15 Inspiring Facts About Cribs The Words You've Never Learned Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery

Cribs offer infants an area for sleeping that is specifically designed to lower the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent sleep routine. best cot beds are also more flexible than other options, like bassinets.

If you opt for a modern style or a more traditional design, make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure it is in compliance with the highest safety standards and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Consider other options to choose the ideal crib for your family.

1. Safety

As parents, the safety of your baby is a top priority. You want your baby to sleep peacefully in a secure environment, free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. Select a crib that is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.

This includes slat spacing that is less than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from getting trapped and an appropriate mattress that is firm and snug-fitting with no drop sides; a solid crib that has no wobbling parts and clear assembly instructions. Also, avoid bells and whistles, for example bumper streams or pads, as they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.

Look for cribs painted with low-VOC paint, a safer option to traditional varnishes or glues which emit harmful chemicals. Also, look for a mattress made of non-toxic materials like organic cotton and foam.


Pick a crib with no decorative ornaments or cutouts. These can cause injury should your child pick them up or gets their fingers stuck in them. Also, make sure that the mattress cover is securely fit to the frame of the crib and that there aren't any gaps between the frame and the mattress. You should also avoid putting pillows comforters, quilts pillows, sheepskins or similar stuffed toys in the crib, since they could increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also pose risky, since they can be pulled down on the baby, causing them to suffocate. In the ideal scenario, you should stay clear of a mobile completely and choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for your baby's health and will allow you to monitor your baby as they sleep.

2. Convenience

A safe place for your baby to sleep is among the most important things you'll need. Cribs offer a comfortable place for your little one to rest, which can be particularly useful when you're busy with other household chores or activities.

You can find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. These establishments must abide by strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal location to start your search for a top-quality crib. You'll need to consider a variety of aspects prior to purchasing the crib.

Cribs are a fantastic option for infants, newborns and toddlers, providing an incredibly comfortable bed that will last for the first few years of life. Many cribs come with convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into a toddler bed or a full-sized bed. This can save you money and prolong its lifespan.

Another advantage of cribs is their compact footprint which makes them ideal for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some cribs come with a changing table, which is useful if your nursery space is small in size.

Travel cribs offer a similar level of convenience, as they're designed to be lightweight and easily foldable for transport. This makes them an excellent option when you're traveling with your child or visiting family and friends since you can put the crib away in a few minutes before leaving. However, the lightweight construction of travel cribs can also lead to less sturdy construction than standard cribs which could be an issue for some parents.

3. Style

Look for a crib with an original design if you want it to stand out. You can find one with sleek, minimalist designs or one that is made of a material like bamboo or glass and has clear sides for easy visibility. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives however they can be an appealing focal point to any nursery.

Some cribs feature an older style with graceful curves and moldings, as well as a look that is reminiscent of antique pieces. They can also be quite intricate and are often handcrafted with beautiful details. They are a great option if you want an item that will be a beloved piece of furniture in the course of time and work with any style.

Another popular style is a Scandinavian-style crib with smooth straight lines and a light, bare wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. They're an excellent fit for any modern or contemporary nursery and you can easily paint them or leave them as is to match your decor.

Cribs that have the functionality of a changing table could help you change your baby, especially when they're younger and struggle to sit up on their own. These models have drawers to store diapers, wipes and other essentials.

Some cribs have curved sides or designs that can be used as an umbrella. They can provide a touch of luxury to any nursery and are a fantastic way to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. Be sure to use fabrics that are not too long and that is tightly anchored to your crib. This will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric or pulling it down.

4. Convertibility

A crib that converts into a toddler's crib, a daybed or a full-size bed can be extremely useful for any family. This feature will help you save money by not buying four separate beds throughout the development of your child as well as save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs also come with conversion kits that can be stored easily, making them simple to assemble and use at any time.

Another aspect to be aware of when shopping for cribs is that a lot of cribs have additional features, such as drawers or adjustable mattress heights. This lets you customize your crib's look and functionality. It is especially useful if your nursery has limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels which can be extremely useful if you have to move the bed to clean or for other reasons.

Convertible cribs are typically made with durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature modern or classic designs that will fit into a broad variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are constructed of wood, whereas others can be constructed of stainless steel or painted metal. Some brands are even committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which ensures that no harmful toxins are released into the environment.

Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your child will require some time and thought however, it's an important choice that could last for a long time. Compare your options and compare the prices as well as delivery times and other aspects before deciding.

5. Value

The crib is the largest piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and can have a significant impact on the overall design and feel of the space. It is crucial to select a crib that fits your style or goes perfectly with your decor. This will make a huge difference in the way you feel about your nursery.

Similarly, cribs that are designed to transform into toddler beds or daybeds increase their value as your child grows, providing you a long-term benefit. They're also generally less expensive than full-size beds and can be traded in or donated to a family member when your child no longer needs them.

Convertible cribs can be easily maintained, as most components can be removed and cleaned, and many have a conversion kit that allows you to convert them into the right size bed for your baby. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are sturdy. Some even last multiple children.

Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring mattresses which makes them easier to move around when changing sheets or altering mattress height. They can wear out faster and need replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.

Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual firm or two-stage mattress are designed to be used by babies and toddlers. One side is soft for the infants while the other is firmer for toddlers. They are typically more secure than foam mattresses and can be more comfortable to older babies who don't like the sagging feeling of foam. They are usually cheaper than innerspring mattresses.