Top 5 Recommended Cribs
When you purchase a crib you want it to be safe and sturdy. Make sure you choose a solid wood crib and slat spacing under 2.4 inches wide.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is one of our most favored. It comes with four different mattress heights and is made out of renewable and sustainable New Zealand Pinewood. It also includes an infant rail.
1. Sturdy
It's important that the crib is sturdy since a baby 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 with loose components or rough areas that could cause harm to your child.
Look for solid frames and stay clear of slats that are too close together as this can pose a danger of death from suffocation. Look for a crib without decorative cutouts or drop-sides as these features may be harmful to your child.
Also, stay clear of finishes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because they can affect your baby's breathing and sleep. Select a crib that is certified by Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. It's also beneficial to select a crib that has a small footprint, since it will save space in your nursery and minimize dust accumulation.
The DaVinci Kalani is a great choice for a solid crib as it meets the majority of our requirements. It's easy to clean, doesn't include any exposed hardware that might get caught on toys or clothing, and it looks great in all rooms. The only drawbacks are that it doesn't have an infant rail and it doesn't have as many slat levels as some other cribs on this list.
Another recommended crib is the Stork Craft Tuscany. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other options on this list, but it has a sleek design and meets almost all our requirements, such as being super-easy to assemble. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than some other cribs. However, if you plan to use the crib for a long time it could be more suitable for your requirements.
2. Easy to Assemble
A majority of modern mini cribs do not need the time of a whole day to put together unlike larger cribs. In fact, most are ready to use out of the box, and take around 30 minutes to assemble using the tools provided. Some have a built in toddler bed conversion kit that spares the cost of buying separate pieces.
Of course, you should ensure that the crib is securely built with no gaps or rough areas that could catch your baby. Be sure to check the quality and quantity of hardware including screws and bolts. Be sure to tighten them securely but not too much, as this can cause the wood to crack or tear the threads. Look for a solid wood crib since it is considered to be safer than metal.
Find cribs that come with simple and clear instructions. Some manufacturers offer a video tutorial for those who are not familiar with working with furniture pieces. A good guide will also include a list of essential tools, like washers and screws.
Size is also crucial. A crib should be big enough to accommodate your child but not too big that it cannot pass through a standard opening. Be cautious about using cribs older than a year, as they may not meet the current safety standards.
The Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 is a fantastic option for parents who are looking for a sleek and modern crib. It is made from durable and sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three different mattress settings. It has more exposed hardware than some of the other options on this list, however, and some customers found it more complicated to assemble than necessary because of mislabeled parts and confusing instructions.
3. Convertible
If you're looking for a crib that will last through the age of toddlers and beyond, look into one that can be converted into a full-size bed or daybed. Consider an adjustable crib if you want a crib to last until toddlerhood. This will save space and money, as well as make it easier to change the mattress as your baby grows.
Although most cribs that convert into full-size beds are an afterthought and you have to remove the side and replace it with an extended rail. Oeuf has created a stylish crib that can be converted into a bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, minimal, and looks nice in almost any nursery. You can also combine it with matching trundle beds and dressers to create a cohesive look.
This crib is more robust than other cribs we've tested tests. It could take up more space in your nursery, but it'll last for years. The parents who tested it say it's durable and easy to assemble, even for those who aren't handy. It also features three adjustable mattress heights. This lets you start your baby in a low position, which is simple for caregivers to handle and then raise the mattress as they get older.
The convertible crib has more of a traditional design than the other two cribs on this list, and is ideal for parents looking for a crib that will look stylish in a grand nursery. It is also simple to set up and comes with a set toddler conversion rails. This makes it unnecessary to purchase rails separately. It does include exposed metal hardware, which can be an issue for certain people.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs create a win-win scenario, providing a safe sleep environment for your child, while also promoting sustainable environmental practices. They are free of harmful chemicals and emissions that are found in other cribs, and also toxins like PVC, phthalate, MDF and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are typically made from solid wood or renewable and sustainable materials, and most are designed to reduce the impact on the environment. They are easy to set up or convert, and some have a dresser or a changing tray that is attached. This can help save space.
Some brands offer eco-friendly cribs which can be transformed into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. Some cribs might have additional features such as an integrated changing tables or storage compartments. They should be durable and sturdy to withstand the rigors of daily use and clean. The best eco-friendly cribs are made of organic and non-toxic materials. They also come with a low-VOC finish.
Bloom Alma crib is a fantastic example of an eco-friendly crib. This model is made from sustainable birchwood and has no toxic finishes or parts. It is Greenguard Certified and meets all safety standards. weblink is a great option for parents looking for an eco-friendly crib that has a sleek, modern design and is easy to clean.
Namesake is another option that offers timeless design and high-quality construction at a low cost. The sturdy slats made from high-quality hardwood are Greenguard Gold certified to have low chemical emissions. The crib is equipped with an reflux foot that can be attached to the side to create an even slope for infants with reflux.
5. Safety First
When choosing a crib, security should be the primary priority. Make sure that the crib is strong and well-constructed, with firmly fitted and secured hardware. 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 the footboard, and corner posts that are either flush with the panels at the end of the crib, or very tall. Anything in between poses a danger of strangulation.
Be sure to keep all toys out of the crib, as they can pose choking or suffocation risks. Select a monitor for your baby that is in a clear line of sight to ensure it does not interfere with your view. Also, ensure that weblink are not within your baby's reach and securely connected. Never place pillows, blankets or positioners inside the crib. These can cause suffocation and choking risks and could be thrown off by your infant or dragged down by older siblings.
Also, do not use old cribs as they may have outdated construction features that could result in injuries. Even if the crib appears in good condition, it may have slats that are too wide or may be missing hardware. Old cribs can also have lead-based paint or loose, dangerous screws and bolts.
The Stork Craft Evolur is an excellent value, but may be too much to those who prefer a minimalist look. Other options, like the Dream On Me Ashton 4-in-1 or the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1, have a similar style but less bells and whistles.