10 Cribs Tricks All Experts Recommend Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery

Cribs offer infants a dedicated sleep space to reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, including bassinets.

If you decide to go with a modern design or a more traditional style, make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure it meets the highest safety standards and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Consider other features when choosing the crib that's right for your family.

1. Safety

As a parent, the safety of your baby is your top concern. You want your child to rest peacefully in a safe environment that is free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.

These include slat spacings no wider than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's head, arms or legs from getting caught and an appropriate mattress that is firm and snug-fitting; no drop sides; a solid crib with no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. Avoid bells and whistles, for example bumper streams or pads, as they could cause strangulation for your baby.

Find a crib that has been painted with low-VOC paints which is a safer alternative to traditional glues and varnishes that release harmful chemicals into the air. Also, look for a mattress made with non-toxic materials, such as cotton and organic foam.

Lastly, choose a crib that is devoid of decorative ornaments and cutouts, which could be a risk of injury in the event that your child grabs them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. Make sure that the mattress cover is tightly fitted to the frame of the crib, and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress frame. Avoid putting pillows, blankets, sheepskins, or pillows that resemble stuffed animals in the crib. These could increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles can also be dangerous, as they can be pulled towards the baby, causing them to choke. It is recommended to choose an infant crib with a mesh structure that is breathable rather than mobiles. This is more beneficial for your baby's health as well as allow you to monitor your child as they sleep.

2. Convenience


A secure place for your baby to rest is among the most important things you'll require. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby to sleep particularly when you are busy with other household chores.

You'll probably find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. They must follow strict guidelines set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal place to start your search for a quality crib. You'll need to take into consideration several aspects prior to purchasing the crib.

Cribs provide a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that will last beyond their first few months of life. A lot of cribs are convertible which allow you to transform the crib into an infant bed or a full-size bed. This will help you save money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.

The compact size of cribs makes them ideal for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models also include a changing station that could be useful if you have limited room in your nursery.

They are also lightweight and foldable, making them simple to move. They're a great option for traveling with your baby or visiting relatives and friends, as they are easy to pack up before you leave. The light construction may result in a less sturdy crib than traditional models. This might be a problem for some parents.

3. Style

Look for a crib with an original design if you want it to stand out. You can find a crib with an elegant, minimalist design or made from something like bamboo or glass. It may also feature transparent sides for easy access to. They are usually more expensive than their solid wood counterparts however they can be a beautiful focal point to any nursery.

Some cribs have a more traditional look with graceful curves and molding, reminiscent of antique furniture. infant cot bed can be extremely extravagant, and are generally handmade with beautiful details. They are a great option if you want a crib that can become a favorite piece of furniture in the course of time and will work well with any theme.

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

Cribs that have the functionality of a changing table can make it easier to change your baby, especially when they're young and have trouble sitting up on their own. These models have drawers to store wipes, diapers and other essentials.

Some cribs are curving or have designs on the sides that can be used to create an effect of canopy. These can add a touch of elegance to any nursery and are an excellent way to keep your baby cool and comfortable while they sleep. But, make sure that any fabric you use is not too long or that it is securely fixed to the 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 bed, daybed and full-size bed is a fantastic investment for any family. This feature lets you save money by not having to purchase four separate beds as your child grows and also saves space in the nursery. A lot of convertible cribs are also equipped with conversion kits that store easily, making them simple to set up and use when the time comes.

When shopping for a crib that you want to buy, keep in mind that most cribs include additional features like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This will allow you to modify the appearance and function of your crib, and could be particularly useful if you're working with a small or small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels which can be extremely useful if you have to move the bed for cleaning or other reasons.

Convertible cribs are generally constructed with sturdy, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and meet the stringent safety standards established by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature an elegant or contemporary design that can be adapted to a wide variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are crafted from wood, while others are fabricated from steel or painted. Certain brands are also committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs utilizing GREENGUARD GOLD-certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins are released into the environment.

It will take some research and thought to choose the best convertible crib for you nursery. However, it is a decision that will last for years. Take your time when evaluating your options, and be sure to evaluate prices, delivery and setup times and other factors to make the best choice for your family.

5. Value

The crib is the largest piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby and can have a significant impact on the overall appearance and feel of the space. Therefore, selecting one that matches your preferred style or that will work well with the other decor elements in your room will make a big difference in how you feel about the nursery as you are there.

Similar to cribs that are designed to convert into toddler beds or daybeds increase their value as your child grows, providing you long-term value. They are also less expensive than full-size bed and can be given or sold to a family member once your child is no longer in need of.

Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain since the majority of the components are easily removed and cleaned and the majority come with an adapter kit that makes it easy to transform them into the appropriate size bed for your child. Wood cribs are especially sturdy and can withstand stress of regular use, with some even last through multiple children.

Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring mattresses which makes them easier to move when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. However, they can wear out more quickly and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.

Hybrid crib mattresses (also called dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning to toddlerhood, having the soft side for infants and a more firm side for toddlers. They are generally more secure than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older babies who don't like the sagging sensation of foam. They are usually cheaper than innerspring alternatives.