Top 5 Recommended Cribs
You want a crib that's both safe and durable. You should look for solid wood construction and slat spacing under 2.4 inches wide.
One of our most favored choices is the Stokke Sleepi Crib. It includes four mattress heights and is made from sustainable and renewable New Zealand Pinewood. It also includes an infant rail.
1. Sturdy
It is essential that the crib is built to last because babies will spend the majority of his or her time in it. Make sure that the crib you choose is in compliance with the safety standards and regulations established by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and focus on structural integrity. Avoid cribs that have loose parts or rough areas that could cause harm to your child.
Avoid cribs that have slats that are too close to each other, since this can cause suffocation. Look for a crib without decorative cutouts or drop-sides since these options could be harmful to your child.
Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) as they can influence your baby's breathing and sleep. Instead, select cribs that are certified with Greenguard Gold and uses non-toxic materials. Pick a crib with a small footprint to minimize space and reduce dust build-up in your nursery.
DaVinci Kalani is an excellent choice for a sturdy crib for babies because it meets the majority of our criteria. It's easy to clean, doesn't include any exposed hardware that could get stuck on toys or clothing and looks fantastic in most rooms. The only drawbacks are that it doesn't include a toddler rail, and doesn't have the same amount of slats as some other cribs on this list.
Another crib that we recommend is the Stork Craft Tuscany. It's more expensive than other cribs on this list but it fulfills all our criteria and is simple to put together. Baby beds has just three mattress height levels, which is less than some other cribs. However, it's a good choice in the event that you plan to let your baby use the crib for a while and wish to have it last longer.
2. Easy to Assemble
In contrast to larger cribs many modern mini cribs don't require a full day to put together. In fact, most are ready to use straight out of the box, and take just about 30 minutes to assemble with the tools included. Some have a built in toddler bed conversion kit that spares you from the need to purchase separate pieces.
It is essential to ensure that the crib is well-assembled and that there are no gaps or rough surfaces that could be a danger to the baby. Also, be attentive to the quality of hardware, especially bolts and screws. Be sure to tighten them securely but not excessively as this can cause the wood to break or strip threads. Also, look for a solid-wood crib, which is believed to be safer than metal.
Find cribs that come with easy and clear instructions. Some manufacturers provide an instructional video, which is helpful for those who might not be accustomed to working with furniture components. A good manual will include a list with the required tools, including washers and screws.
Besides design, size is another aspect to consider. A crib must be large enough for your child, but not so large that it cannot fit through an opening of a standard size. Be cautious about using cribs older than a year, because they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards.
The Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is a great choice for those who want a modern, sleek crib. It is made from durable and sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three different mattress options. It is more exposed to metal hardware than other choices on the market. Some customers also complained that the instructions and incorrectly labeled pieces made it more difficult to put together.
3. Convertible
In contrast to car seats and strollers, cribs don't have many "features." However this doesn't mean that parents shouldn't consider other factors like design, cost and how long the crib lasts. Consider a convertible crib if want a crib that lasts long into toddlerhood. This will help save space and money, as well as make it easier to change the mattress as your baby grows.
The majority of cribs that convert into full-size beds are an afterthought and you have to remove the side and replace it with a wider rail. Oeuf has created a chic crib that can be turned into bed frames. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified minimalist, stylish, and will look great in every nursery. You can also bundle it with a matching trundle bed and dresser to create a more seamless appearance.
This crib is more substantial than the other cribs we tested in our tests. It might take up more space in your nursery, but it will last for a long time. Parents have praised it as sturdy and easy to assemble, even for those who aren't skilled. It also has three adjustable mattress heights. This allows you to start your child in a low position which is simple for caregivers to handle and then raise the mattress as they get older.
This crib that converts to a convertible is more traditional than the other two cribs on this list. It's a great choice for parents looking for a crib to fit into an elegant nursery. It's also easy to set up and comes with a set of toddler rails that convert, eliminating the need to purchase the rails separately. It does have some exposed metal hardware, which can be an issue for certain people.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs offer an ideal solution for both parents and children, offering a safe and secure sleeping environment for your child while also encouraging sustainable environmental practices. Other cribs can contain harmful chemicals and emissions, and harmful substances such as PVC, MDF, phthalate and lead. Eco-friendly cribs tend to be constructed from solid wood, sustainable and renewable materials and have a minimalist design. They are easy to set up and convert, and some come with a dresser or changing tray built-in. This can save space.
Certain brands offer eco-friendly cribs that are designed to grow with your child, converting to a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. They might also come with additional features, like a built-in changing table or storage compartments. Regardless of their conversion capabilities they should be strong and durable enough to stand up to regular use and regular cleaning. The most eco-friendly cribs for babies are made of non-toxic organic materials with low-VOC coatings.
Bloom Alma crib is a excellent example of an eco-friendly crib. It is constructed of sustainable birchwood, and it is free of toxic finishes or components. It is Greenguard Certified for low chemical emissions and meets all safety standards. It is a great option for parents who want an elegant crib design that is easy to maintain and also environmentally friendly.
Another option is the Namesake crib, which offers an elegant design and top-quality construction at a reasonable price. Its sturdy slats, made from high-quality hardwood are Greenguard Gold certified to have low emissions of chemicals. The crib also comes with an optional reflux leg that can be attached to the side of the crib to create a gentle slope for babies suffering from reflux.
5. Safety First
When choosing a crib, safety should be your top priority. Make sure the crib is sturdy and well-built, with firmly fitted and secure hardware. Also, ensure it is in line with current CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines: less than 2.375 inches of space between slats (that's approximately the size of a soda bottle) and no cutouts with decorative designs on the footboard or headboard and corner posts that are flush with the end panels or very tall--anything between can pose an opportunity for strangulation.
Keep all toys away from the crib, as they pose choking or suffocation risks. Choose a baby monitor that has a clear line-of-sight to ensure it does not interfere with your view. Also, ensure that any cords are out of your child's reach and are securely connected. Don't keep any pillows, blankets or positioning devices in the crib. These items can pose suffocation and choking risks and can be kicked off by your infant or dragged down by older siblings.
Avoid using old cribs as they could be equipped with outdated features that can cause injuries. Even if the crib appears in excellent condition, it may have slats that are too wide or may be missing hardware. Old cribs may also have lead-based paint, or loose, dangerous bolts and screws.
The Stork Craft Evolur has a wide range of features at a great price, but it could be too much for people who prefer a minimalist design. Other options like the Dream On Me Ashton 4 in 1 or the DaVinci Carter's 4-in 1 have a similar style but less bells & whistles.