Top 5 Recommended Cribs
You want a crib that is sturdy and safe. Look for solid wood construction and slat spacing that is less than 2.4 inches wide.
One of our favorite choices is the Stokke Sleepi Crib. It has four different mattress heights and is made from renewable and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It comes with a toddler's bed.
1. Sturdy
It's important that the crib is sturdy since a baby will spend most of the time in it. Look for cribs that meet the safety standards and regulations set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission, which focus on structural integrity. Also, you should avoid older cribs that may have loose parts or rough spots that could cause harm to your little one.
Choose a solid frame and avoid slats which are too close together, as they could pose a danger of being suffocated. Choose a crib with no decorative cutouts, or drop-sides since these options could be dangerous to your child.
Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) because they could influence your baby's breathing and sleep. Choose a crib certified with Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. Choose a crib that has smaller footprints to minimize space and dust build-up in your nursery.
The DaVinci Kalani is a great option for a sturdy and solid crib, since it meets the majority of our requirements. It is easy to clean and doesn't have exposed hardware that could be stuck on toys or clothing. It also looks fantastic in the majority of rooms. The only downside is that it doesn't have a toddler rail, and does not have the same amount of slats as other cribs on this list.
Another recommended crib is the Stork Craft Tuscany. It's a bit more costly than some of the other options on this list, but it's stylish and is a perfect fit for our criteria, including being extremely easy to assemble. It has only three mattress levels that is less than other cribs. If you intend to use the crib for a long time it might be more suitable for your needs.
2. Easy to Assemble
Modern mini cribs do not require an entire day of assembly, unlike some larger cribs. sale cot cots4tots.co.uk are usually ready to use right out of the box and take only 30 minutes to put together with the included tools. Some even come with an integrated toddler bed conversion kit which saves you the expense and hassle of purchasing separate pieces later.
It is essential to ensure that the crib is assembled properly and that there aren't any gaps or rough surfaces that could be a danger to the baby. Also, pay attention to the quality of hardware, especially bolts and screws. Be sure to tighten them securely, but not too much because this could cause the wood to crack or strip the threads. Also, look for a solid-wood crib, which is thought to be safer than metal.
If you're looking at a crib that requires an assembly, choose one that has simple and easy instructions. Some manufacturers offer videos for those who are not familiar with working with furniture pieces. A good guide will include a list of necessary supplies, such as screws and washers.
Besides design, size is an additional aspect to consider. A crib should be big enough for your child, but not so large that it will not fit through an opening of a standard size. Be cautious when using hand-me-downs as older cribs may not meet 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 comes with three mattress heights and is constructed from sturdy and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It is more exposed to metal hardware than the other options on the list. A few users also mentioned that the instructions and mislabeled pieces made it more difficult to put together.
3. Convertible
If you're looking for a crib that will last until the age of toddlers and beyond, look into one that can be converted into a full-size bed or daybed. If you're seeking a crib that can last until the age of three and beyond, think about getting one that converts into a bed that is full size or a daybed. This will reduce your costs and space, and make it easier to swap out the mattress as your child grows.
While most cribs that transform into a full-size bed feel like an afterthought - you simply take the side off and replace it with a larger rail, the Oeuf design is a sleek quality crib that can be transformed into an actual bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold-certified, minimal and looks great in any nursery. Plus, you can bundle it with an equivalence trundle bed and dresser for a more seamless look.
The crib is much more sturdy than other cribs in our tests. It might take up more space in your nursery, but it will last for years. Parents have praised it as sturdy and easy to put together, even for those who aren't handy. It also has three adjustable mattress heights. This lets you begin your child in a low position which is simple for caregivers to handle and then raise the mattress as they grow older.
This crib is more of a traditional look than the other two on this list, and is ideal for parents who want a crib that looks elegant in a formal nursery. It is also simple to put together, and comes with a set of toddler conversion rails. This eliminates the need to buy rails separately. It does have some exposed metal hardware, which may be an issue for certain people.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs can be a win-win situation. They offer a safe and secure sleeping space for your child while promoting sustainable environmental practices. Other cribs can contain harmful emissions and chemicals, and harmful substances such as PVC, MDF, phthalate and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are typically made from solid wood or sustainable and renewable materials, and a lot of them are minimalist in design to reduce the impact on the environment. They are usually simple to put together and convert, and some have dressers or changing tables attached that can save space in the nursery.
Some brands offer eco-friendly cribs which can be transformed into a toddler bed or a full-sized bed. They could also include additional features, such as a built-in changing table or storage compartments. They must be durable and sturdy to withstand repeated usage and cleaning. The best eco-friendly baby cribs are constructed of non-toxic organic materials with low-VOC coatings.
Bloom Alma crib is a great example of a eco-friendly crib. This model is made of sustainable birchwood and does not contain toxic components or finishes. It is Greenguard Certified and meets 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 option is the Namesake crib, which has timeless design and top-quality construction at an affordable price. Its sturdy slats are made 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 to create a gentle slope for babies with reflux.
5. Safety First
When you are choosing a crib security should be the primary priority. Make sure the crib is well-built and sturdy, with firmly fitted and secure hardware. Also, make sure 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 bottle), no decorative cutout designs in the headboard or footboard and corner posts that are flush with the end panels or extremely tall. Anything between can pose a strangulation risk.
Additionally make sure that all toys are away from the crib since they can pose choking and risk of suffocation. Choose a baby monitor that is in a clear line of sight so it does not interfere with your view. Also, ensure that all cords are out of reach of your child and are securely anchored. Don't place any blankets, pillows, or positioners inside the crib. These items could pose dangers of choking and suffocation, and can be kicked off by your infant or dragged down by older siblings.
Beware of cribs that are older as they could be equipped with outdated features that could cause injury. Even if the crib is in good condition, it could have slats that are not wide or be missing some hardware. Old cribs could also have lead-based paint, or unsafe screws and bolts.
The Stork Craft Evolur is a great value, but may be too much to those who prefer a minimalist look. Other options, like the Dream On Me Ashton 4-in-1 or the DaVinci Carter's Colby 4-in-1, sport similar styles, but with less bells and whistles.