When you purchase a crib you want it to be secure and sturdy. Look for solid wood construction and slat spacing under 2.4 inches wide.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is one of our favorites. It has four different mattress height settings and is made from sustainable and renewable New Zealand pinewood. It also comes with an infant rail.
1. Sturdy
A baby is likely to spend the majority of their time in their crib, so it's important to choose a crib that is sturdy enough. Find cribs that comply with the safety standards and regulations set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission, which are focused on the structural integrity of the crib. Avoid cribs that have loose parts or rough surfaces which could hurt your child.
Avoid cribs with slats too close to each other, since this can cause the child to suffocate. Find a crib that does not have decorative cutouts or drop-sides since these options could be dangerous to your child.
Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) as they can affect your baby’s breathing and sleeping. Instead, opt for a crib that has been certified with Greenguard Gold and uses non-toxic materials. It's also helpful to choose the crib with the smallest footprint, as it will save space in your nursery and reduce dust accumulation.
The DaVinci Kalani is a great choice for a solid crib, since it fulfills the majority of our criteria. It is easy to clean and doesn't include exposed hardware that could be stuck on toys or clothing. It also looks fantastic in the majority of rooms. The only drawback is that it does not include a toddler rail, or as many slats like other cribs on this list.
Another crib we recommend is the Stork Craft Tuscany. It's a bit more costly than the other options on this list, however it's sleek and stylish and meets nearly all of our criteria, including being incredibly easy to put together. It only has three mattress levels that is less than other cribs. However, if you plan on using the crib for a long time, it may be better suited to your requirements.
2. Easy to Assemble
Unlike some larger cribs, many modern mini cribs don't require an entire day to put together. In fact, most are ready to use straight out of the box, taking just about 30 minutes to assemble using the included tools. Some include a built-in toddler bed conversion kit, which saves the cost of buying separate pieces.
It is essential to ensure that the crib is properly assembled and that there are no gaps or cots4tots.co.uk rough surfaces that could be a danger to babies. Be sure to be aware of the quality of the hardware, specifically screws and bolts. Make sure they're tightened securely, but don't over-tighten them, which could result in cracked wood or stripped threads. Find a solid wood crib since it is considered to be more secure than metal.
Find cribs that come with simple and clear instructions. Some manufacturers provide videos for those not familiar with working with furniture pieces. A good guide will also include a list with the required tools, including screws and washers.
Size is also important. A crib should be big enough for your baby but not too big that it won't fit through an ordinary doorway. Be cautious when using 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 choice for those who are looking for a modern and sleek crib. It has three mattress heights and is constructed from sturdy, sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It is more exposed to metal hardware than the other options that are on the list. Some customers also complained that the instructions and the incorrectly labeled pieces made it difficult to assemble.
3. Convertible
In contrast to car seats and strollers cribs don't come with many "features." However it doesn't mean that parents shouldn't be thinking about other aspects such as aesthetics, price and the length of time the crib lasts. If you're looking for a crib that will last into toddlerhood and beyond, consider getting one that converts into a bed that is full size or a daybed. This will save you money as well as space, making it easier to swap out the mattress as your child grows.
The majority of cribs that transform into full-size beds are an afterthought, you simply remove the side and replace it by a wider rail. Oeuf has created a chic crib that can be turned into a bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified minimal and looks nice in almost any nursery. You can also combine it with matching trundle beds or dressers for a seamless look.
This crib is more robust than other cribs in our tests. It might take up more space in your nursery, but it'll last for years. Parents have praised it as sturdy and easy to put together, even for those who aren't skilled. It also comes with three adjustable mattress heights which allows you to start your baby off in a low, comfortable position that's easy for caregivers to lift and then raise as they get older.
The convertible crib has more of a traditional style than the other two cribs on this list, and is great for parents looking for a crib that looks elegant in a formal nursery. It's also easy to set up and comes with a set of toddler-sized conversion rails, which eliminates the need to buy these separately. It does have some exposed metal hardware, which can be a problem for certain people.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs create a win-win scenario, providing an environment that is safe for your baby while encouraging sustainable environmental practices. Other cribs can contain harmful chemicals and emissions, as well as toxins such as PVC, MDF, phthalate and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are usually made from solid wood or renewable and sustainable materials, and a lot of them are designed to reduce the environmental impact. They are usually easy to assemble and change, and some have dressers or changing tables attached that can save space in the nursery.
Some brands offer eco-friendly cribs that can be transformed into a toddler bed or full-size bed. Some cribs can come with additional features like an integrated changing table or storage compartments. They must be sturdy and durable to withstand frequent use and clean. The most eco-friendly cribs are constructed from organic, non-toxic materials and have a low-VOC finish.
An excellent example of an eco-friendly crib is the Bloom Alma crib. This model is made of sustainable birchwood, and is free of harmful components or finishes. It is Greenguard Certified for low chemical emissions and it meets all safety standards. It is an excellent choice for parents looking for an elegant crib design that is easy to clean and is environmentally friendly.
Namesake is another option that offers a timeless design and high-quality construction at a reasonable cost. The sturdy slats made of high-quality hardwood, are Greenguard Gold certified to have low emissions of chemicals. The crib is equipped with an reflux foot that can be affixed to the side of the crib to create an easy slope for babies with reflux.
5. Safety First
Safety should be the top priority when choosing the right crib. Make sure that the crib is sturdy and well-built, with firmly fitted and secure hardware. Also, ensure it is in line with current CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines: less than 2.375 inches of space between slats (that's about the width of a soda container) There should be no cutouts or decorative designs in the footboard or headboard, and corner posts that are flush with end panels or very tall--anything between can pose an opportunity for strangulation.
Also ensure that all toys are kept out of the crib because they could pose choking and dangers of suffocation. If you're considering using baby monitors, select one that has a clear line of sight so that it does not block your view. Also, make sure that all cords are not within reach of your child and are securely anchored. Never place pillows, blankets or positioners inside the crib. These items can pose the risk of choking or suffocation and could be thrown away by your child or pushed down by older siblings.
Avoid using old cribs because they may have outdated features that can cause injury. Even if the crib appears in excellent condition, it may have slats which are too wide or be missing some hardware. Old cribs can 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 could be too expensive for those who prefer a minimalist design. Other options, such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4-in-1 and the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1, sport the same style, but without all the bells and whistles.
