Guide To Recommended Cribs: The Intermediate Guide For Recommended Cribs

Top 5 Recommended Cribs

When you purchase a crib you want it to be secure and sturdy. Make sure you choose a solid wood crib and slat spacing less than 2.4 inches wide.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is one of our most favored. It has four different mattress heights and is made out of renewable and sustainable New Zealand Pinewood. It comes with a toddler's rail.

1. Sturdy

It is essential that the crib is strong because babies will spend the majority of the time in it. Look for cribs which meet the safety standards and regulations established by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and emphasize structural integrity. Avoid cribs with loose components or rough areas which could hurt your child.

Avoid cribs that have slats that are too close together, as this can cause suffocation. Also, search for a crib that doesn't include decorative cut-outs, or drop sides, as these can pose a hazard to your child.

Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) as they can affect your baby’s breathing and sleep. Select a crib that is certified by Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. Select a crib with a a small footprint to save space and reduce dust accumulation in your nursery.

The DaVinci Kalani is a great option for a sturdy crib, as it is a good fit for the majority 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 downside is that it does not include a toddler rail, or as many slats as the other cribs listed in this list.

Stork Craft Tuscany is another crib we would recommend. It's more expensive than other cribs, but it fulfills all our criteria and is simple to put together. It has only three levels of mattress that is less than other cribs. If you plan to use the crib for a long time it might be more suitable for your needs.

2. Easy to Assemble

A majority of modern mini cribs don't require an entire day of assembly, unlike some larger cribs. They are usually ready to use straight out of the package, and only take 30 minutes to assemble using the tools included. Some even have a built-in toddler bed conversion kit, which saves you the expense and hassle of buying separate pieces later.

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, be aware of the quality of the hardware, specifically screws and bolts. Be sure that they are securely tightened however, don't over-tighten them, which could result in cracked wood or stripped threads. Also, look for a solid-wood crib, which is believed to be safer than metal.

Find best rated cribs that come with easy and clear instructions. Some manufacturers offer an instructional video for those who aren't familiar with working with furniture pieces. A good guide should also include a list of supplies, like washers and screws.

In addition to the design, size is a different consideration. A crib must be big enough for your baby but not too big that it won't fit through a standard doorway. 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 looking for a sleek and modern crib. It is constructed of durable, sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three mattress options. It is more exposed to the elements than other options on this list, however, some users found it more complicated to assemble than they needed to due to the mislabeled components and unclear instructions.

3. Convertible

Unlike strollers and car seats cribs don't come with many "features." However this doesn't mean that parents shouldn't take into consideration other factors like aesthetics, cost and how long the crib lasts. If you're looking for a crib that can last until toddlerhood and beyond, think about buying one that can convert into a bed that is full size or a daybed. This will save you money and space and will make it easier to swap out the mattress as your child develops.

The majority of cribs that can be converted into a full-size bed seem like an afterthought--you simply remove the side and replace it with a longer rail, the Oeuf design is a sleek quality crib that can be transformed into an actual bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified minimalist, stylish, and can be incorporated into almost every nursery. It can also be bundled with matching trundle best cot beds and dressers for a seamless look.

This crib is a little larger than the other cribs in our tests, and it could occupy more square feet of your nursery than the other cribs, but it's a beautiful piece that can stand the test of time. Parents have praised it as sturdy and easy to put together, even for those who aren't skilled. It also features three adjustable mattress heights. This lets you start your baby in a low position which is easy for caregivers 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 ideal for parents who are looking for a crib to be a part of the formal nursery. It is also simple to set up and comes with toddler conversion rails. This means that you don't have to purchase the rails separately. It does include exposed metal hardware, which may be a problem for certain people.

4. Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly cribs are an ideal solution for everyone. They offer a safe and secure sleeping space for your child while promoting sustainable environmental practices. They are free of harmful chemicals and emissions that can be found in other cribs, and also harmful substances such as PVC, phthalate, MDF, and lead. Eco-friendly cribs tend to be made of solid wood, sustainable and renewable materials and have an elegant design. They are easy to set up and convert, and some have a dresser or a changing tray built-in. This can help save space.

Certain brands have eco-friendly cribs that can be converted into an infant bed or a full-sized bed. They might also come with additional features, such as a built-in changing table or storage compartments. Whatever their ability to convert they should be strong and durable enough to stand up to regular use and frequent cleaning. The most eco-friendly recommended cribs are constructed from non-toxic, organic materials and have a low-VOC finish.

Bloom Alma crib is a fantastic example of an eco-friendly crib. The model is constructed from sustainable birchwood and does not contain toxic finishes or components. It is Greenguard Certified and meets all safety requirements. It is a great option for parents who want a crib with a sleek design that is easy to clean and eco-friendly.

Namesake is another option that offers an elegant design and top-quality construction at a reasonable 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 of the crib to create an even slope for infants with reflux.

5. Safety First

Safety should be the top priority when selecting the right crib. Be sure that the crib is well-built and sturdy, with solid hardware and well-fitting fittings. Also, ensure that it complies with the current CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines: Less than 2.375 inches of space between slats (that's approximately the size of a soda container) There should be no cutouts or decorative designs in the headboard or footboard and corner posts that are flush with end panels or extremely tall. Anything between can pose an opportunity for strangulation.

Be sure to keep all toys out of the crib, as they can pose dangers of choking or even suffocation. If you want to use baby monitors, select one that is clear of sight so that it does not block your view. Also, ensure that any cords are not within your baby's reach and securely connected. Never place pillows, blankets or even positioners in the crib. These can cause suffocation and choking risks and could be thrown away by your child or pushed down by older siblings.

Also, avoid using older cribs because they could have construction elements that are outdated and could cause injuries. Even if a crib appears in good condition, the slats may be too wide or could be lacking hardware. Old cribs could also be painted with lead or unsafe screws and bolts.

The Stork Craft Evolur offers a lot of features at a low price, but it could be too much for people who want a minimal look. Other options, like the Dream On Me Ashton 4-in-1 or the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1, have the same style, but without all the bells and whistles.