10 Healthy Best Crib Habits
Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a major fixture in your nursery for a long time, 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 opt for an option that can be easily converted to a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
As parents are, we'd like to give our children the best cots for newborns possible start in life, and that begins with a safe crib. It's not necessary to have cribs that have many missing or loose pieces and you shouldn't choose one that isn't in line with the current safety standards. If you're buying a brand new crib, make sure you look for CPSC, ASTM, or JPMA certification to ensure that it is in compliance with the most stringent safety standards.
The slats of a crib should be spaced evenly to ensure that children don't get their heads or fingers in the slats. They shouldn't contain any cutouts with decorative designs or other decorations that could cause injury. A mattress support system is also essential to ensure the safety of your crib and must be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your child as they grow.
You'll also want to avoid hanging objects, such as blind strings or curtains because they pose an opportunity for strangulation for your child. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for any missing or loose items, and replace any that have gotten lost in the course of time.
Some cribs have a side panel that can be removed, but it won't stay in place for long. These are great for parents who do not want to share a bed. Just make sure you place your crib away from windows and radiators.
If you're looking for a crib which is green, you should consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. It is also recommended cribs cots to tots choose a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking for something superior, select a crib made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA and BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemical compounds.
Style
If you're looking to design an elegant or classic nursery, a stylish crib sets will be a great addition. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek, making it a good option for spaces that are tight. It also has a lower mattress setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Maria Martin, Mother & Baby's Editor, claimed that the crib was "up among the most beautiful cribs we've ever seen even in a sea grey!"
This classic high-back baby crib is made of solid New Zealand Pinewood and is available in a variety of modern colors that will match any style. It's a bit heavier than other cribs 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 also takes up more square footage in the nursery than our other top cribs.
It's a great option for smaller spaces, but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also a bit bulkier than some of our other choices and may require dismantling in order to fit through doors that are standard when you move from room to space.
Standard cribs are usually constructed from wood, such as oak or maple. They are also made of mahogany, birch or cherry. They are typically more long-lasting than other materials, and are resistant to damage better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This can make a crib more vulnerable to dents and scratches and may require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling out or climbing. Be aware, however, that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail.
Convertibility
There are many aspects to take into consideration when selecting the right crib. It is important to think about the size, style and slat type and whether it's convertible or not. It's important to find a crib you like because it will be with your baby for a long period of time. You should also pick a crib to fit in with the decor of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or traditional.
A convertible crib is an excellent option because it can grow with your child to a toddler bed, and later into a full-size bed. This will save you money in the end because you won't have to purchase a mattress for your child.
Some convertible cribs stand out more than other. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it meets or surpasses government safety standards in construction and finish. It also has three adjustable mattress settings and a low profile that allows you to easily get your child in and out of it. The crib is also simple to assemble in less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.
Another option that is worth considering is an alternative to the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is an excellent value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It's a classic style and can be converted to a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. This crib is easy to assemble, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move in and out.
The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists who want to keep their room simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be transformed to become a full-size toddler bed or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. The crib is manufactured in Italy and uses environmentally conscious production methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and is made to be used in conjunction with the brand's toxic-free mattresses.
Budget
A crib that is of good quality is one that has a solid construction and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly easy. A chic design that complements the decor of your nursery is essential. There are many different models of cribs that can be purchased at different 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, a crib or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to roll and rock to gently help your baby sleep or create a gentle incline for babies who have reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod encase your child in a warm baby-like womb. It can even double as a play yard that can be carried around and provide your child with an incredibly comfortable and secure spot to nap on the go.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice design. It combines a contemporary design with eco-friendly materials. The solid wood crib of birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and can be passed on to children. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and does not have drop-sides, cutouts for decorative purposes or sharp edges that could catch clothing. It is easy to dress using sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib that matches their modern or contemporary home. Some prefer a more elegant style that complements the décor of the room. If you're in the latter group of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet to mini cribs and later to a full crib all without the need for bars or mattresses, 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 Recommended Cribs cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 crib as well as the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the pieces you'll need to allow your baby to become a toddler, however they have a more traditional style than other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-1.