Crib Notes

Check out our favorite cribs of the year—from pretty and simple to simply spectacular. It’s a shame you need just one.

By the Editors of Pregnancy

“Hey—what happened to all the drop-side cribs?
Cribs with one moveable side that allows easier access to baby, known as drop-side cribs, have been notoriously recalled over the years—most recently in November 2009, when Stork Craft recalled 2.1 million of them. Wondering if your nephew’s hand-me-down crib will be safe for your baby? A drop-side crib is safe, says the Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association, if it’s properly assembled and working correctly.

But it’s important to know that drop-sides are more susceptible to recalls because they have more hardware and moving parts than other models. This may be why you’re seeing fewer of them from manufacturers and in magazines such as Pregnancy. In fact, the crib subcommittee of ASTM International, an organization that creates safety benchmarks for consumer goods, recently voted to eliminate drop-sides from its standard.

Editor’s note: As of 7/14/2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has voted to essentially prohibit traditional drop-side cribs from being sold in the United States: http://cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10301.html

Tips for staying safe, no matter the crib:
Proper assembly is crucial! Read and follow the manual, making sure you’ve attached every part correctly. If there’s any step you’re not sure about, call the company for help. Don’t use any crib with missing, broken, improperly installed, or loose hardware.

When you reassemble an older crib for a second or third child, re-check that all parts are installed according to the instructions. The company can provide you with replacement hardware and instructions if you need them.

Make sure all moving parts operate smoothly, including drop-sides. Check all sides and corners of the crib to make sure the drop side engages. Make sure there’s no gap that could entrap your child.

Inspect and tighten hardware periodically to ensure the crib stays sturdy. Don’t repair any side of the crib with hardware that isn’t from the original manufacturer, and don’t prop broken sides up against a wall.

Occasionally check to see if your crib has been recalled at www.cpsc.gov. More than 5 million cribs, bassinets, and play yards have been recalled in the past 2 years, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

The latest look in platform cribs, without the sticker shock. (Babymod Olivia 3-in-1 Crib in Amber and White, $299, www.walmart.com)

Valuable space can be found in an under-crib drawer. (Baby Mod ParkLane 3-in-1 Convertible Crib in Espresso, $300, www.walmart.com)

This great-looking crib starts out as a bassinet (mattress included) and converts as baby grows. (Argington Bam Crib in Ebony, $585, www.argington.com)

This one magically manages to be classic and modern at the same time. (Land of Nod Madison Crib in Chocolate, $599, www.landofnod.com)

All this stylish sophistication actually becomes a full-size bed when your little one becomes a big one. (Muniré Furniture Soho Lifetime Crib in Cappuccino, $599, www.munirefurniture.com)

A feel-good crib all the way—eco-friendly and made in the U.S.A. (Muu Ray Crib, All Slats, in Hazelnut, $795, www.muukids.com)

We love this sleek, mod look; even better, assembly is “no tools required.” (Bloom Luxo Crib in Cappuccino/White, $990, www.giggle.com)

How cool is this clear (and safe) acrylic? It’s too pretty for a bumper! (Spot On Square Roh Crib in 2-Sided Clear With Walnut and White, $1,990, www.spotonsquare.com)

When money’s no object, here’s how to put baby to bed in impressive style! (Offi Nest Cribin Walnut, $2,499, www.offi.com)