Until one year of age – sometimes even more – toddlers spend most of their time in the crib, which is why the crib must be safe, comfortable and equipped with all the adjacent features a child needs to grow and develop properly.
If you’re looking for the most popular and highest rated cribs, there are a few great products here you can choose from. Check them out if you’re interested!
These Are The Top Three 4-in-1 Convertible Cribs For 2018
- DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib (click to check current price on Amazon): The perfect choice for concerned parents who are looking for a versatile and easily adjustable bed, and who know that safety and security should come first for every child.
- Delta Children Canton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib (click to check current price on Amazon): Good for parents who are looking for three important qualities in a sturdy baby crib: versatility, cost-effectiveness and safety.
- Stork Craft Portofino (click to check current price on Amazon): A stylish, extravagant, original and unique four in one convertible baby crib that your toddler can use for several years
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| DaVinci Kalani | Delta Children Canton | Stork Craft Portofino | |
| Overall Score | 4.5 Stars Based on 1095 Reviews | 4.4 Stars Based on 438 Reviews | 4.5 Stars Based on 598 Reviews |
| Pros | Four different functions, non toxic finishes | Solid hardwood, toddler guard rail | Strong and sturdy wood of the highest quality, three colors |
| Cons | Not sturdy enough when converted to a toddler bed | Tend to squeak during the first few days of use | Significant odor |
| Bottom Line | Baby crib with toddler rail is the perfect choice for concerned parents | Good for parents who are looking for versatility, cost effectiveness and safety | Great deal for the money |
| Item Weight | 67 pounds | 62 pounds | 125 pounds |
| Dimensions | 54.4 x 35 x 41.9 inches | 54.5 x 34.5 x 43.5 inches | 71 x 32.5 x 43 inches |
| # of different heights | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| JPMA and ASTM safety certified? |  | | |
| Dressing table included? | |
Choosing Safe Cribs
It often happens that parents choose and set up the crib several weeks or even months before the due date, and while it is true that newborns will do perfectly in a bassinet for 8 weeks or even more, there comes a time when the baby crib is an aspect of utmost importance. With that in mind, here you will find several important tips and hints that you should consider, if you want to keep your child safe until he grows old enough to sleep in the bed:
1. Pay Attention To The Mattress
The mattress is one of the most important components of the crib, and it is crucial to make sure that it is at least as safe and comfortable as the rest of the crib. That being said, foam mattresses are often the best choice: they are cost-effective and comfortable as they same time, they do not retain heat and moisture and they are very lightweight as well, thus allowing the child to switch the mattress from one side to the other quickly and without the hassles. The mattress thickness should not be neglected either – ideally, a baby mattress should measure between 3 and 6 inches in thickness, and its density should be of approximately 1.5 pounds per cubic foot.
Also, it is highly recommended to choose a mattress that comes with adjustable height, one that allows you to easily raise or lower the mattress support, as your child starts to sit up and become more active. The good news is that there are countless mattresses that are specifically designed for baby cribs, therefore you have where to choose from!
2. Do Not Ignore The Slats And The Safety Corner Posts!
The textbook safety rules say that the slats should not be more than the width of a soda can apart, as otherwise the little one risks to either fall through the slate or to entrap his head or limbs there, thus hurting himself. The safe corner posts should not be ignored either, as they should not be higher than 1/16 of an inch – once again, if the safe corner posts exceed this particular height, it becomes very easy for the infant to catch his clothes there and to even injure or choke himself to die. These small details are often overlooked by parents, who are unaware of the fact that they can often make the difference between life and death.
3. Choose The Right Frame Size
Another very important aspect to be considered when buying a truly safe baby crib is the overall size of the frame, which can make or break the entire crib. It is crucial for the crib to be sturdy and to stay in place – if the pieces are wobbly or they start falling apart, then the baby is exposed to high risk. With that in mind, it is important to make sure that the interior of the crib can easily accommodate a standard crib mattress that measures around 51 inches in length and approximately 27 inches in width.
Also, make sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib, as there must not be a distance higher than two fingers between the mattress and the sides of the crib, otherwise the little one can get trapped in that space and hurt himself when you are not around. The sides of the crib must also be high enough to keep the child in, even when the little one will try to escape the crib – and the will attempt to do that, as he starts to grow and will be able to stand on both feet!
4. Avoid Crib Bumpers At All Costs!
Until a few years ago, crib bumpers were believed to be a great safety addition to every baby crib, but the truth is that this padding that attaches to the inside railings can actually pose a serious health risk to the little one. There is a high SIDS risk associated with the use of crib bumpers, and although these are widely used as a standard feature in bedding sets, many safety organizations recommend parents to avoid them!
