Top 5 recommended cribs (link homepage)
When you buy a crib you want it to be secure and durable. You should look for solid wood construction and slat spacing less than 2.4 inches wide.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is one of our top picks. It comes with four mattress height settings and is made of renewable and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It also includes a toddler rail included.
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. Find cribs that comply with safety regulations and standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission, which focus on structural integrity. Avoid cribs with loose parts or rough areas that could harm your child.
Look for solid frames and stay clear of slats that are too close as they could pose a risk of death from suffocation. Choose a crib with no decorative cutouts, or drop-sides as these features may be dangerous to your child.
Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) as they can impact your baby's breathing and sleeping. Select a crib that is certified by Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. Choose a crib that has a small footprint to minimize space and reduce dust build-up in your nursery.
The DaVinci Kalani is a great option for a sturdy and sturdy crib, as it meets the majority of our requirements. It's easy to clean, doesn't have any exposed hardware that could be snagged on clothing or toys, and it looks great in a variety of rooms. The only drawback is that it does not include a toddler rail, or as many slats like other cribs in this list.
Another crib we recommend is the Stork Craft Tuscany. It's more expensive than other cribs, but it meets all of our criteria and is easy to put together. It also only has three mattress heights, which is less than other cribs, however it's a good choice in the event that you plan to let your child use the crib for a while and would like it to last for longer.
2. Easy to Assemble
Unlike some larger cribs, most modern mini cribs do not require an entire day to put together. They're ready to use out of the box, taking approximately 30 minutes to assemble with the included tools. Some include a built-in toddler bed conversion kit that saves you from the need to purchase separate pieces.
You should always make sure that the crib is well-assembled and that there aren't gaps or rough surfaces that could catch babies. Also, pay attention to the quality of the hardware, specifically bolts and screws. Be sure that they are securely tightened but don't over tighten them, which could result in cracked wood or stripped threads. Choose solid wood cribs as it is thought to be more secure than metal.
If you're thinking about buying a crib that needs assembly, search for one that comes with easy and simple instructions. Some manufacturers offer an instructional video that can be helpful for those who might not be accustomed to working with furniture pieces. A good manual will include a list with the essential tools, like screws and washers.
Besides design, size is another consideration. A crib should be big enough to accommodate your child but not so large that it cannot fit through a standard opening. 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 option for parents who are looking for a modern and sleek crib. It is made from sturdy, sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three mattress options. It has more exposed hardware than the other choices on this list, however, and some customers noted that it was more difficult to set up than needed due to mislabeled parts and unclear instructions.
3. Convertible
In contrast to car seats and strollers cribs don't come with many "features." However, that doesn't mean parents shouldn't be thinking about other aspects such as aesthetics, price and the length of time the crib will last. If you're looking for a crib that will last into the age of three and beyond, think about purchasing one that converts into a full-size bed or daybed. This will reduce your costs and space and will make it easier to swap out the mattress as your child grows.
While most cribs that transform into a full-size bed seem like an afterthought--you simply take the side off and replace it with a longer rail, the Oeuf design is a sleek quality crib that can be transformed into a bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified minimalist, stylish, and looks nice in almost any nursery. It can also be bundled with matching trundle beds or dressers to create a cohesive look.
The crib is more substantial than others in our tests. It could occupy more space in your nursery than the other cribs however, it's a stunning piece that will stand the test of time. It's easy to set up and sturdy even for parents who aren't skilled. 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 grow older.
The convertible crib is more traditional than the other two cribs on this list. It's a great choice for parents who are seeking a crib that will fit into an elegant nursery. It's also simple to assemble and comes with a set of toddler-sized conversion rails, eliminating the need to purchase these separately. It does include exposed metal hardware, which could be a problem for certain people.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs offer an ideal solution for both parents and children, offering an environment that is safe for your child, while also promoting sustainable environmental practices. They are free of harmful chemicals and emissions that are found in other cribs, as well as harmful substances such as PVC, phthalate, MDF, and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are usually constructed from solid wood or renewable and sustainable materials, and a lot of them are minimalist in design to minimize the impact on the environment. They are easy to assemble and convert, and some come with a dresser or changing tray built-in. This can help save space.
Some brands make eco-friendly cribs that are designed to grow with your child, converting to a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. Some cribs might have additional features, such as a built in changing tables or storage compartments. No matter what their conversion capabilities they should be strong and durable to withstand regular use and regular cleaning. The most eco-friendly cribs are made from non-toxic, organic materials and have a low-VOC finish.
A great example of an eco-friendly crib is the Bloom Alma crib. The model is constructed of sustainable birchwood, and is free of harmful components or finishes. It is Greenguard Certified for low chemical emissions and is compliant with all safety standards. It is a great choice for parents who want a crib with a sleek design that is easy to clean and eco-friendly.
Another alternative is the Namesake crib, which offers a timeless style and high-quality construction at an affordable cots price. The sturdy slats are constructed of high-quality hardwood, and its non-toxic finish is Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. The crib is equipped with an reflux foot that can be affixed to the side of the crib to create an easy slope for babies with reflux.
5. Safety First
When selecting a crib, security should be the primary priority. Make sure that the crib is well-built and sturdy with firmly-fitted and secured hardware. Also, ensure that it is in line with the current CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines: less than 2.375 inches of space between slats (that's about the width of a soda container) and no cutouts with decorative designs in the headboard or footboard and corner posts that are flush with end panels or very tall--anything between can pose a strangulation risk.
Likewise, keep all toys out of the crib because they can be choking or suffocation hazards. If you're considering using a baby monitor, choose one with a clear line of sight that doesn't interfere with your view. Also, make sure that any cords are not within your baby's reach and securely connected. Finally, never keep pillows, blankets, or baby cribs with positioners. These can cause suffocation and choking risks and Cheap Cot Bed could be thrown away by your infant or dragged down by older siblings.
Also, avoid using old cribs because they could have outdated construction features that could result in injuries. Even if a crib is in great condition, the slats may be too wide or could be lacking hardware. Also, old cribs could have paint that contains lead or have loose and hazardous screws or bolts.
The Stork Craft Evolur has a wide range of features at a low 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 Colby 4-in-1 have the same style, but without all the bells and whistles.