Guide To Recommended Cribs: The Intermediate Guide In Recommended Cribs
Top 5 Recommended Cribs
You need a crib that is both safe and durable. Make sure you choose a solid wood crib and slat spacing under 2.4 inches wide.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is one of our favorites. It includes four mattress sizes and is made of sustainable and renewable New Zealand Pinewood. It also includes a toddler rail included.
1. Sturdy
It is essential that the crib is strong because a baby will spend the majority of his or her time in it. Make sure that the crib you choose is in compliance 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. Also, consider avoiding cribs with older models that could have loose parts or rough areas which could cause harm to your baby.
Look for a solid frame, and avoid slats that are too close as this could increase the danger of death from suffocation. Also, search for a crib that does not have decorative cut-outs or drop sides, as these can pose dangerous for your child.
Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) as they can impact your baby's breathing and sleep. Select a crib that is certified by Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. It's also helpful to choose a crib that has a small footprint, since it will make room in your nursery and limit dust accumulation.
DaVinci Kalani is an excellent choice for a sturdy baby crib because it meets all of our requirements. It's easy to clean, doesn't have exposed hardware that could get stuck on toys or clothing and looks beautiful in most rooms. The only drawbacks are that it doesn't have a toddler rail, and it doesn't have as many slat levels as other cribs on this list.
Stork Craft Tuscany is another crib that we highly recommend. It's a bit more costly than some of the other cribs on this list, however it's stylish and meets nearly all of our requirements, including being incredibly easy to put together. It only has three levels of mattress, which is fewer than other cribs. If you intend to use the crib for several years, it may be more suitable for your needs.
2. Easy to Assemble
A majority of modern mini cribs don't require a full day of assembly unlike larger cribs. They are usually ready to use right out of the box and require only 30 minutes to put together using the tools included. Some include a built-in toddler bed conversion kit that saves the cost of buying separate pieces.
Of course, you must always ensure that the crib is firmly constructed with no gaps or rough areas that could catch your baby. Be sure to check the quality and quantity of hardware, especially bolts and screws. Make sure you tighten them up securely but not too much, as this can cause the wood to break or strip the threads. Also look for a solid wood crib, which is believed to be safer than metal.
If you're looking at a crib that requires assembly, search for one with simple and straightforward instructions. Some manufacturers include an instructional video that can be helpful for those who might not be used to working with furniture pieces. A good guide should include a list of tools, including screws and washers.
Size is also crucial. A crib must be big enough to accommodate your baby, but not so large that it can't be accessed through an ordinary doorway. Be wary of using hand-me-downs because older cribs may not meet the current safety standards.
The Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 is a great choice for those who are looking for a modern and sleek crib. It is constructed from sturdy, sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three different mattress options. It has more exposed metal hardware than other options on the market. 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 this doesn't mean that parents shouldn't be thinking about other aspects like aesthetics, cost and how long the crib will last. If you're looking for a crib which can last until toddlerhood and beyond, consider buying one that can convert into a full-sized bed or daybed. This will help you save money and space, and make it easier to change the mattress as your child develops.
The majority of cribs that transform into a full-size bed feel like an afterthought - you simply remove the side and replace it with a larger rail, the Oeuf design is a sleek high-quality crib that can transform into a bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold-certified, simple and will look great in any nursery. Plus, you can bundle it with the trundle bed that matches and dresser for an even more seamless appearance.
The crib is more substantial than other cribs in our tests. It may use up more square footage of your nursery than the smaller options However, it's a gorgeous piece that will stand up to the test of time. It's easy to assemble and durable, even for parents who aren't skilled. It also has three adjustable mattress heights which means you can start your baby off in a low spot that is easy for caregivers to lift and raise as they grow older.
This convertible crib has more of a traditional look than the other two cribs on this list, which is ideal for parents looking for a crib that will look stylish in a grand nursery. It is also simple to assemble, and comes with toddler conversion rails. This eliminates the need to buy the rails separately. It does have some exposed metal hardware, which could be an issue for certain people.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs are the best of both worlds, providing a safe and secure sleeping environment for your child while also encouraging sustainable environmental practices. Other cribs contain harmful chemicals and emissions as well as toxic substances like PVC, MDF, phthalate and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are usually made of solid wood or sustainable and renewable materials, and a lot of them are minimalist in design to reduce the environmental impact. They are typically simple to put together and convert, and a few have dressers or changing tables attached, which can help save space in the nursery.
Certain brands have eco-friendly cribs that can be converted into an infant bed or a full-size bed. They may also have additional features, like a built-in changing table, or storage compartments. They must be durable and sturdy to withstand the rigors of daily usage and cleaning. The most eco-friendly cribs for Infant Cot Bed children are made of non-toxic organic materials with low-VOC coatings.
A fantastic example of an eco-friendly crib is the Bloom Alma 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 meets all safety standards. It is a good choice for parents looking for an eco-friendly crib that offers a sleek, modern design and is easy to clean.
Another alternative is the Namesake crib, which offers a timeless style and high-quality construction at an affordable cots price. The sturdy slats of the crib are made of high-quality hardwood, and its non-toxic finish is Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. The crib has an optional reflux foot that can be connected to the side to create an even slope for infants with reflux.
5. Safety First
Safety should be the primary priority when choosing a crib. Be sure that the crib is well-built and sturdy, with solid hardware and well-fitting fittings. Also, ensure that it complies with the current CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines: less than 2.375 inches of space between slats (that's approximately the size of a soda bottle) and no cutouts with decorative designs on the headboard or footboard and corner posts that are flush with end panels or extremely tall. Anything between can pose the risk of strangulation.
Likewise ensure that all toys are kept out of the crib because they could pose choking and dangers of suffocation. Choose a baby monitor with a clear line of sight to ensure it does not interfere with your view. Also, make sure any cords are out of your baby's reach and securely connected. Don't keep any cushions, blankets or other baby cribs with positioners. These can lead to choking and suffocation risks and could be kicked or pulled down by your child.
Do not use cribs that are old because they may have outdated features that can lead to injuries. Even if the crib is in good condition, the slats might be too wide or it may be missing hardware. Old cribs may also have lead-based paint or loose, dangerous screws and bolts.
The Stork Craft Evolur is a great crib value, but might be too expensive for those who prefer a minimal design. Other options, such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4 in 1 or the DaVinci Collby by Carter 4-in 1 offer a similar design but less bells & whistles.