How to Choose a Crib

Tada! The crib. It’s the focal point of the nursery and your baby’s dream life, so you want one that speaks to your design aesthetic, but also keeps baby safe and sound while they sleep. Ask yourself the following questions, then choose the one that makes sense and makes you swoon.

Mobility: Is it on wheels? If so, make sure they lock. This is a consideration mostly if it doubles as a mini crib/bassinet, as you’ll want to be able to roll it into your room or elsewhere around the house.

Adjustability: How low can it go? As baby grows, you’ll be lowering the mattress to prevent your tiny houdini from escaping, so the lower it goes, the better.

Conversion: Will it have a life after baby outgrows it? Some can go from mini crib to crib to toddler bed to daybed/headboard, making it a worthwhile investment. Be sure to check and see if you need to purchase a separate “conversion kit” to transform it.

Longevity: Do you plan on having more than one child? If so, you want one that’s high quality and sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear. There are plenty that check the “looks box”, but may not last through three children.

Storage: Are you short on space? If so, you may want to opt for one with drawers so you can stash extra sheets and whatever else below the mattress.

Toxicity: Keep your eyes peeled for the Greenguard Gold Certification. That means it isn’t off-gassing or exposing your child to harmful chemicals, which is super important considering how much time they will spend sleeping.

M+A Picks

Following are a few of our favorite cribs at various price points. We love them for either their chic and timeliness designs, sustainable materials and innovative features. Have another one you think we should add to the list? Please let us know!