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 top picks. It includes four mattress sizes and is made from sustainable and renewable New Zealand Pinewood. It comes with a toddler's bed.
1. Sturdy
A baby spends most of their time in the crib, so it's important to find one that is solid enough. Look for cribs that meet 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 cause harm to your baby.
Choose solid frames and stay clear of slats that are too close together as this could increase the danger of being suffocated. Find a crib that does not have decorative cutouts, or drop-sides as these features may be dangerous for your child.
Also, avoid finishes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because they could affect your baby's breathing and sleep. Instead, select cribs that are certified with Greenguard Gold and uses non-toxic materials. It's also helpful to choose a crib with a minimal footprint, as it will reduce the space in your nursery and reduce dust accumulation.
The DaVinci Kalani is a great option for a sturdy crib, as it fulfills the majority of our requirements. It is easy to clean and doesn't include exposed hardware that can be caught on clothing or toys. It also looks beautiful in the majority of rooms. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a toddler rail, and doesn't have the same number of slat levels as some other cribs on this list.
Stork Craft Tuscany is another crib that we recommend. It's a bit more costly than some of the other options on this list, however it's stylish and meets almost all our requirements, such as being extremely easy to assemble. It only has three levels of mattress that is less than some other cribs. However, if you intend to use the crib for a longer period of time, it may be better suited to your needs.
2. Easy to Assemble
A majority of modern mini cribs do not need a full day of assembly unlike some of the larger cribs. They are ready to use right out of the box, and take just about 30 minutes to put together using the tools included. Some even come with built-in toddler bed conversion kit which saves you the expense and hassle of buying separate pieces later on.
Of course, you should always check that the crib is properly built with no gaps or rough spots that could hurt your baby. Also, be aware of the quality of the hardware, specifically bolts and screws. Make sure you tighten them up securely but not too much, as this can cause the wood to crack or strip threads. Also look for a solid wood crib, which is believed to be safer than metal.
Look for cribs that have easy and clear instructions. Some manufacturers offer an instructional video for those who aren't used to working with furniture pieces. A good guide will also include a list with the essential tools, like screws and washers.
The size of the crib is also important. A crib should be big enough for your baby but not so big that it can't be accessed through an ordinary doorway. Be cautious when using cribs that are older as they might not meet the 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 of sturdy, sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three different mattress settings. It has more exposed metal hardware than other options on the list. Some users also noted that the instructions and mislabeled pieces made it more difficult to put together.
3. Convertible
As opposed to car seats and strollers cribs don't come with a lot of "features." However cots4tots.co.uk doesn't mean that parents shouldn't be thinking about other aspects like design, cost and the length of time the crib lasts. Consider a convertible crib if you want a crib that lasts until toddlerhood. This will save space and money, as well as make it easier to change the mattress as your child grows.
While most cribs that transform into a full-size bed seem like a gimmick--you just take off the side and replace it with a wider rail -- Oeuf has designed a stylish high-quality crib that can transform into a bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold-certified, simple and will look great in any nursery. Additionally, you can combine it with the trundle bed that matches and dresser to create a more seamless appearance.
The crib is much more sturdy than the other cribs we tested in our tests. It may take up more space in your nursery, but it's going to last for years. Parent testers say it's sturdy and easy to put together, even for those who aren't handy. It also comes with three adjustable mattress heights. This allows you to start your baby in a low position which is easy for caregivers and then raise the mattress as they grow older.
This crib is more of a traditional style than the other two on this list, which is ideal for parents who want a crib that will look nice in a stately nursery. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a set of toddler conversion rails. This makes it unnecessary to purchase them separately. It does have some exposed metal hardware, which could be an issue for certain people.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs are an ideal solution for both parents and children, offering a safe sleep environment for your baby while encouraging sustainable environmental practices. Other cribs contain harmful chemicals and emissions and toxins such as PVC, MDF, phthalate and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are generally made from solid wood or sustainable and renewable materials, and a lot of them are minimalist in design to minimize the impact on the environment. They are usually easy to assemble and convert, and a few come with a changing tray or dresser 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, converting to a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. Some cribs can come with additional features such as a built in changing tables or storage compartments. No matter what their conversion capabilities they should be strong and durable enough to withstand frequent use and frequent cleaning. The most eco-friendly cribs are made from organic, non-toxic materials and are low-VOC in their finish.
Bloom Alma crib is a excellent example of an eco-friendly crib. The model is constructed of sustainable birchwood, and is free of 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 looking for an eco-friendly crib with an elegant, modern design and is easy to clean.
Another option is the Namesake crib, which offers timeless design and top-quality construction at an affordable price. The sturdy slats made from high-quality hardwood are Greenguard Gold certified to have low emissions of chemicals. 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
Safety should be the primary priority when choosing the crib. Make sure that the crib is well-built and sturdy with firmly-fitted and secured hardware. Make sure it is in compliance with the current CPSC guidelines. This includes: less than 2.375 inches between the slats, no ornamental cutouts in the headboard or footboard, and corner posts that are flush with the panels at the end of the crib, or very tall. Anything that is in between poses a possibility of strangulation.
Likewise, keep all toys out of the crib as they can be choking or dangers of suffocation. If you're considering using a baby monitor, make sure you choose one that is clear of sight so that it doesn't interfere with your view. Also, make sure all cords are not within reach of your child and are securely anchored. Don't place any blankets, pillows or even positioners in the crib. These items could pose the risk of choking or suffocation and can be kicked off by your child or pushed down by older siblings.
Also, avoid using old cribs because they could contain outdated features that could cause injuries. Even if the crib is in excellent condition, it may have slats that are too wide or may be missing hardware. Also, old cribs could contain lead-based paint or have loose and dangerous screws or bolts.
The Stork Craft Evolur is an excellent value, however it may be too much to those who prefer a minimalist design. Other options, such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4 in 1 or the DaVinci Carter's 4-in 1 have a similar style but less bells & whistles.