10 Healthy Best Crib Habits
Choosing the Best Crib
A crib is a crucial element in your nursery for many years and it's essential to pick one you love admiring. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your little one could fall into, and choose a design that is able to be converted into a toddler bed or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best cot beds possible start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. You don't want to use an old crib that could contain a lot of broken or damaged parts, and you shouldn't buy one that's not up to current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure it has the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats in the crib must be spaced to stop children from catching their fingers or head in the slats and also they shouldn't contain any decorative cut outs or other ornaments which could cause injury risk. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib and should be adjustable to different heights to accommodate your baby as they develop.
Avoid hanging objects such as curtains or blinds, as they can strangle your child. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if they are damaged.
Some cribs come with the option of a side panel that could be removed however it won't stay in place for long. They are great for parents who wish to co-sleep without the risks of bed-sharing, but be sure that you're positioned 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 seeking an eco-friendly crib, pick one that is constructed from sustainable forests. It's recommended to select a crib that's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests to ensure low chemical emissions. If you're looking to buy something superior, select a crib made from sustainable New Zealand pine that is free of BPA, BPA-based chemicals, phthalates and other chemicals.
Style
If you're going for an elegant or minimalist design, an attractive crib is a must. The SnuzPod4 is slim and sleek which makes it a perfect fit for tight spaces. It also comes with a lower mattress height setting and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. One of our testers, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, 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 crib is made using solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a range of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It's heavier than the other cribs we've tested, but durable enough to last until 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 takes up more space in the nursery when compared to our other top rated cots choices.
It's a great choice for small cot beds spaces, however its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It's also a bit bulkier than some of our other options and will probably require dismantling to fit through standard doors when you move from room to the next.
Standard cribs are constructed from wood, such as maple or oak. They can also be made from mahogany, birch, or cherry. They tend to be longer-lasting than other materials and resist scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers select pine over hardwoods that are more durable to save money. This could make the crib more vulnerable to scratches and dent, which could require more frequent cleaning.
Another plus to a standard crib is that it usually comes with a toddler rail which will help to keep your child safe from falling down and climbing. But keep in mind that many toddler-safe cribs will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail for added security.
Convertibility
When it comes to choosing a crib, there are many things to consider. It is important to think about the size, style, and slat style and if it's convertible or not. It's important to find the crib you love, as it will be used by your baby for a long period of time. It is also important to select a crib that is a good fit in with the decor of your home regardless of whether it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib is an excellent option since it grows with your child into a toddler bed and then to a larger bed. This will save money over time because you won't need to purchase a separate bed for your child.
Some convertible cribs are more distinctive than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great example. It is GREENGUARD gold certified which means it meets or exceeds federal safety standards for design and construction. It also has three adjustable height settings for the mattress and an extremely low profile, making it simple to get your Baby beds in and out of the crib. This crib is also relatively easy to put together in less than 15 minutes with a cordless drill/driver.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a great alternative. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and is a great purchase. It has a classic design and can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed with the purchase of separate conversion kits. The crib is simple to assemble, and its low profile makes it easy for parents to move in and out.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is ideal for those who want to keep their nursery simple and tidy. It's a stylish and inexpensive crib that can be outfitted to become a toddler bed or full-size bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. The crib was manufactured in Italy using eco-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand's mattresses that are free of toxic substances.
Budget
A good crib is one that has a solid construction, and simple assembly instructions. This will make the process effortless. And a stylish design that is compatible with the decor of your nursery is essential. There are many different cribs available to be purchased at different costs.
For example, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most adaptable options on the market. It can be used as a bassinet or crib, or as a toddler bed. It can also gently help your baby cot online sleep or create an easy slope for babies who are reflux. The add-on canopy and drape rod will encase your child in a warm like a womb. It can also serve as a portable play space that provides your child with a secure and comfortable spot to sleep while moving around.
The Oeuf Sparrow crib is another alternative that doesn't sacrifice style. It blends a modern design with eco-friendly materials. The solid Birch and Baltic birch wood plywood crib is made 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 using sheets and is free of sharp edges.
Some parents prefer a simple crib to complement their contemporary or modern home. Others might prefer a more elegant design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter group of parents then the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. This elegant model converts from a bassinet to an infant crib and then a full-size crib without the requirement for mattresses or bars.
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 and the Babyletto Hudson both come with all the parts you need to help your Baby cot online become an adult, but 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.