One of the best news that anyone can hear is the arrival of a new baby. This news often heralds great joy, blessings, and overwhelming happiness – but also comes with financial considerations too. Hence, it is not a surprise that many young and new parents think of how they will have to save up for the baby and many decide to buy used items. However, a baby crib should not be one of the items that you are going to buy second hand.
A baby crib is very important but it is not always an easy thing for the parents to select, especially when there are so many offers in the market. It is because of this that we have come up with a proper and comprehensive guide on the very best baby cribs and why you should consider them for your child.
1. Pottery Barn Kids Kendall Crib
If your goal or desire is to get that baby crib that fits very well into practically any nursery interior, then this product from the trusted Kendall brand is an ideal option for you. It is a widely-accepted product made from high-quality wood, comes with teething guards and assembly is very easy. The variant can also be changed to a user-friendly toddler bed but you will need to get the conversion kit as a separate unit.
2. Babyletto Hudson Crib
Even though this looks simple, it is one of the best in terms of design and functionality. It is also clearly lower when compared in height with many other cribs so it is no surprise at all that the shorter parents love it as it offers them quick access to the baby. There is also an incorporated kit that allows you to easily change it into a daybed or toddler bed. You also do not have to bother yourself with the safety of the components as it is made using professionally-sourced pinewood. It also does not contain lead and phthalate so the finish is non-toxic.
3. IKEA Gulliver Crib
IKEA is a brand that needs no introduction and it has also proven itself with this variant. It can be modified to become a toddler bed and the kit to do that is inside the pack. It is a very pocket-friendly option that comes with a white finish so it is going to go well with nursery interiors. Even though the price is not outrageous, the stability and strength are not compromised in any way – just prepare yourself for the regular IKEA assembly style.
4. DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
From the precise railing to the catchy spindle posts, this is a baby crib that has everything that you need. It is available in five brilliant colors and even more attractive to the people is a very pocket-friendly price and this is in addition to being very easy to assembly. It also has the gold certification from GREENGUARD and it is also made from long-lasting wood from New Zealand while the paint has no toxic substances in it.
This baby crib is compact and is easy to carry around and it is also fitted with detachable wheels that allow for additional mobility even if the wheels are not lockable. The baby crib also easily modifies into a toddler bed or a day bed but note that you will have to buy the conversion kit as a separate item for a number of the color options. To utilize as a day bed, detach one side and do a replacement with the daybed rail then bring the mattress down to the lowest point.
5. Graco Charleston 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Here is a baby crib that offers a lot of applications when your child is growing up. It is a variant that can change from a crib into a twin-size bed, daybed, or even a toddler bed. But please note that you will have to buy the mattress alongside the metal structure separately. One side of this wonderful baby crib has a raised curved portion that turns into a massive headboard for a big child bed with time.
6. Delta Children Canton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
This is one of the best-selling baby cribs in the market and there are various reasons for this. It comes with an impressive 4-in-1 design which implies that it can be changed from a newborn crib to a day bed, toddler bed, or even a twin-sized bed alongside a kit sold separately.
Cribs like this one are known for being very durable and you are going to get the full value for your money spent on them. It is made with non-toxic substances and it has the full certifications. The construction is a very impressive one and it is very durable for your baby. It is also made with high-quality wood which gives it a robust, elegant, and stylish look.
7. Union 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
This is another amazing baby crib that comes at a very affordable price. Manufactured in New Zealand, it has all the certifications that show that it has met all the safety standards in the United States. It is a 3-in-1 variant that transitioned from a crib into a daybed or toddler bed alongside the correct kit attachment. The assembly is just too easy.
It is also designed to be as user-friendly as possible and customers never fail to mention this in their reviews, the mattress can be modified in four different ways so it offers good support over time for your child as he or she grows. The height of the baby crib is around six inches meaning that there is a lot of space for you to keep your items. The side panels are high and graceful while the baby crib and the design of the product are very appealing.
8. Dream On Me Violet 7-in-1 Convertible LifeStyle Baby Crib
Here is another convertible that has a lot more applications than many of the ones on the list. There are seven superb applications for this product and apart from being a regular baby crib; it is also a daybed and toddler bed. It can also one that can transition into a full bed and twin bed, the two variants can come with or with no footboard and the bed kits are sold apart.
This is not a compact one as the weight clocks at 50 pounds so you have to be ready for some lifting. As stated earlier, it is a very adaptable unit but it is not the easiest when it comes to assembly or transport but overall, it is a good choice.
The mattress can be modified into four positions so that there are various levels of support while the danger associated with climbing out is reduced to the barest minimum. This baby crib is of the highest level of quality and is worth every dime spent on it. It does not just fulfill all the standards of safety but even surpasses them. The appearance is simple and elegant and it is no surprise that parents love it without doubts.
9. Graco Travel Lite Crib with the Stages
When it comes to compact baby cribs, this is one of the most ideal ones around – Graco Travel Lite is one of the most reliable brands. The construction is outstanding for a compact one and it is made in such a way that you are going to get maximum value for the money spent. It is also a lot more portable than many other compact baby cribs and that makes it a reliable crib for parents who are always on the move at a rate more than the other families. If you have restricted spaces, then this is the ideal variant for you.
This is a baby crib that will serve you very well through various phases of the childhood of your baby, all the way from newborn right to the stage of being a toddler. There are two height levels and there is a bassinet that comes with it alongside a canopy and a quilted mattress.
There is a very thin pad that cannot last that long but it is not a bad choice for those going on trips. It is also very easy to clean and maintain. This crib weighs just 19 pounds so it is very easy for the user to move around. It can also be folded with just a press of a button and this happens to be one of the most beloved attributes.
Various Kinds of Baby Cribs and Other Tips
There is so much diversity when it comes to baby cribs in the market that it can be truly staggering for any parent. The main things that differentiate the variants and brands are the functionality and the compact design. Many have shown displeasure stating that they were not able to find what they wanted regarding baby cribs.
As far as baby cribs are concerned, there are many terms used for the description of basically the same thing. Hence, we are going to explain everything in a way that you are going to find pretty easy to digest and comprehend. We are going to proceed with the portable and convertible baby cribs with full details.
Your specific habits and lifestyle can be factors that will help when it comes to choosing the kind of baby crib that is best for you and your child. The portable baby cribs are good if you are traveling but they are not as versatile as the convertible cribs.
Convertible Baby Cribs
They are called convertible because they can be redesigned and rearranged in three to seven different formats so it is truly convertible in every way imaginable. Many of the most excellent convertible baby cribs have the same properties. One can easily change it from a regular baby crib to a toddler bed and vice versa. This allows you to make the fullest use of the bed for the baby’s first years. From a newborn child to a toddler, the convertible cribs will take you and your child through those first few years with maximum comfort, tranquility, and ease.
The only prominent demerit with these excellent choices of baby cribs is that they can be quite complicated to handle. Some can even be turned into day beds or complete double beds but for those, you will need to get extra attachments before they can become functional at that level. Apart from that, it must be stated that the wonderful versatility is what makes the baby crib to be a major choice for so many customers. There are also smaller variants of convertible baby cribs and they are referred to as mini cribs and they do practically the same thing but just that they are remarkably smaller.
Portable Baby Cribs
Just as the name suggests, these baby cribs are very compact by design and the user can move them around with no stress and even get them folded then reassembled without a hitch. A portable baby crib is also amazing as some of them can adjust to the physical growth and development of your child even if they are not easy to find in the market. Babies need special forms of support and a compact baby crib may not even be the most ideal choice over time.
But that said, these baby cribs can be the most outstanding options for children and parents who are fond of traveling regularly. A compact baby crib is good for parents on trips. These products can be reassembled and folded just like a tent instead of a foldable furniture piece.
Baby Crib FAQ
Q: How do I know if a baby crib has United States certification?
A: The baby crib that you are going to buy must be one that meets the United States and international safety certifications. If you buy a baby crib from the Internet, it implies that you are importing from another nation so you need to be sure that it has United States certification. All the baby cribs that have been listed in this review have the proper certifications from CPSC and ASTM which are the main safety authorities.
An advantage with purchasing online is that you get to check all the reviews and you are going to be able to do an informed comparison of the models, types, prices, and brands. By paying close attention to the reviews that others have left, you will be able to know which one is the best and safest for you in terms of selection.
Q: How long can a baby crib last?
A: The durability to a large extent will depend on the kind of baby crib that you procured and also the size of your baby. As every child grows at its own individual pace, there is no fixed rule regarding when you have to stop making use of a baby crib.
Then again, many babies even outgrow their baby cribs once they reach about six months. It is at this point that you need to get a bigger replacement for the baby crib unless you are making use of a modifiable mattress. The best convertible baby cribs can be utilized throughout this period with any problems. It does not matter whether you make use of a baby crib right from the beginning or later on for your cute child, they will get the best of it with the years; especially when it is time to change them into a toddler bed.
Q: What of the mattress?
A: The ideal mattress for you and your baby is one of the most vital things to put into consideration when purchasing a baby crib. Many baby cribs are equipped with a conventional mattress, however, if it is compact or branded as either smaller or bigger; it is going to have a customized mattress. Besides, the mattresses that come with a baby crib are usually flimsy in structure and cannot give you the level of comfort that you want. For this reason, it is better and advisable that you buy a proper mattress separately.
Q: Which brands are the finest for baby cribs?
A: For you to ensure that you are getting the best in terms of certification, durability, and certification, it is most advisable that you get your baby crib from the most reliable brands. In this niche, some of the very best are DaVinci, Graco, Delta, and Dream On Me. These are very well-known brands and some of the most respected in the United States of America and beyond. They are also the most appreciated by customers globally. That does not mean other brands are not good but here are the industry leaders.
Q: What do I even need a baby crib for?
A: Just with a bassinet, a baby crib is a safest and most secure place for your precious bundle of joy to get some good sleep so it is only good that you get one. Irrespective of the brand that you eventually settle for, one thing that you must have at the back of your mind is that you have to adhere to all the guidelines for safety. The baby crib should not have toys, bumpers, or even blankets because all these are considered to be safety hazards. But that does not mean that you cannot make the baby crib to be pretty – as long all safety guidelines are followed.
Talking of Baby Crib Safety
All the baby cribs that you buy brand new will follow the safety standards by default. But if you are going for used or second-hand baby cribs, then it is another issue entirely. You need to confirm that the one you are getting was manufactured after 2011. You must also be sure that there were no recalls regarding the brand that you are thinking of selecting for your baby.
Also, ensure that the crib you are going for has several modifiable mattress settings as this will allow you to increase or reduce the height of your mattress to blend with the growth phase of your child with time. When your child reaches infanthood, you will be interested in making the mattress to be higher as that will allow you to pick them up easily but as they grow much bigger, you will need to reduce the mattress height so it will be easier for them when they want to climb out of it.
Other Details about Baby Cribs
Many of the baby cribs that are in the market today can be modified for use as a toddler bed. There are even some that can be transformed into a conventional bed frame. Some of these modifiable baby cribs need specialized kits before they can be changed to other kinds of beds. There are some instances in which these special kits are added but in most cases, you will have to buy them differently as separate units.
Some parents will prefer to utilize a mini crib which as the name implies, is more compact than the regular baby crib and are also a lot more portable. A mini crib is the ideal one for families that move around a lot, especially on trips, and also consumes reduced space for a child that sleeps in more than an area.
Even though you can make use of your baby crib for your child immediately after purchase, what has been observed is that many parents will prefer that their babies make use of the bassinet or co-sleeper. Then once the child reaches around four months, they shift to a baby crib. For those who do not want to want to expend money on a full-sized and standard baby crib immediately, you can make use of the registry instead. A baby crib is not a cheap thing so it is not bad if you get some financial assistance from friends and family.
Based on the size of your baby, you can use a baby crib until the child gets to about five years of age. But for many parents, they choose to do some transition to either twin beds or toddler beds once the child gets to about three years.
Additional Tips on Baby Cribs
Ideal Sleeping Posture for your Child
The baby crib that your child sleeps in is vital but even a lot more important is the sleep position. You need to make sure that the baby is sleeping on his or her back. The feet should be positioned at the bottom and the sheets neatly tucked in surrounding the armpits. This position ensures that the baby does not slip into the sheets which can cause overheating or even suffocation. It is a lot safer for babies to sleep on their backs as this position also massively decreases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome which is better known as cot death.
Bedding and Temperature of the Room
As far as temperature is concerned, the safest for your baby’s nursery is 18 degrees Celsius or 64 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure that you are certain with the measurements, get a portable room thermometer so that you can always pay attention to the room temperature. In addition to this, you must ensure that the baby sleeps with the correct type of clothing. The bedding material used for the baby must be one that has no risk of causing overheating. One thing that you must never do is to allow your child to sleep inside a hat because regulation of body heat is done from the head. You must also remember that during hot weather, lesser bedclothes are needed for your child – special attention must be paid to all these.
Location of your Baby Crib
The area you place your baby crib is also vital. It is advisable that your baby sleeps in the baby crib placed inside the room of the parents and this should last for at least the first six months. Immediately your child reaches the age that he or she can sleep alone in the nursery area, there are some other things you need to put in mind. These include making sure the baby crib is kept away from sources of heat and direct light from the sun – this is extremely important.
The baby crib must also be placed away from other furniture as it can lead to falls and serious injuries for your child. The baby crib must also be kept away from blinds and curtains because they present a serious risk of strangulation for toddlers and toddlers.
Conclusion
Overall, all the brand new baby cribs that are available on the market today can be considered to be safe and a minority can be said to be of decreased quality. It all boils down to you having a baby crib that meets all your needs and works best for you and your child. The best baby crib is one that gives you the finest balance when it comes to price, quality, and durability. Locating the baby crib can be a very hectic task but it is believed that this guide is going to be a very helpful one. Once you get the ideal one, it is going to be comfortable and safe for your baby.
