Top 5 Recommended Cribs
When you purchase a crib you want it to be secure and durable. Look for solid construction and slats that are less than 2.4 inches apart.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is one of our most favored. It has four different mattress heights and is made of renewable and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It also comes with a toddler rail included.
1. Sturdy
It is crucial that the crib is sturdy because a baby will spend most of the time in it. Look for cribs which meet the safety standards and regulations formulated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and emphasize the structural integrity of the crib. Avoid cribs that have loose parts or rough areas that could cause harm to your child.
Avoid cribs with slats that are too close to each other, as this could cause the child to suffocate. Also, search for a crib that does not include decorative cut-outs, or drop sides, since these can pose an hazard for your child.
Also, avoid finishes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as these can impact your baby's breathing and sleep. Instead, opt for a crib that has been certified with Greenguard Gold and uses non-toxic materials. It's also helpful to choose the crib with the smallest footprint, as it will make room in your nursery and minimize dust accumulation.
DaVinci Kalani is an excellent choice for a sturdy crib for your baby as it meets most of our requirements. It's easy to clean, doesn't have exposed hardware that might get caught on toys or clothing, and it looks great in a variety of rooms. The only drawbacks are that it doesn't have an infant rail and does not have the same number of slat levels as some other cribs on this list.
Stork Craft Tuscany is another crib that we highly recommend. It's more expensive than other cribs on this list, but it fulfills all our criteria and is simple to put together. It has only three levels of mattress that is less than some other cribs. If you plan to use the crib for a longer period of time it might be more suitable for your requirements.
2. Easy to Assemble
Contrary to some of the larger cribs, most modern mini cribs do not require a whole day to assemble. They are usually ready to use right from the box, and take only 30 minutes to put together using the tools included. Some even come with built-in toddler bed conversion kit which eliminates the cost and hassle of buying separate pieces later.
Of course, you must ensure that the crib is properly built with no gaps or rough areas that could catch your baby. Also, be attentive to the quality of hardware, particularly bolts and screws. Make sure you tighten them up securely, but not too much because this could cause the wood to break or strip threads. Look for a solid wood crib as it is considered to be safer than metal.
Find cribs with easy and clear instructions. Some manufacturers offer an instructional video for those not familiar with working with furniture pieces. A good guide will also include a list of required tools, including screws and washers.
Besides design, size is an additional consideration. A crib should be big enough for your baby but not too big that it will not fit through a standard doorway. Also, be wary of using hand-me-downs because older cribs may not be up to current safety standards.
The Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 is a fantastic choice for those who are looking for a modern and sleek crib. It is constructed from durable and sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three mattress options. It is more exposed to metal hardware than the other options that are on the list. Some users also noted that the instructions and the incorrectly labeled pieces made it difficult to assemble.
3. Convertible
If you're looking for a crib which can last through the age of toddlers and beyond, look into one that converts into a daybed or a full-size bed. Consider a convertible crib if you want a crib that lasts long into toddlerhood. This will reduce your costs and space, and make it easier to change the mattress as your child develops.
While most cribs that convert into a full-size bed seem like an afterthought - you simply remove the side and replace it with a wider rail -- Oeuf has designed a stylish, quality-made crib that transforms into a bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, minimal, and will look great in every nursery. It can also be bundled with matching trundle beds or dressers to create a seamless design.
The crib is larger than the other cribs in our tests. homepage could occupy more space in your nursery than the less expensive options However, it's a gorgeous piece that can stand the test of time. It's easy to set up and sturdy even for parents who don't have the skills. It also has three adjustable mattress heights. This lets you begin your baby in a low position, which is simple for caregivers to handle and then raise the mattress as they grow older.
This convertible crib is more traditional than the other two cribs on this list. It's a great choice for parents looking for a crib that can be a part of the formal nursery. It's also easy to put together and comes with a set of toddler conversion rails, eliminating the need to buy the rails separately. The only drawback is that it has some exposed hardware, which may be an issue for some.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs are an ideal solution for everyone. They provide a safe, comfortable sleeping space for your child and promote sustainable environmental practices. Other cribs contain harmful chemicals and emissions as well as toxic substances like PVC, MDF, phthalate and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are usually made of solid wood or renewable and sustainable materials, and most have a minimal design to minimize the impact on the environment. They are easy to assemble and convert, and some include a dresser or a changing tray attached. This can help save space.
Some brands make eco-friendly cribs that are designed to grow with your child changing into an infant bed, daybed, or full-size bed. They may also have additional features, such as an integrated changing table or storage compartments. Whatever their ability to convert they should be strong and durable enough to stand up to regular use and frequent cleaning. The most eco-friendly cribs for babies are made of non-toxic organic materials with a low-VOC coating.
Bloom Alma crib is a excellent example of an eco-friendly crib. This model is made of sustainable birchwood and does not contain toxic components or finishes. It is Greenguard Certified for low chemical emissions and is compliant with all safety standards. It is a great option for parents who want an eco-friendly crib with modern, sleek design and is easy to clean.
Namesake is another option, offering 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 also comes with an optional reflux leg that can be affixed to the side of the crib to create a gentle incline for babies suffering from reflux.
5. Safety First
Safety should be the first priority when choosing the crib. Make sure that the crib is sturdy and well-built with firmly-fitted and secure hardware. Make sure it is in compliance with the current CPSC guidelines. This includes having less than 2.375 inches between the slats, no ornamental cutouts in the headboard or footboard, and corner posts that are either in line with the end panels of the crib or extremely tall. Anything that is in between poses the possibility of strangulation.
Likewise make sure that all toys are out of the crib because they can be choking or suffocation hazards. If you're considering using a baby monitor, choose one with a clear line of sight so that it doesn't interfere with your view. Also, ensure that any cords are not within your baby's reach and securely attached. Finally, never keep pillows, blankets or positioners in the crib. These can lead to dangers of suffocation and choke and could be kicked or pulled down by your child.
Also, do not use old cribs since they could have construction elements that are outdated and can cause injuries. Even if a crib is in great condition, the slats could be too wide or might be missing hardware. Old cribs could also have lead-based paint, or unsafe screws and bolts.
The Stork Craft Evolur is an excellent value, but may be too much to those who prefer a minimal style. Other options like the Dream On Me Ashton 4 in 1 or the Carter's By DaVinci Collby 4-in 1 have a similar style but without the bells and whistles.