The Recommended Cribs Success Story You'll Never Remember
Top 5 Recommended Cribs
You want a crib that's sturdy and safe. Look for solid wood construction and slat spacing under 2.4 inches wide.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is one of our favorites. It includes four mattress heights and is constructed from sustainable and renewable New Zealand Pinewood. It comes with a toddler's bed.
1. Sturdy
The majority of a baby's time is spent in their time in their crib, which is why it's crucial to choose a crib that is sturdy enough. Find cribs that comply with safety regulations and standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission, which are focused on structural integrity. Also, you should avoid cribs with older models that could have loose parts or rough areas that could harm your baby.
Avoid cribs with slats too close to each other, as this could cause suffocation. Look for a crib without decorative cutouts, or drop-sides because these can be harmful to your child.
Also, stay clear of finishes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because they could affect 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 minimize space and reduce dust accumulation in your nursery.
DaVinci Kalani is an excellent option for a sturdy crib for your baby as it meets most of our criteria. It's easy to clean, doesn't have exposed hardware that could get stuck on toys or clothing and looks beautiful in most rooms. The only downside is that it doesn't include a toddler rail and it doesn't have the same number of slat levels as some other cribs on this list.
Stork Craft Tuscany is another crib we would recommend. It's more expensive than the other cribs on this list, but it meets all of our criteria and is easy to put together. It has only three levels of mattress, which is fewer than some other cribs. If you plan to use the crib for several years it might be better suited to your needs.
2. Easy to Assemble
Many modern mini cribs don't require an entire day of assembly unlike larger cribs. They're usually ready for use straight out of the box and take only 30 minutes to put together using the tools included. Some have a built in toddler bed conversion kit that saves you from the need to purchase separate pieces.
It is essential to ensure that the crib is assembled properly and that there are no gaps or rough surfaces that could snag babies. Also, be attentive to the quality of hardware, particularly bolts and screws. Be sure to tighten them up securely but not too much because this could cause the wood to crack or tear the threads. Also look for a solid wood crib, which is considered safer than metal.
If you're thinking about buying a crib that needs assembly, choose one that has simple and easy instructions. Some manufacturers offer videos for those who aren't familiar with working with furniture pieces. A good guide will also include a list with the required tools, including washers and screws.
Size is also important. Full Statement must be big enough to accommodate your child, but not so big that it won't fit through an ordinary doorway. Be cautious when using hand-me-downs because older cribs may not be up to the latest safety standards.
The Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 is a great option for parents who are looking for a sleek and modern crib. It comes with three mattress height settings and is constructed from sturdy and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It is more exposed to the elements than other choices on this list, though, and some users have complained that it was more complicated to assemble than necessary because of mislabeled parts and confusing instructions.
3. Convertible
As opposed to car seats and strollers cribs don't come with a lot of "features." However, that doesn't mean parents shouldn't consider other factors like aesthetics, cost and how long the crib will last. Consider an adjustable crib if you want a crib that lasts long into toddlerhood. This will reduce your costs as well as space, making it easier to swap out the mattress as your child develops.
The majority of cribs that can be converted into a bed of a larger size feel like an afterthought--you simply remove the side and replace it with a longer rail--Oeuf designed a stylish high-quality crib that can transform into an actual bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified minimalist, stylish, and looks nice in almost every nursery. You can also bundle it with matching trundle beds or dressers to create a cohesive look.
This crib is more substantial than other cribs in our tests. It could occupy more square feet of your nursery than some of the smaller options however, it's a stunning piece that will stand up to the test of time. It's simple to put together 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 easy for caregivers and then raise the mattress as they get older.
This convertible crib has more of a traditional look than the other two on this list, which is great for parents looking for a crib that looks nice in a stately nursery. It is also easy to set up and comes with a set of toddler conversion rails. This eliminates the need to buy the rails separately. It does include exposed metal hardware, which may be a problem for certain people.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs offer an ideal solution for both parents and children, offering a safe sleep environment for your baby while 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 tend to be constructed of solid wood, renewable and sustainable materials, and feature simple designs. They are generally easy to assemble and convert, and a few have a changing tray or dresser attached that can save space in the nursery.
Certain brands offer eco-friendly cribs that are designed to adapt to your child's needs, converting to a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. They may also have additional features, like an integrated changing table or storage compartments. They should be durable and sturdy to withstand repeated usage and cleaning. The best eco-friendly cribs are constructed from non-toxic, organic materials and come with a low-VOC finish.
An excellent example of a crib that is eco-friendly is the Bloom Alma crib. It is constructed of sustainable birchwood and does not contain toxic finishes or components. It is Greenguard Certified and meets all safety standards. It is a good choice for parents who are looking for an eco-friendly crib with an elegant, modern design and is easy to clean.
Namesake is another option, with timeless design and high-quality construction at a low cost. The sturdy slats that are constructed from high-quality hardwood are Greenguard Gold certified to have low chemical emissions. The crib comes with an reflux foot that can be affixed to the side of the crib to create an even slope for infants with reflux.
5. Safety First
When selecting a crib, safety should be your top priority. Make sure that the crib is well-constructed and sturdy, with solid hardware and fittings that are securely fitted. Verify that it complies with the current CPSC guidelines. This includes having less than 2.375 inches between the slats; no decorative cutouts in the headboard or footboard, and corner posts that are either flush with the end panels of the crib or very tall. Anything in between poses the danger of strangulation.
Also ensure that all toys are kept away from the crib since they can be choking or risk of suffocation. Select a monitor for your baby with a clear line of sight so that it doesn't interfere with your view. Also, make sure any cords are out of your child's reach and are securely attached. Don't keep any cushions, blankets or other baby cribs with positioners. These can lead to choking and suffocation risks and could be pushed or kicked by your child.
Also, do not use old cribs as they may have outdated construction features that could result in injuries. Even if the crib appears in excellent condition, it may have slats that are too wide or may be missing hardware. Additionally, old cribs may have paint that contains lead or have loose and hazardous bolts or screws.
The Stork Craft Evolur is a great value, but may be too much to those who prefer a minimalist style. Other options, such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4 in 1 or the Carter's By DaVinci Collby 4-in 1 have a similar look but less bells & whistles.