Three Greatest Moments In Recommended Cribs History
Top 5 Recommended Cribs
You need a crib that is sturdy and safe. You should look for sturdy construction and slats less than 2.4 inches apart.
One of our favorite picks is the Stokke Sleepi Crib. It has four different mattress height settings and is made of sustainable and renewable New Zealand pinewood. It comes with a toddler's bed.
1. Sturdy
It's important that the crib is built to last since a baby will spend most of the time in it. Look for cribs that meet safety regulations and standards established 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 surfaces that could harm your child.
Avoid cribs that have slats that are too close to each other, since this can cause the child to suffocate. Choose a crib with no decorative cutouts or drop-sides, because these can be dangerous for your child.
Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) because they could impact your baby's breathing and sleeping. Instead, choose cribs that are certified with Greenguard Gold and uses non-toxic materials. Pick a crib with tiny footprint to help minimize space and reduce dust build-up in your nursery.
DaVinci Kalani is an excellent option for a sturdy crib for your baby as it meets most recommended cribs of our requirements. It's easy to clean, doesn't have any exposed hardware that could be caught on toys or clothing and looks fantastic in all rooms. It's only downside is that it doesn't have a toddler rail or as many slats as the other cribs in this list.
Stork Craft Tuscany is another crib that we recommend. It's more expensive than other cribs on this list, but it meets all of our criteria and is simple to put together. It has just three mattress heights, which is lower than other cribs, but it might be preferable when you're planning to let your baby use the crib for a few years and wish to have it last longer.
2. Easy to Assemble
In contrast to larger cribs many modern mini cribs don't require a full day to assemble. They're usually ready for use straight from the box, and only take 30 minutes to put together with the included tools. Some have a built in toddler bed conversion kit, which saves you from the need to purchase separate pieces.
Of course, you must ensure that the crib is firmly constructed with no gaps or rough areas that could snag your baby. Be aware of the quality and quantity of hardware such as screws and bolts. Make sure you tighten them properly but not excessively because this could cause the wood to break or strip threads. Find solid wood cribs as it is considered to be safer than metal.
Find cribs that come with easy and clear instructions. Some manufacturers include videos that provide instruction which can be useful for those who might not be familiar with furniture parts. A good guide will include a list of essential tools, like screws and washers.
In addition to the design, size is a different aspect to consider. A crib must be big enough to accommodate your baby, but not so big that it will not fit through an ordinary doorway. Also, be wary of using hand-me-downs, as older cribs might not meet 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 constructed from sturdy and sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three different mattress options. It has more exposed metal hardware than other options on the market. Some users also noted that the instructions and the incorrectly labeled pieces made it difficult to assemble.
3. Convertible
If you're looking for a crib that can last through toddlerhood and beyond, consider one that converts into a daybed or a full-size bed. Consider a convertible crib if you would like a crib that will last well into toddlerhood. This will reduce your costs and space and will make it easier to change the mattress as your child grows.
Most cribs that can be converted into a bed of a larger size feel like a gimmick--you just take the side off and replace it with a wider rail, the Oeuf design is a sleek, quality-made crib that transforms into an actual bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified minimalist, stylish, and looks nice in almost any nursery. Plus, you can bundle it with the trundle bed that matches and dresser for an even more seamless appearance.
This crib is a little larger than the other cribs in our tests. It may use up more square feet of your nursery than the less expensive options however, it's a stunning piece that will stand up to the test of time. Parents have praised it as sturdy and easy to put together even for those who don't have the skills. It also has three different mattress heights you can adjust, which means you can start your child in a low position that's easy for caregivers to lift and then raise as they grow older.
This crib is more of a traditional style than the other two cribs on this list, and is ideal for parents looking for a crib that looks stylish in a grand nursery. It's also simple to assemble and comes with a set of toddler conversion rails, which eliminates the need to buy those separately. The only downside is that it does have some exposed hardware, which may be a problem for some.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs create an ideal solution for both parents and children, offering an environment that is safe for your child, while also promoting sustainable environmental practices. They are free of harmful chemicals and emissions that are found in other cribs, and also toxic substances like PVC, phthalate MDF and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are constructed of solid wood, sustainable and renewable materials, and feature simple designs. They are typically easy to build and change, and some come with a changing tray or dresser attached that can save space in the nursery.
Some brands make eco-friendly cribs that are designed to adapt to your child's needs changing into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. Some cribs may have extra features such as a built in changing table or storage compartments. No matter what their ability to convert they should be strong and durable to withstand regular use and frequent 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. It is constructed of 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 an excellent choice for parents looking for a crib with a sleek design that is easy to clean and environmentally friendly.
Namesake is another option that offers an elegant design and top ranked cribs-quality construction at a low cost. Its sturdy slats, made of high-quality hardwood, are Greenguard Gold certified to have low emissions of chemicals. The crib comes with an reflux foot that can be connected to the side to create a gentle slope for babies with 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 firmly-fitted and sturdy 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 either aligned with the panels at the end of the crib or very tall. Anything in between is the possibility of strangulation.
Be sure to keep all toys out of the crib, as they pose choking or suffocation risks. If you're planning to use a baby cot online monitor, make sure you choose one that has a clear line of sight, so it doesn't block your view. Also, make sure that all cords are out of the reach of your baby and securely connected. Also, do not keep pillows, blankets or Baby Cot cribs with positioners. These items can cause the risk of suffocation or choke, and can be pushed down or kicked by your child.
Also, do not use old cribs because they could contain outdated features that could cause injuries. Even if the crib appears in excellent condition, it may have slats that are not wide or lack hardware. Old cribs may also have lead-based paint, or loose, dangerous bolts and screws.
The Stork Craft Evolur is an excellent value, however it may be too much to those who prefer a minimalist design. Other options, like the Dream On Me Ashton 4-in-1 or the DaVinci Carter's Colby 4-in-1 have the same style, but without all the bells and whistles.