. It is crucial to choose a crib that you love, as it will be a part of your baby for a long period of time. You should also choose the crib that will go with the decor of your home, whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib is a fantastic option since it grows with your child to a toddler bed, and later a full-size bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't need to buy a mattress for your child.
Certain convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it meets or exceeds government safety standards for construction and finish. Additionally, it comes with three adjustable height settings for the mattress and an extremely low profile, making it easy to move your baby in and cot sets out of the crib. The crib is also simple to assemble in less than 15 minutes with 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 a good value and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It's a classic style and can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is easy to assemble, and its low profile makes it easier for parents to move in and out.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is an excellent alternative for minimalists who wish to keep their nursery design simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be transformed as a full-size toddler bed or bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy with environmentally-friendly production 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 easy assembly instructions that lead to an easy and painless installation. A stylish design that matches the decor of your nursery is crucial. There are numerous crib models that can be bought at various prices.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most versatile options that are available. 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 an easy slope for reflux babies. The added canopy and drape rod will encase your baby in a comfortable baby-like womb. It could also serve as a portable play yard and provide your child with the security and comfort to nap on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice style. It blends a modern style with eco-friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and can be passed down to children. It meets all CPSC standards and doesn't have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could scratch clothing. It is easy to dress with a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to complement their contemporary or modern home. Some prefer a more refined design that is in keeping with the décor of the room. If you fall into the latter category of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This stylish model converts from a bassinet into an infant crib, and then to a full crib all without adding bars or mattresses, so you'll have less mess to clean up.
If you're a parent who isn't a fan of fussiness, choose a crib that is simpler and cleaner visually. The Union 3-in-1 crib and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need for your baby to become a toddler, however they have more of a traditional design than some models, like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.