Top 5 recommended cribs (sneak a peek at this website)

When you buy a crib you want it to be secure and sturdy. You should look for sturdy construction and slats that are less than 2.4 inches apart.

One of our top choices is the Stokke Sleepi Crib. It comes with four mattress height settings and is made from sustainable and renewable New Zealand pinewood. It also comes with a toddler rail that is included.

1. Sturdy

A baby spends most of their time in the crib, so it is important to find one that is solid enough. Find cribs that comply with safety regulations and standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission, which are focused on the structural integrity of the crib. Also, consider avoiding older cribs that may have loose parts or rough areas that could cause harm to your child.

Find solid frames, and avoid slats that are too close as they could pose a danger of suffocation. Also, you should look for a crib that does not feature decorative cut-outs or drop sides, since these can pose dangerous for your child.

Also, avoid finishes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they can impact your baby's breathing and sleep. Select a crib certified by Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. Choose a crib that has smaller footprints to save space and reduce dust accumulation in your nursery.

The DaVinci Kalani is a great option for a solid crib as it is a good cribs fit for the majority of our requirements. It's easy to clean, doesn't include any exposed hardware that could be caught on toys or clothing, 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 as other cribs on this list.

Another crib that we recommend is the Stork Craft Tuscany. It's a bit more costly than some of the other options on this list, but it's sleek and stylish and meets nearly all of our requirements, such as being extremely easy to assemble. It has just three mattress height levels, which is less than some other cribs. However, it could be a better option when you're planning to let your child use the crib for a few years and would like it to last for longer.

2. Easy to Assemble

Contrary to some of the larger cribs, most modern mini cribs do not require an entire day to put together. They are ready to use straight out of the box, taking approximately 30 minutes to assemble using the included tools. Some even come with a built-in toddler bed conversion kit which will save you the cost and hassle of buying separate pieces later.

It is essential to ensure that the crib is well-assembled and that there aren't any gaps or rough surfaces that could catch babies. Also, be attentive to the quality of hardware, particularly bolts and screws. Make sure you tighten them up securely but not excessively as this can cause the wood to break or strip threads. Also look for a solid wood crib, which is thought to be safer than metal.

Find cribs that come with easy and clear instructions. Some manufacturers offer a video tutorial for those who aren't familiar with working with furniture pieces. A good manual should include a list of needed items, such as washers and screws.

Besides the design, size is a different consideration. A crib must be large enough for your child but not so big that it will not pass through a standard opening. Be wary of cribs that are older, because they may not be in compliance with 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 is made from sturdy and sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three different mattress settings. It's got more exposed hardware than other choices on this list, however, some users found it more complicated to assemble than necessary due to mislabeled parts and confusing instructions.

3. Convertible

If you're looking for a crib which will last until the age of toddlers and beyond, look into one that can be converted into a daybed or a full-size bed. If you're looking for a crib that can last until toddlerhood and beyond, consider buying one that can convert into a bed that is full size or a daybed. This will help save space and money, as well as make it easier to replace the mattress as your child grows.

The majority of cribs that convert into full-size cot beds for sale are an afterthought and you have to remove the side and replace it with a longer rail, Oeuf has created a chic crib that can be turned into bed frames. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, minimal, and can be incorporated into almost every nursery. It can also be bundled with matching trundle cheap cot beds or dressers to create a seamless design.

This crib is larger than the other cribs in our tests. It could occupy more square footage of your nursery than some of the other cribs, but it's a beautiful piece that will stand the test of time. It's easy to assemble and sturdy, even for parents who aren't skilled. It also features three adjustable mattress heights. This allows you to start 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 is more traditional than the other two cribs on this list. It's ideal for parents looking for a crib that can fit into the formal nursery. It's also simple to assemble and comes with a set of toddler conversion rails, eliminating the need to shop for those separately. The only drawback is that it does have some exposed hardware, which could be a problem for certain.

4. Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly cribs are the best of both worlds, providing an environment that is safe for your child while also encouraging sustainable environmental practices. Other cribs contain harmful chemicals and emissions, and harmful substances such as PVC, MDF, phthalate and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are typically made from solid wood or renewable and sustainable materials, and a lot of them are minimalist in design to reduce the impact on the environment. They are typically easy to build and convert, and a few include a changing tray or dresser attached, which can help save space in the nursery.

Some brands offer eco-friendly cribs which can be transformed into a toddler bed or full-size bed. They might also come with additional features, like an integrated changing table or storage compartments. Regardless of their capabilities to convert they should be strong and durable to withstand regular use and frequent cleaning. The best eco-friendly cribs are made of organic and non-toxic materials. They also come with a low-VOC finish.

A great example of a green crib is the Bloom Alma crib. The model is constructed from sustainable birchwood, and it does not contain harmful finishes or components. It is Greenguard Certified for low chemical emissions and it meets all safety standards. It is a great option for parents looking for an eco-friendly crib that has modern, sleek design and is easy to clean.

Namesake is another option, with timeless design and high-quality construction for a reasonable price. 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 also has an optional reflux leg that can be affixed to the side of the crib to create a gentle incline for babies suffering from reflux.

5. Safety First

Safety should be the primary priority when choosing the right crib. Make sure that the crib is sturdy and well-built with well-fitting and secured hardware. Verify that it complies with the current CPSC guidelines. This includes: less than 2.375 inches between the slats; no decorative cutouts in the headboard or footboard, and corner posts that are in line with the panels at the end of the crib or very tall. Anything in between poses a risk of strangulation.

Also make sure that all toys are out of the crib because they can be choking or risk of suffocation. Choose a baby monitor with a clear line of sight so that it doesn't hinder your view. Also, ensure that all cords are out of reach of your child and securely connected. Finally, never keep pillows, blankets, or baby cribs with positioners. These items can pose suffocation and choking risks and could be thrown off by your baby or pulled down by older siblings.

Also, avoid using old cribs as they may contain outdated features that can cause injuries. Even if the crib is in good condition, it may have slats that are too wide or lack hardware. Also, old cribs could have paint that contains lead or have loose and hazardous bolts or screws.

The Stork Craft Evolur is a great value, but may be too much to those who prefer a minimalist look. Other options such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4 in 1 or the DaVinci Collby by Carter 4-in 1 have a similar style but without the bells and whistles.