Top 5 Recommended Cribs
When you purchase a crib, you want it to be secure and durable. Look for solid wood construction and slat spacing under 2.4 inches wide.
One of our top picks is the Stokke Sleepi Crib. It has four different mattress height settings and is made of renewable and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It also comes with an infant rail.
1. Sturdy
A baby spends most of their time in their crib, so it's important to choose a crib that is strong enough. Find cribs that comply with safety regulations and standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission, which are focused on the structural integrity of the crib. Avoid cribs with loose parts or rough surfaces that could harm your child.
Find a solid frame and stay clear of slats that are too close together as this can pose a danger of suffocation. Also, you should look for a crib that doesn't have decorative cut-outs or drop sides, as these can pose dangerous for your child.
Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) because they could influence your baby's breathing and sleeping. Choose a crib certified with Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. Choose a crib that has a small footprint to save space and reduce dust accumulation in your nursery.
DaVinci Kalani is an excellent option for a sturdy
baby crib as it meets most of our criteria. It's easy to clean, doesn't include any exposed hardware that might get stuck on toys or clothing, and it looks great in a variety of rooms. It's only downside is that it does not include a toddler rail or as many slats like other cribs in this list.
Stork Craft Tuscany is another crib that we recommend. It's more expensive than the other cribs on this list but it meets all of our criteria and is easy to put together. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than some other cribs. However, if you intend to use the crib for a long time it could be better suited to your needs.
2. Easy to Assemble
In contrast to larger cribs the majority of modern mini cribs don't require a full day to assemble. In fact, most are ready to use right out of the box, taking approximately 30 minutes to put together using the tools included. Some have a built in toddler bed conversion kit that saves you from having to buy separate pieces.
It is essential to ensure that the crib is properly assembled and that there aren't any gaps or rough surfaces that could be a danger to the baby. Pay attention to the quality and quantity of hardware such as screws and bolts. Be sure that they are securely tightened but don't over tighten them, which could cause cracked wood or stripped threads. Also look for a solid wood crib, which is believed to be safer than metal.
Find cribs that come with simple and clear instructions. Some manufacturers provide a video tutorial which can be useful
Best cot for newborn those who might not be accustomed to working with furniture parts. A good guide should also include a list of needed tools, including screws and washers.
The size of the crib is also important. A crib must be large enough for your child but not so large that it can't pass through a standard opening. Be cautious about using cribs that are older as they may not meet the current safety standards.
The Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is a fantastic option for those who want a sleek, modern crib. It is constructed of sturdy, sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three different mattress options. It is more exposed to metal hardware than other choices on the list. A few users also mentioned that the instructions and incorrectly labeled pieces made it more difficult to put together.
3. Convertible
As opposed to car seats and strollers cribs aren't equipped with many "features." However, that doesn't mean parents shouldn't take into consideration other factors like aesthetics, cost and the length of time the crib will last. If you're looking for a crib that will last through the age of three and beyond, think about purchasing one that converts into a full-size bed or daybed. This will help you save money as well as space, making it easier to switch out the mattress as your child develops.
While most cribs which convert into full-size beds are an afterthought, you simply remove the side and replace it by a longer rail, Oeuf has created a stylish crib that can be converted into a bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold-certified, minimal and is a great addition to any nursery. You can also combine it with matching trundle beds and dressers to create a cohesive look.
The
crib sets is much more sturdy than the other cribs we tested in our tests. It may take up more space in your
nursery cots, but it'll last for years. It's simple to put together and sturdy even for parents who aren't handy. It also comes with three adjustable mattress heights. This allows you to start your child in a low position which is easy for caregivers and then raise the mattress as they get older.
This crib that converts to a convertible 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 the formal nursery. It's also easy to set up and comes with a set of toddler conversion rails, eliminating the need to buy the rails separately. The only drawback is that it has some exposed hardware, which could be a problem for some.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs can be an ideal solution for everyone. They offer a safe and secure sleeping space for your child while promoting sustainable environmental practices. Other cribs can contain harmful chemicals and emissions, as well as toxic substances like PVC, MDF, phthalate and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are usually constructed from solid wood or sustainable and renewable materials, and a lot of them are minimalist in design to minimize the environmental impact. They are easy to set up or convert, and some include a dresser or a changing tray built-in. This can help save space.
Certain brands offer eco-friendly cribs designed to grow with your child, converting to a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. Some cribs can come with additional features such as a built in changing tables or storage compartments. They should be durable and sturdy to withstand frequent use and clean. The
best crib for newborn eco-friendly baby cribs are made of organic materials that are non-toxic with low-VOC coatings.
Bloom Alma crib is a excellent example of an eco-friendly crib. The model is constructed from sustainable birchwood and is free of harmful finishes or components. It is Greenguard Certified and meets all safety standards. It is a good choice for parents looking for an eco-friendly crib that offers modern, sleek design and is easy to clean.
Another option is the Namesake crib, which offers timeless design and top-quality construction at an affordable price. The sturdy slats made of high-quality hardwood, are Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of chemical emissions. The crib comes with an reflux foot that can be connected to the side of the crib to create an even slope for infants 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 well-fitting and sturdy hardware. Also, ensure that it is in line 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 on the headboard or footboard and corner posts that are flush with the end panels or very tall--anything in between poses a strangulation risk.
Keep all toys away from the crib, as they pose choking or suffocation risks. Choose a baby monitor with a clear line of sight so that it doesn't interfere with your view. Also, ensure that all cords are out of reach of your baby and securely anchored. Also, do not keep pillows, blankets or baby cribs with positioners. These can pose dangers of suffocation and choke, and can be pushed or kicked by your child.
Do not use cribs that are old, as they could have outdated features that can cause injury. Even if a crib appears in great condition, the slats could be too wide, or they might be missing hardware. Old cribs may also have lead-based paint or unsafe bolts and screws.
The Stork Craft Evolur offers a lot of features at a great price, but it might be too much for people who want a minimal 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 look but less bells & whistles.