Best Crib Tools To Help You Manage Your DayToDay Life

Choosing the Best Crib
A crib will be a key feature in your nursery for a long time, so it's important to pick one you love looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts and drop-sides, as your child might fall in. Instead, pick a design which can easily be transformed into a daybed or toddler.
Safety
As parents, we want to give our babies the best start in life, and that starts with a safe crib. You shouldn't use an old crib that might contain a number of loose or missing parts, and you don't want one that isn't in compliance with current safety standards. When purchasing a crib ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats on a crib must be closely spaced so that children do not get their heads or fingers in the slats. They shouldn't include any decorative cutouts or other embellishments which could cause injury. A mattress support system is also crucial to the safety of the crib, and it should be capable of adjusting to various sizes to accommodate your child as they grow.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds, as they can strangle your baby. It is a good idea to inspect your crib on a regular basis for loose or missing items, and replace any that are loosened in the course of time.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be removed. However, it will not stay down for very long. These are ideal for parents who want to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but be certain that you're in a room away from radiators and windows and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you're looking for a crib which is green, you should consider one made from wood 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 that there are no emissions of chemicals. If top rated cots looking to go a step more, consider a crib that's made from sustainably harvested New Zealand pine and is free of lead, the phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.
Style
Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to create a classic or minimalist nursery, a chic crib will be a great option. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect fit for tight spaces. It's GREENGUARD Certified and comes with the option of a lower-height mattress. One of our test participants, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with 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 match any aesthetic. It's heavier than other cribs we tested, but durable enough to last into the toddler years 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 some of our other top choices.
It's a great choice for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find sheets and bedding. It's also a bit heavier than our other options and will probably require dismantling to fit through standard doors when you move from room to room.
Standard cribs are typically made from wood, such as maple or oak, ash, cherry, mahogany or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and resist damage and nicks much better than soft pine. However, be aware of the fact that some manufacturers use pine instead of more durable hardwoods because it's less expensive. This could make the crib more susceptible to dent and scratches, which could require more frequent cleaning.
A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling out or climbing. However, keep in mind that many cribs for toddlers require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail for added security.
Convertibility
When you are deciding on a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. Consider the size, style, slats and whether it is convertible. It is essential to choose a crib that you love because it will be used by your baby for a long time. It is also important to select a crib that is a good fit into your home's decor regardless of whether it's modern or traditional.
A convertible crib is a great option since it grows with your child until it becomes a toddler bed, and later into a full-size bed. This will save you money in the end since you don't have to buy a mattress for your child.
Some convertible cribs stand out more than others. One example is the Graco Benton 5in1 convertible crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it is in compliance with or exceeds the government safety standards for construction and finishing. It also has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and a low profile that makes it easy to move your baby out and in of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to build and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another good option is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a good value and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It has a classic design and can be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is also easy to put together and has a low profile that allows it to be easily reached to and out for small parents.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists who want to keep their room simple and clean. This elegant crib can be transformed into a full-size toddler bed by purchasing an optional rail and kit. This crib was made in Italy using environmentally friendly production methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and is designed to be used alongside the brand's toxic free mattresses.
Budget
A good crib will have a sturdy structure, and simple assembly instructions. This makes the assembly effortless. A stylish design that matches your nursery decor is important. There are numerous crib models that can be purchased at different 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 a gentle slope for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rods envelop the baby in a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It can even double as a portable play yard providing your child with the security and comfort to sleep on the move.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice style. It combines a modern aesthetic with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is produced sustainably in Europe and is able to be passed on to children. It is compliant with all CPSC standards and does not have drop-sides, decorative cutouts or sharp edges that could snag clothing. It is easy to dress with a sheet and has no sharp edges.
Some parents might want a minimal crib to complement their modern or contemporary home, while others might prefer a more formal style that complements the decor of the room. If your preference falls into the latter, consider the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful model transforms from a bassinet to an infant crib and then a full-size crib, without the need for bars or mattresses.
If you're a parent that isn't into fussiness, opt for the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to help your baby grow into a toddler. However, they have a more traditional look compared to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.