Guide To Recommended Cribs: The Intermediate Guide For Recommended Cribs
Top 5 Recommended Cribs
When you purchase a crib, you want it to be secure and durable. Make sure you choose a solid wood crib and slat spacing less than 2.4 inches wide.
One of our most favored choices is the Stokke Sleepi Crib. It has four different mattress sizes and is made of sustainable and renewable New Zealand Pinewood. It comes with a toddler's bed.
1. Sturdy
The majority of a baby's time is spent in their time in their crib, which is why it's crucial to choose a crib that's strong enough. Look for cribs that meet safety regulations and standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission, which focus on structural integrity. Also, you should avoid older cribs that may have loose parts or rough areas that could harm your child.
Avoid cribs with slats too close together, as this can cause suffocation. Find a crib that does not have decorative cutouts or drop-sides as these features may be dangerous to your child.
Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) as they can affect your baby’s breathing and sleeping. Instead, choose cribs that are certified with Greenguard Gold and uses non-toxic materials. It is also beneficial to select a crib with a minimal footprint, since it will make room in your nursery and limit dust accumulation.
The DaVinci Kalani is a great option for a sturdy and solid crib as it is a good fit for the majority of our criteria. It is easy to clean and doesn't include exposed hardware that can be in the way of toys or clothing. It also looks beautiful in the majority of rooms. The only drawbacks are that it doesn't come with a toddler rail, and 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 costly than some of the other cribs on this list, however it's sleek and stylish and meets nearly all of our requirements, including being super-easy to assemble. It has just three mattress height levels which is lower than other cribs, however it might be preferable when you're planning to let your child use the crib for a few years and want it to last longer.
2. Easy to Assemble
Unlike some larger cribs; sneak a peek here,, many modern mini cot beds cribs don't require an entire day to assemble. Most are ready to use straight out of the package, and only take 30 minutes to put together with the tools included. Some have 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 rough surfaces that could catch a baby. Be sure to be attentive to the quality of the hardware, specifically bolts and screws. Be sure to tighten them up securely but not too much, as this can cause the wood to break or strip the threads. Find solid wood cribs as it is believed to be safer than metal.
Look for cribs that have simple and clear instructions. Some manufacturers offer an instructional video which can be useful for those who might not be used to working with furniture pieces. A good manual should include a list of items, such as washers and screws.
Size is also important. A crib should be large enough to accommodate your baby, but not so large that it will not fit through an ordinary doorway. Be cautious when using hand-me-downs because older cribs may not meet current safety standards.
The Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 is a great option for parents who are looking for a sleek and modern crib. It has three mattress heights and is constructed from durable, sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It's got more exposed hardware than other choices on this list, though, and some users have complained that it was more complicated to assemble than they needed to due to the mislabeled components and unclear instructions.
3. Convertible
In contrast 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 like aesthetics, cost, and how long the crib lasts. If you're looking for a crib which can last until toddlerhood and beyond, consider purchasing one that converts into a full-sized bed or daybed. This will save you money as well as space, making it easier to change the mattress as your child develops.
The majority of cribs that convert into a bed of a larger size feel like a gimmick--you just take off the side and replace it with a larger rail -- Oeuf has designed a stylish quality crib that can be transformed into a cot bed sales frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified minimalist, stylish, and will look great in every nursery. You can also bundle it with a matching trundle bed and dresser for an even more seamless appearance.
The crib is larger than the other cribs in our tests, and it could take up more square feet of your nursery cots than the other cribs, but it's a beautiful piece that will stand up to the test of time. It's easy to assemble and sturdy even for parents who aren't skilled. It also has three different mattress heights that can be adjusted which allows you to start your baby in a low spot which is easy for parents to lift and raise as they grow older.
The convertible crib has more of a traditional design than the other two cribs on this list, which is perfect 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-sized rails that convert, eliminating the need to shop for these separately. It does feature exposed metal hardware, which may be an issue for certain people.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs offer an ideal solution for both parents and children, offering a safe sleep environment for your baby while promoting sustainable environmental practices. They are free of harmful chemicals and emissions that can be found in other cribs, and also toxins like PVC, phthalate, MDF and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are usually constructed from solid wood or renewable and sustainable materials, and many are designed to reduce the impact on the environment. They are typically easy to build and convert, and some come with a changing tray or dresser attached to them, which can free up space in the nursery.
Certain brands offer eco-friendly cribs designed to adapt to your child's needs, converting to a daybed, toddler bed, or full-size bed. Some cribs can come with additional features like a built in changing table or storage compartments. They must be durable and strong enough to withstand the rigors of daily use and cleaning. The most eco-friendly cribs are constructed from organic, non-toxic materials and come with a low-VOC finish.
A fantastic example of an eco-friendly crib is the Bloom Alma crib. The model is constructed from sustainable birchwood, and it does not contain toxic finishes or components. It is Greenguard Certified 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.
Namesake is another option that offers an elegant design and top-quality construction at a low cost. Its sturdy slats, made from high-quality hardwood are Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of chemical emissions. The crib also comes with an optional reflux leg that can be attached to the side of the crib to create a gentle slope for babies who have reflux.
5. Safety First
When selecting a crib, safety should be your top priority. Make sure that the crib is strong and well-constructed, with firmly fitted and secured hardware. Verify that it complies with the current CPSC guidelines. This includes: less than 2.375 inches between the slats, no ornamental cutouts in the headboard or footboard and corner posts that are either in line with the panels at the end of the crib, or very tall. Anything in between is a risk of strangulation.
Keep all toys away from the crib, since they pose the risk of choking or suffocation. Select a monitor for your baby with a clear line of sight to ensure it does not hinder your view. Also, ensure that all cords are out of the reach of your child and are securely connected. Also, do not keep cushions, blankets or other baby cribs with positioners. These items could pose suffocation and choking risks and could be thrown off by your baby or pulled down by older siblings.
Also, avoid using older cribs because they could contain outdated features that could result in injuries. Even if the crib is in great condition, the slats may be too wide or might be missing hardware. Additionally, old cribs may have paint that contains lead or have loose and hazardous screws or bolts.
The Stork Craft Evolur comes with a variety of features at a low price, but it might be too expensive for those who want a minimal look. Other options, such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4 in 1 or the DaVinci Collby by Carter 4-in 1 have a similar style but without the bells and whistles.