Top 5 Recommended Cribs
When you buy a crib, you want it to be safe and durable. You should look for solid wood construction and slat spacing less than 2.4 inches wide.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is one of our favorites. It comes with four different mattress heights and is made from sustainable and renewable New Zealand Pinewood. It includes a toddler's rail.
1. Sturdy
It is essential that the crib is sturdy since a baby will spend most of their time in it. Find cribs that comply with the safety standards and regulations set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission, which focus on the structural integrity of the crib. Avoid cribs with loose parts or rough areas that could harm your child.
Avoid cribs with slats too close together, as this can cause the child to suffocate. Find a crib that does not have decorative cutouts or drop-sides, as these features may be harmful to your child.
Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) because they could affect your baby’s breathing and sleep. Instead, select cribs that are certified with Greenguard Gold and uses non-toxic materials. It is also beneficial to select a crib with a minimal footprint, as it will make room in your nursery and limit dust accumulation.
The DaVinci Kalani is a great option for a solid crib, since it meets the majority of our criteria. It's easy to clean, doesn't have exposed hardware that might get caught on toys or clothing and looks fantastic in all rooms. The only downside is that it doesn't include an infant rail and it doesn't have the same number of slat levels as some other cribs on this list.
Another crib that we recommend is the Stork Craft Tuscany. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs on this list, however it's sleek and stylish and is a perfect fit for our criteria, including being extremely easy to assemble. It has only three levels of mattress that is less than other cribs. However, if you intend to use the crib for a longer period of time it might be more suitable for your requirements.
2. Easy to Assemble
Modern mini cribs do not require the time of a whole day to put together, unlike some larger cribs. In fact, most are ready to use straight out from the box, and require just about 30 minutes to put together using the tools included. Some come with a built-in toddler bed conversion kit that saves the cost of buying separate pieces.
Of course, you should always check that the crib is firmly built with no gaps or rough areas that could catch your baby. Also, be aware of the quality of the hardware, specifically screws and bolts. Make sure they're securely tightened however, don't over-tighten them, which can result in stripped threads or cracking wood. Find solid wood cribs as it is considered to be more secure than metal.
If you're looking at a crib that requires an assembly, choose one that comes with easy and simple instructions. Some manufacturers offer an instructional video for those who are not familiar with working with furniture pieces. A good manual will include a list of required tools, including washers and screws.
In addition to design, size is an additional consideration. A crib should be big enough to accommodate your child but not so big that it can't pass through a standard opening. Be wary of cribs older than a year, because they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards.
The Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 is a fantastic option for parents looking for a modern and sleek crib. It is constructed from sturdy and sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three mattress options. It has more exposed hardware than other options on this list however, and some customers noted that it was more difficult to set up than they needed to because of mislabeled parts and confusing instructions.
3. Convertible
As opposed to car seats and strollers, cribs don't have many "features." However it doesn't mean that parents shouldn't be thinking about other aspects such as aesthetics, price, and how long the crib will last. Consider a convertible crib if want a crib to last long into toddlerhood. browse around here will help save space and money, as well as make it easier to change the mattress as your baby grows.
Although most cribs that transform into full-size beds are a last resort and you have to remove the side and replace it by a wider rail. Oeuf has designed a stylish crib that can be transformed into bed frames. It is GREENGUARD Gold-certified, minimalist and looks great in any nursery. Plus, you can bundle it with an equivalence trundle bed and dresser to create a more seamless look.
The crib is much more sturdy than the other cribs we tested in our tests. It could take up more space in your nursery, but it'll last for a long time. It's simple to put together and durable, even for parents who aren't skilled. It also has three different mattress heights you can adjust that means you can start your baby in a low position which is easy for parents to lift and then raise it as they get older.
This crib is more of a traditional design than the other two cribs on this list, which is ideal for parents looking for an option that looks elegant in a formal nursery. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with toddler conversion rails. This means that you don't have to purchase rails separately. It does include exposed metal hardware, which could be a problem for certain people.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs can be an ideal solution for everyone. They offer a safe and secure sleeping space for your child and promote sustainable environmental practices. They are free of harmful emissions and chemicals that can be found in other cribs, as well as toxins like PVC, phthalate, MDF, and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are usually made of solid wood or sustainable and renewable materials, and most are designed to reduce the environmental impact. They are typically easy to build and convert, and a few have a changing tray or dresser attached, which can help save space in the nursery.
Certain brands have eco-friendly cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed or full-size bed. Some cribs might have additional features such as an integrated changing table or storage compartments. Whatever their capabilities to convert they should be strong and durable enough to withstand frequent use and regular cleaning. The best eco-friendly baby cribs are made of non-toxic organic materials with low-VOC coating.
Bloom Alma crib is a great example of a eco-friendly crib. This model is made from sustainable birchwood and is free of harmful finishes or components. browse around here is Greenguard Certified for low chemical emissions and meets all safety standards. It is a great choice for parents looking for an eco-friendly crib with modern, sleek design and is easy to clean.
Another alternative is the Namesake crib, which has a timeless style and high-quality construction at a reasonable price. The sturdy slats made of high-quality hardwood, are Greenguard Gold certified to have low chemical emissions. The crib has an optional reflux foot that can be affixed to the side to create an even slope for infants with reflux.
5. Safety First
Safety should be the primary priority when selecting a crib. Be Baby Cot that the crib is well-built and sturdy, with solid hardware and fittings that are securely fitted. Also, make sure 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 container) and no cutouts with decorative designs on the footboard or headboard, and corner posts that are flush with end panels or very tall--anything in between poses a strangulation risk.
Likewise make sure that all toys are out of the crib as they can be choking or dangers of suffocation. Choose a baby monitor that is in a clear line of sight so it does not hinder your view. Also, make sure all cords are not within reach of your child and securely anchored. Do not place blankets, pillows or positioners inside the crib. These items can cause choking and suffocation risks, and can be pushed or kicked by your child.
Also, avoid using old cribs as they may have outdated construction features that could cause injuries. Even if a crib appears in great condition, the slats may be too wide, or they may be lacking hardware. Additionally, old cribs may have paint that contains lead or have loose, dangerous bolts or screws.
The Stork Craft Evolur is a great value, but might be too expensive for those who prefer a minimal look. Other options such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4 in 1 or the Carter's By DaVinci Collby 4-in 1 have a similar look but without the bells and whistles.