Top 5 Recommended Cribs
When you purchase a crib, you want it to be safe and durable. Look for solid construction and slats less than 2.4 inches apart.
One of our favorite choices is the Stokke Sleepi Crib. It comes with four different mattress heights and is made from sustainable and renewable New Zealand Pinewood. It includes a toddler's rail.
1. Sturdy
A baby spends most of their time in the crib, so it's important to choose a crib that's sturdy enough. Find cribs that meet the safety standards and regulations formulated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and concentrate on the structural integrity of the crib. Also, consider avoiding older cribs that might have loose parts or rough areas which could cause harm to your child.
Avoid cribs that have slats that are too close together, as this can cause suffocation. Also, look for a crib that doesn't feature decorative cut-outs or drop sides, since these features can be an hazard for your child.
Also, stay clear of finishes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as these can impact your baby's breathing and sleep. Choose a crib certified with Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. Choose a crib that has smaller footprints to save space and reduce dust build-up in your nursery.
The DaVinci Kalani is a great option for a sturdy and sturdy crib, as it meets the majority of our requirements. It is easy to clean and doesn't have exposed hardware that could be caught on clothing or toys. It also looks great in all rooms. The only downside is that it doesn't include a toddler rail and does not have as many slat levels as some other cribs on this list.
Stork Craft Tuscany is another crib that we highly recommend. It's more expensive than the other cribs, but it fulfills all our criteria and is easy to put together. It also has only three mattress height levels which is lower than other cribs, but it's a good choice in the event that you plan to let your child use the crib for a while and would like it to last for longer.
2. Easy to Assemble
Many modern mini cribs do not require the time of a whole day to put together, unlike some larger cribs. They are ready to use out from the box, and require just about 30 minutes to assemble with the tools included. Some even come with a built-in toddler bed conversion kit, which eliminates the cost and hassle of buying separate pieces later on.
Of course, you should always ensure that the crib is securely built without gaps or rough spots that could hurt your baby. Be sure to be aware of the quality of hardware, particularly screws and bolts. Be sure that they are securely tightened however, don't over-tighten them, which could result in stripped threads or cracking wood. Choose a solid wood crib as it is believed to be safer than metal.
If you're looking at a crib that requires assembly, look for one that has simple and easy instructions. Some manufacturers include an instructional video which can be useful for those who may not be accustomed to working with furniture parts. A good guide should include a list of needed tools, including screws and washers.
Size is also crucial. A crib must be big enough for your baby but not so big that it won't fit through an ordinary doorway. Be cautious when using hand-me-downs as older cribs may not meet current safety standards.
The Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 is a fantastic option for parents looking for a modern and sleek crib. It is constructed of sturdy, sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three different mattress settings. It's got more exposed hardware than some of the other options on this list, however, some users have complained that it was more difficult to put together than needed due to mislabeled parts and confusing instructions.
3. Convertible
Unlike strollers and car seats cribs don't come with many "features." However this doesn't mean that parents shouldn't be thinking about other aspects like aesthetics, cost and how long the crib will last. Consider a convertible crib if you want a crib that lasts long into toddlerhood. This will help you save money and space, and make it easier to change the mattress as your child develops.
Although most cribs that convert into full-size beds are an afterthought, you simply remove the side and replace it with a wider rail. Oeuf has created a chic crib that can be turned into bed frames. It is GREENGUARD Gold-certified, minimalist and looks great in any nursery. It can also be bundled with matching trundle beds and dressers to create a seamless design.
The crib is much more sturdy than other cribs in our tests. It could take up more space in your nursery, but it will last for a long time. It's easy to set up and durable even for parents who aren't handy. It also features three adjustable mattress heights. This lets you start your baby in a seated position which is simple for caregivers to handle and then raise the mattress as they grow older.
The convertible crib has more of a traditional design than the other two cribs on this list, and is great for parents who want a crib that looks stylish in a grand nursery. It is also simple to assemble, and comes with toddler conversion rails. This eliminates the need to buy rails separately. The only downside is that it has some exposed hardware, which may be an issue for some.
4. Baby Cot -Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs are the best of both worlds, providing a safe sleep environment for your child while also encouraging sustainable environmental practices. They are free of harmful emissions and chemicals that are found in other cribs, and also harmful substances such as PVC, phthalate, MDF, and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are made of solid wood, sustainable and renewable materials, and feature simple designs. They are typically simple to put together and change, and some have dressers or changing tables attached to them, which can free up space in the nursery.
Certain brands offer eco-friendly cribs that are designed to grow with your child and convert to an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed. They may also have additional features, like a built-in changing table, or storage compartments. Whatever their capabilities to convert, they should be sturdy and durable to withstand regular use and regular cleaning. The most eco-friendly cribs for children are constructed of non-toxic organic materials with low-VOC coating.
A great example of a green crib is the Bloom Alma crib. The model is constructed of sustainable birchwood and has no toxic finishes or components. It is Greenguard Certified for low chemical emissions and is compliant with all safety standards. It is a great choice for parents looking for an eco-friendly crib with an elegant, modern design and is easy to clean.
Namesake is another option that offers a timeless design and high-quality construction at a reasonable cost. The sturdy slats of the crib are made of high-quality hardwood, and its non-toxic finish is Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. The crib has an optional reflux foot that can be connected to the side of the crib to create a gentle slope for babies with reflux.
5. Safety First
Safety should be the first priority when selecting a crib. Make sure the crib is well-built and sturdy, with solid hardware and firmly fitted fittings. Check that it meets the current CPSC guidelines. This includes less than 2.375 inches between the slats; no decorative cutouts in the headboard or footboard and corner posts that are in line with the ends of the crib or extremely tall. Anything that is in between poses a possibility of strangulation.
Also make sure that all toys are out of the crib as they can be choking or risk of suffocation. Choose a baby monitor that has a clear line-of-sight to ensure it does not interfere with your view. Also, make sure all cords are out of the reach of your child and securely anchored. Don't keep any pillows, blankets or positioners in the crib. These items could pose dangers of choking and suffocation, and could be thrown off by your infant or dragged down by older siblings.
Avoid using old cribs as they could be equipped with outdated features that can lead to injuries. Even if the crib is in good condition, the slats may be too wide, or they might be missing hardware. Old cribs could also have lead-based paint, or unsafe bolts and screws.
The Stork Craft Evolur has a wide range of features at a low price, but it may be too much for those who want a minimal look. Other options such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4 in 1 or the DaVinci Carter's 4-in 1 offer a similar design but without the bells and whistles.