5 Best Crib Projects That Work For Any Budget

Choosing the Best Crib

Pick a crib you like. It will be part of your nursery for a long time. Avoid cribs with cutouts or drop-sides that your baby might get into, and opt for one that is able to be converted to a toddler bed, or daybed.

Safety

We want to give our children the best start in life. This begins with a crib that’s safe. It’s not necessary to have cribs that have many missing or loose pieces or is one that doesn’t meet current safety standards. When buying a crib, ensure that it is certified by the CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.

The slats of the crib should be spaced to stop children from falling or catching their heads in them and also they shouldn’t contain any decorative cut outs or other ornaments that could pose an injury risk. The mattress support system, which is essential to the safety of your crib should be able to be adjusted to various levels so that it can grow with your child.

It is also important to stay clear of hanging objects like blind strings or curtains as these present a strangulation risk for your infant. Be sure to 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 lifted however it won’t stay in place for long. These are great for parents who don’t want to share a bed. Make sure to keep your crib away from windows and radiators.

If you’re looking for a crib which is environmentally friendly, consider one made from wood sourced from sustainable forests. It’s also a good idea to choose a crib that’s Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has passed tests for low chemical emissions. If you’re looking to go further, look for a crib made of sustainable sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other VOCs and chemicals.

Style

If you’re planning to work with a minimal or classic design, an elegant crib is essential. The SnuzPod4 fits well in smaller spaces due to its slim and sleek. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and has a lower height mattress setting. 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 crib is crafted with solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors to match any aesthetic. It’s heavier than other cribs we’ve tested, but it’s durable enough to make it through toddlerhood 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 space in the nursery than some of our other top cribs.

It’s a great option for small spaces but its unique design makes it difficult to find bedding and sheets. It’s also a bit bulkier than our other picks and will probably require dismantling to fit through standard doors in order to move from room space.

Standard cribs are usually made from wood, including maple, oak, ash, mahogany, cherry or birch. They are more durable than other materials, and can withstand scratches and dings better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This could make the crib more prone to scratches and dent, which may require more frequent cleaning.

A standard crib will also include a toddler rail to keep your child from falling or climbing. However, be aware that many toddler-safe cribs will require you to purchase a separate toddler bed rail to ensure safety.

Convertibility

There are many things to think about when choosing the right crib. Take into consideration the size, style, slats, and if it’s convertible. It’s crucial to choose a crib that you like since it will be used by your baby for a long time. You also want to choose a crib that will fit in with the decor of your home regardless of whether it’s modern or traditional.

A convertible crib can grow with your baby, turning into a toddler bed, and eventually an adult size bed. This can save you money over time because you won’t have to buy a separate bed for your child.

There are numerous convertible cribs on the market however, some stand out better than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified, which means it is in compliance with or exceeds the safety standards of the government in terms of design and construction. It also has three adjustable mattress settings and a low-profile design that makes it easier to get your child in and out of it. It’s easy to put together this crib, which takes less than 15 minutes with a cordless driver/drill.

The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib is a good option. It is GREENGUARD certified Gold and is a great purchase. It is an old-fashioned crib that can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed. This crib is also simple to assemble and has a low profile that makes it easy to reach to and out of for smaller parents.

The final crib on our list is the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is perfect for minimalists who want to keep their nursery simple and tidy. This stylish crib can be transformed into a full-size or toddler bed by purchasing an additional rail and kit. This crib is made in Italy and is made using environmentally-friendly manufacturing methods. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and designed to be used alongside the brand’s non-toxic mattresses.

Budget

A quality crib will have a sturdy structure and easy assembly instructions that allow for an easy and painless installation. A chic design that is in line with the decor of your nursery is crucial. Cribs vary in terms of price however, there are models that will fit into any budget.

For instance, the top-rated Stokke Sleepi Bed is one of the most flexible options available on the market. It can be set up as a bassinet, a crib or toddler bed and can also rock and roll to gently help your baby sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies with reflux. The add-on drape rod and canopy envelop your baby in a cozy like a womb. It can also serve as a portable play area that provides your child with a secure and comfortable place to nap while traveling.

Another option that doesn’t skimp on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines sustainable materials. The solid wood and Baltic plywood crib made of birch is made sustainably in Europe to last for generations (and can be passed down through siblings) and is in compliance with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts for drop-sides or decorative cuts that could catch clothing. It does not have rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed by a sheet.

Some parents might want an uncluttered crib that complements their contemporary or modern home, while others may prefer a more formal design that suits the room’s decor. If you’re in the latter category of parents, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a great option. The elegantly designed model can be converted from a bassinet into mini cribs and later to a full crib, all without bars or mattresses, so you’ll have less mess to clean up.

If you’re a parent who isn’t into fussiness, opt for the more simple and clean-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the elements you need to assist your baby to grow into a toddler. They do however have more of a traditional style compared to other models like the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.