Choosing a crib is one of the biggest furniture decisions you make as a parent. Not only is it potentially one of the most expensive, but it’s also a decision involving a very sentimental item. A crib might be used through multiple children and even multiple generations. It’s a very surreal moment for new parents — when you first put your baby’s crib together and step back to look at the nursery, it all becomes real. We know how important buying your first crib is, so we’re here to help you find the best crib for your baby.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
We know that when you start to think about cribs, you’re inundated with an abundance of choices to make, but there are just a few considerations to decide on. Then, it’s all about taste and style.
- Budget: Cribs can cost upwards of a couple of thousand dollars, so knowing how much you want to spend is critical. However, all the picks on our list range from $200-$600. The next thing you may want to consider is whether or not you’re expecting the crib to serve multiple purposes. If you want something that has longevity for each child, there are options that expand the range of use from a crib, to a toddler bed, to a full-size bed. Essentially, you buy one piece of furniture that could last in your home for 18 or more years.
- Longevity: The next thing you want to think about is whether or not you are expecting this crib to become an heirloom. If you’re planning on having more than one kid and want to pass down the crib for your grandkids to use, you’re likely going to want something that’s made of durable hardwood or wrought iron and is a classic style that will look good down the road. If you’re just looking for something to use for a few years and for one child, you can be a little laxer regarding which materials are used.
- Accessibility: In the early 2000s, crib manufacturers stopped making cribs with sides that raise and lower because of the risk of injury. That means that you will be bending over the edge of this crib quite a bit to grab your child. Tall parents should look for a crib with longer legs, and more petite parents might want something closer to the ground.
After these major decisions are made, it’s all about style. There are midcentury options, princess palaces, options with storage, and even some that are high-tech. We recommend making a checklist for what you want and need, which will make the process so much simpler.
