When you buy a crib you want it to be secure and sturdy. 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 mattress heights and is made from sustainable and renewable New Zealand pinewood. It includes a toddler's rail.
1. Sturdy
A baby spends most of their time in the crib, so it is important to choose a crib that is sturdy enough. Find cribs that meet the safety standards and regulations set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and emphasize structural integrity. Avoid cribs with loose parts or rough surfaces that could cause harm to your child.
Avoid cribs that have slats that are too close to each other, since this can cause suffocation. Look for a crib without decorative cutouts or drop-sides, because these can be dangerous to your child.
Also, avoid finishes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they could affect your baby's breathing and sleep. Instead, opt for a crib that has been certified with Greenguard Gold and uses non-toxic materials. Pick a crib with a small footprint to minimize space and reduce dust build-up in your nursery.
DaVinci Kalani is an excellent option for a sturdy crib for babies as it meets most of our criteria. It is easy to clean and doesn't include exposed hardware that could get in the way of toys or clothing. It also looks great in all rooms. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a toddler rail, and does not 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 some of the other cribs on this list, but it's sleek and stylish and meets almost all our requirements, such as being extremely easy to assemble. It only has three mattress levels which is less than other cribs. However, if you intend to use the crib for a longer period of time, it may be better suited to your needs.
2. Easy to Assemble
A majority of modern mini cribs don't require the time of a whole day to put together unlike larger cribs. They are usually ready to use straight from the box, and only take 30 minutes to assemble using the tools included. Some even come with built-in toddler bed conversion kit which will save you the cost and hassle of buying separate pieces later on.
Always ensure that the crib is assembled properly and that there aren't gaps or rough surfaces that could snag babies. Be sure to pay attention to the quality of hardware, especially screws and bolts. Make sure you tighten them securely but not excessively because this could cause the wood to break or strip threads. Also, look for a solid-wood crib, which is thought to be safer than metal.
Look for cribs that have simple and clear instructions. Some manufacturers provide an instructional video which can be useful for those who may not be accustomed to working with furniture parts. A good guide will also include a list with the required tools, including washers and screws.
The size of the crib is also important. A crib must be large enough for your child but not too big that it can't pass through a standard opening. Be cautious about using 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 great option for parents looking for a sleek and modern crib. It has three different 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 incorrectly labeled pieces made it more difficult to put together.
3. Convertible
In contrast to car seats and strollers cribs don't come with many "features." However this doesn't mean that parents shouldn't be thinking about other aspects like design, cost and how long the crib will last. Consider a convertible crib if you would like a crib that will last long into toddlerhood. This will save you money as well as space, making it easier to swap out the mattress as your child develops.
The majority of cribs that convert into full-size beds are an afterthought and you have to remove the side and replace it by a wider rail. Oeuf has created a stylish crib that can be converted into a bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, minimal, and will look great in every nursery. You can also combine it with matching trundle beds and dressers to create a seamless design.
The crib is much more sturdy than other cribs in our tests. It might take up more space in your nursery, but it's going to last for years. The parents who tested it say it's durable and easy to assemble, even for those who aren't skilled. It also features three adjustable mattress heights. This lets you start your child in a low position which is easy for caregivers and then raise the mattress as they get older.
This convertible crib has more of a traditional look than the other two on this list, which is ideal for parents who want an option that looks stylish in a grand nursery. It's also simple to assemble and comes with a set of toddler rails that convert, eliminating the need to buy the rails separately. It does include exposed metal hardware, which could be a problem for certain people.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs are an ideal solution for everyone. They offer a safe and secure sleeping space for your child, while also promoting sustainable environmental practices. They are free of harmful emissions and chemicals that can be found in other cribs, and also harmful substances such as PVC, phthalate MDF and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are typically made from solid wood or renewable and sustainable materials, and a lot of them are designed to minimize the impact on the environment. They are typically easy to build and convert, and a few include dressers or changing tables attached, which can help save space in the nursery.
Certain brands offer eco-friendly cribs designed to grow with your child and convert to a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed. They might also come with additional features, such as an integrated changing table or storage compartments. They should be sturdy and durable to withstand frequent use and cleaning. The most eco-friendly cribs are made of organic and non-toxic materials. They also come with a low-VOC finish.
A fantastic example of a crib that is eco-friendly is the Bloom Alma crib. The model is constructed from sustainable birchwood and does not contain toxic finishes or parts. It is Greenguard Certified and meets all safety requirements. It is a great option for parents looking for an eco-friendly crib with a sleek, modern design and is easy to clean.
Namesake is another option, offering timeless design and high-quality construction for a reasonable price. Its sturdy slats, made of high-quality wood, are Greenguard Gold certified to have low emissions of chemicals. The crib also has an optional reflux leg that can be affixed to the side of the crib to create a gentle slope for babies suffering from reflux.
5. Safety First
Safety should be the primary priority when selecting the crib. Make sure the crib is built well and sturdy, with solid hardware and well-fitting fittings. Also, make sure it is in line with the current CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines: less than 2.375 inches of space between the slats (that's approximately the size of a soda can), no decorative cutout designs in the headboard or footboard and corner posts that are flush with the end panels or very tall--anything between is the risk of strangulation.
Keep all toys away from the crib, as they pose dangers of choking or even suffocation. If you want to use a baby monitor, make sure you choose one that has a clear line of sight so that it doesn't block your view. Also, make sure that any cords are out of your child's reach and are securely connected. Finally, never keep pillows, blankets or positioners in the crib. These items can cause choking and suffocation risks and may be kicked or pulled down by your child.
Also, avoid using older cribs because they could have construction elements that are outdated and could cause injuries. Even if the crib appears in good condition, it may have slats that are too wide or lack hardware. Additionally, old cribs may contain lead-based paint or have loose, dangerous screws or bolts.
The Stork Craft Evolur comes with a variety of features at a low price, but it may be too much for those who want a simple design. Other options, like the Dream On Me Ashton 4-in-1 or the DaVinci Carter's Colby 4-in-1 have a similar style but less bells and whistles.
