Guide To Recommended Cribs: The Intermediate Guide In Recommended Cribs
Top 5 Recommended Cribs
You want a crib that is sturdy and safe. Look for solid wood construction and slat spacing less than 2.4 inches wide.
One of our most favored choices is the Stokke Sleepi Crib. It comes with four different mattress sizes and is made of sustainable and renewable New Zealand Pinewood. It comes with a toddler's rail.
1. Sturdy
It is essential that the crib is built to last because babies will spend a lot of the time in it. Find cribs that meet the safety standards and regulations formulated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and emphasize structural integrity. Avoid cribs with loose parts or rough areas which could hurt your child.
Avoid cribs with slats too close together, as this can cause suffocation. Also, search for a crib that doesn't include decorative cut-outs, or drop sides, since these could pose dangerous for your child.
Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) because they may impact your baby's breathing and sleeping. Select a crib certified by Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. It is also beneficial to select a crib with a minimal footprint, as it will reduce the space in your nursery and limit dust accumulation.
DaVinci Kalani is an excellent choice for a sturdy baby crib as it meets most of our requirements. It is easy to clean and doesn't include exposed hardware that could be in the way of toys or clothing. It also looks beautiful in all rooms. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a toddler rail, and does not have the same number of slat levels like other cribs on this list.
Another recommended crib is the Stork Craft Tuscany. It's more expensive than the other options on this list, but it's sleek and stylish and meets nearly all of our requirements, such as being super-easy to assemble. It has only three levels of mattress, which is fewer than some other cribs. If you intend to use the crib for a long time it could be more suitable for your requirements.
2. Easy to Assemble
In contrast to larger cribs the majority of modern mini cribs don't require a whole day to assemble. Most are ready to use straight out of the box and only take 30 minutes to put together using the included tools. Some include a built-in toddler bed conversion kit that spares the cost of buying separate pieces.
It is essential to ensure that the crib is well-assembled and that there are no gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby. Also, be attentive to the quality of hardware, particularly screws and bolts. Make sure they're securely tightened but don't over tighten them, which can result in stripped threads or cracking wood. Also consider a solid-wood crib, which is thought to be safer than metal.
Find cribs with easy and clear instructions. Some manufacturers provide a video tutorial that can be helpful for those who may not be familiar with furniture parts. A good manual will include a list of required tools, including screws and washers.
In addition to design, size is an additional consideration. A crib should be big enough to accommodate your child but not so large that it cannot pass through a standard opening. Be wary of cribs that are older 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 modern and sleek crib. It has three mattress heights and is made of durable and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It's got more exposed hardware than other options on this list, though, and some users found it more complicated to assemble than they needed to due to mislabeled parts and unclear instructions.
3. Convertible
If you're seeking a crib that can last through the age of toddlers and beyond, look into one that can be converted into a daybed or a full-size cot bed sales. Consider an adjustable crib if you want a crib that lasts long into the age of toddlerhood. This will help save space and money, and make it easier to replace the mattress as your baby grows.
While most cribs that convert into a full-size bed seem like an afterthought--you simply take the side off and replace it with a larger rail, the Oeuf design is a sleek high-quality crib that can transform into a bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified minimal and looks nice in almost any nursery. You can also bundle it with a matching trundle bed and dresser Best cot for newborn a more seamless look.
This crib is larger than the other cribs in our tests, and it could occupy more square footage of your nursery than some of the smaller options, but it's a beautiful piece that will stand the test of time. Parent testers say it's sturdy and easy to assemble, even for those who don't have the skills. It also has three different mattress heights that can be adjusted which means you can start your child in a low, comfortable position which is easy for parents to lift and raise as they grow older.
This convertible crib is more traditional than the other two cribs on this list. It's a great choice for parents looking for a crib to fit in a formal nursery. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a set toddler conversion rails. This means that you don't have to purchase rails separately. It does feature exposed metal hardware, which can be an issue for certain people.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs are an ideal solution for both parents and children, offering a safe and secure sleeping environment for your child while also promoting sustainable practices for the environment. They are free of harmful emissions and chemicals that can be found in other cribs, and also harmful substances such as PVC, phthalate, MDF and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are typically made of solid wood or renewable and sustainable materials, and many are designed to reduce the environmental impact. They are usually easy to assemble and change, and some include an adjustable dresser or changing tray attached, which can help save space in the nursery.
Some brands make eco-friendly cribs, which are designed to grow with your child, converting to a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. They could also include additional features, like an integrated changing table or storage compartments. Regardless of their capabilities to convert, they should be sturdy and durable to withstand regular use and regular cleaning. The most eco-friendly cribs for children are constructed of non-toxic organic materials with low-VOC coating.
Bloom Alma crib is a fantastic example of an eco-friendly crib. This model is made from sustainable birchwood and does not contain toxic finishes or parts. It is Greenguard Certified for low chemical emissions and is compliant with all safety standards. It is a great option for parents who are looking for an eco-friendly crib with modern, sleek design and is easy to clean.
Another alternative is the Namesake crib, which comes with an elegant design and top-quality construction at a reasonable 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 connected to the side to create an even slope for infants with reflux.
5. Safety First
When you are choosing a crib safety should be the top priority. Be sure that the crib is well-constructed and sturdy, with solid hardware and firmly fitted fittings. Also, ensure that it complies with current CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines: Less than 2.375 inches of space between the slats (that's about the width of a soda bottle), no decorative cutout designs in the footboard or headboard, and corner posts that are flush with end panels or extremely tall. Anything in between poses an opportunity for strangulation.
Also ensure that all toys are kept out of the crib as they could pose choking and dangers of suffocation. If you want to use Baby Cot monitors, select one that is clear of sight, so it doesn't interfere with your view. Also, make sure that all cords are out of reach of your child and securely connected. Do not place blankets, pillows or even positioners in the crib. These can cause dangers of choking and suffocation, and could be thrown away by your baby or pulled down by older siblings.
Beware of cribs that are older because they may have outdated features that can cause injury. Even if a crib appears in good condition, the slats could be too wide or could be lacking hardware. In addition, cribs that are old may contain lead-based paint or have loose and dangerous screws or bolts.
The Stork Craft Evolur is an excellent value, but might be too expensive for those who prefer a minimal style. Other options, such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4 in 1 or the DaVinci Collby by Carter 4-in 1 have a similar look but less bells & whistles.