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A good crib can be a welcome sight; it means bedtime, and a break from the incessant demands of parenthood. But nowadays, cribs are as likely to be a design statement as a resting place. When searching for the ultimate crib for a modern family, safety was paramount (for specific crib-safety information , check out the National Safety Council's crib tips). From there, our picks were based on design, functionality and cost. Finding stylish cribs for less than $500 proved to be a challenge. Check out the selections below for some worthwhile splurges, as well as a few chic steals. — Nicole Feliciano
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Stokke Sleepi Crib - $750
If you're going to spend more than $300 on a crib, pick a convertible style like this superlative crib from Stokke. You'll be getting a versatile piece of furniture that you can use for years to come. Newborns go in the bassinet on the highest mattress setting. As the child grows, lower the mattress, then remove the sides to create a toddler bed. From there, the bed can be converted into two stylish chairs. I'm hooked on the crib's portability and intriguing oval shape. For their part, the folks at Stokke believe the shape creates a calming, "womb-like" environment for babies. Stokke's even addressed our main concern: finding sheets for this non-standard crib. Recently, linen designers Dwell, BabyStar, Perlimpinpin and Serena & Lilly have added oval sheets to their collections.
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Morigeau-Lépine 5000 Collection - $795-895
For the more classically inclined parent, Morigeau-Lépine has a tremendous selection of wooden cribs, and this one (the 755) is an excellent model. This family-owned Canadian company has been in business more than sixty-five years, and they remain one of the few companies both designing and manufacturing nursery furniture. You can expect this crib to last for more than a generation — and certainly for more than one child. The birch wood crib requires careful assembly, but the finished product is simply stunning: all of the hardware is safely concealed on the crib's interior, resulting in an elegant piece of furniture. |
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IKEA Tassa - $139
As expected, this Ikea crib doesn't offer anything fancy — just clean lines and a low price. This Spartan crib meets all the basic safety standards, has two adjustable heights and can convert to a junior bed. With the money you're saving, we'd advise jazzing the crib up with printed bedding. Oh, and throw in some aspirin too. You'll need patience, a sense of humor and some tools to get his crib together. Take it from one who has done battle with the trusty Ikea Allen wrench before. The other bad news? There will be a car trip involved. This spare design is only available in Ikea stores (although their Gulliver and Hensvik cribs can be purchased online).
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Nurseryworks Aerial - $990-$1290
For many of us, spending more than a grand on baby furniture is a bitter pill to swallow. But if you've got the cash, the Aerial is a fabulous crib.What'll you get for close to $1300? Three mattress heights, two storage drawers, and the option to convert this delightful design into a toddler daybed with guardrail. (You can also opt for the unaccessorized crib for $990.) Contemporary furniture fans will be drawn to the detailing, like the cutout “cotton candy circle” pattern in the end pieces. Available in six juicy colors: citrus, cotton candy, lime, navy, slumber and snow, the Aerial can be personalized. In fact, there's a veritable candy store of other options. You might as well have a little fun if you're going part with this much money! |
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