The Reasons To Focus On Enhancing Recommended Cribs
Top 5 Recommended Cribs
When you buy a crib, you want it to be safe and durable. Look for solid wood construction and slat spacing that is less than 2.4 inches wide.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is one of our most favored. It comes with four different mattress height settings and is made of sustainable and renewable New Zealand pinewood. It comes with a toddler's rail.
1. Sturdy
The majority of a baby's time is spent in their time in the crib, so it's important to choose a crib that is strong enough. Look for cribs which meet the safety standards and regulations formulated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and emphasize 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.
Avoid cribs with slats that are too close together, as this can cause suffocation. Also, search for a crib that does not feature decorative cut-outs or drop sides, as these could pose a hazard to your child.
Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) as they can impact your baby's breathing and sleeping. Choose a crib certified with Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. Choose a crib that has a small cot beds footprint to minimize space and reduce dust build-up in your nursery.
DaVinci Kalani is an excellent choice for a sturdy baby crib as it meets most of our criteria. It's easy to clean, doesn't include any exposed hardware that could be caught on toys or clothing and looks beautiful in a variety of rooms. The only drawbacks are that it doesn't come with a toddler rail, and does not have the same number of slat levels as other cribs on this list.
Stork Craft Tuscany is another crib that we recommend. It's more expensive than the other cribs, but it meets all of our criteria and is easy to put together. It has only three mattress levels which is less than other cribs. However, if you plan to use the crib for a longer period of time, it may be better suited to your requirements.
2. Easy to Assemble
In contrast to larger cribs the majority of modern mini cotbed cribs don't require a whole day to put together. Most are ready to use straight from the box, and only take 30 minutes to assemble using the included tools. Some even have a built-in toddler infant cot bed conversion kit, which will save you the cost and hassle of buying separate pieces later on.
Always ensure that the crib is assembled properly and that there aren't gaps or rough surfaces that could be a danger to the baby. Pay attention to the quality and quantity of the hardware such as screws and bolts. Be sure to tighten them up securely but not too much because this could cause the wood to break or strip the threads. Choose a solid wood crib since it is believed to be safer than metal.
Find cribs with simple and clear instructions. Some manufacturers provide a video tutorial, which is helpful for those who might not be accustomed to working with furniture pieces. A good guide should include a list with the necessary tools, including screws and washers.
Size is also crucial. A crib must be large enough to accommodate your child but not too big that it can't fit through a standard opening. Be cautious when using hand-me-downs, as older cribs may not be up to the current safety standards.
The Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is a fantastic option for those looking for a sleek, modern crib. It is made from durable and sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three different mattress settings. It has more exposed hardware than other choices on this list, though, and some users noted that it was more difficult to set up than needed due to the mislabeled components and unclear instructions.
3. Convertible
If you're looking for a crib that will last until the age of toddlers and beyond, look into one that converts into an adult-sized bed or a daybed. Consider a convertible crib if would like a crib that will last until the age of toddlerhood. This will free up space and money, as well as make it easier to replace the mattress as your child grows.
The majority of cribs that transform into full-size beds are considered an afterthought, you simply remove the side and replace it with a longer rail, Oeuf has designed a stylish crib that can be converted into bed frames. It's GREENGUARD Gold-certified, minimalist and is a great addition to any nursery. Plus, you can bundle it with the trundle bed that matches and dresser for an even more seamless appearance.
This crib is a little more substantial than others in our tests. It may use up more square footage of your nursery than the other cribs However, it's a gorgeous piece that will stand the test of time. It's easy to assemble and durable even for parents who aren't handy. 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 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 an option that looks nice in a stately nursery. It's also simple to assemble and comes with a set of toddler-sized conversion rails, which eliminates the need to purchase these separately. It does include exposed metal hardware, which could be a problem for some people.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs are an ideal solution for both parents and children, offering an environment that is safe for your child while also promoting sustainable environmental practices. Some cribs are contaminated with harmful chemicals and emissions, and harmful substances such as PVC, MDF, phthalate and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are constructed of solid wood, sustainable and renewable materials and have simple designs. They are generally simple to put together and convert, and a few come with dressers or changing tables attached that can save space in the nursery.
Certain brands offer eco-friendly cribs designed to grow with your child, converting to a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. Some cribs may have extra features such as an integrated changing table or storage compartments. They must be sturdy and durable to withstand repeated use and cleaning. The best crib eco-friendly baby cribs are made of organic materials that are non-toxic with low-VOC coatings.
Bloom Alma crib is a fantastic example of an eco-friendly crib. It is constructed of sustainable birchwood and has no toxic finishes or parts. It is Greenguard Certified for Baby Beds low chemical emissions and is compliant with all safety standards. It is a good choice for parents looking for an eco-friendly crib that offers modern, sleek design and is easy to clean.
Another option is the Namesake crib, which comes with an elegant design and top-quality construction for a low 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 comes with an reflux foot that can be affixed to the side to create an easy slope for babies with reflux.
5. Safety First
When selecting a crib, safety should be your top priority. Make sure the crib is well-built and sturdy, with solid hardware and well-fitting fittings. Also, make sure it complies 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 can) and no cutouts with decorative designs in the headboard or footboard and corner posts that are flush with the end panels or are very tall. Anything between is a strangulation risk.
Keep all toys away from the crib, since they pose choking or suffocation risks. If you're planning to use a baby monitor, choose one that has a clear line of sight that does not block your view. Also, make sure that any cords are not within your child's reach and are securely connected. Also, do not keep cushions, blankets or other baby cribs with positioners. These items can pose the risk of choking or suffocation and could be thrown off by your child or pushed down by older siblings.
Also, do not use old cribs as they may have outdated construction features that can cause injuries. Even if the crib is in good condition, it may have slats that are not wide or may be missing hardware. Old cribs could also be painted with lead or unsafe screws and bolts.
The Stork Craft Evolur comes with a variety of features at a great price, but it might be too expensive for those who want a minimal look. Other options, such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4 in 1 or the Carter's By DaVinci Collby 4-in 1 offer a similar design but without the bells and whistles.