Guide To Recommended Cribs: The Intermediate Guide On Recommended Cribs

Top 5 recommended cribs (Get More)

When you purchase a crib you want it to be secure and sturdy. Make sure you choose a solid crib and slats less than 2.4 inches apart.

One of our favorite picks is the Stokke Sleepi Crib. It comes with four mattress heights and is made from sustainable and renewable New Zealand pinewood. It comes with a toddler's rail.

1. Sturdy

It's important that the crib is sturdy since a baby will spend a lot of their time in it. Find cribs that meet the safety standards and regulations established by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and focus on the structural integrity of the crib. Also, you should avoid cribs with older models that could have loose parts or rough spots that could cause harm to your child.

Find solid frames and stay clear of slats that are too close as this can pose a danger of death from suffocation. Choose a crib with no decorative cutouts or drop-sides, as these features may be harmful to your child.

Also, stay clear of finishes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because they can affect your baby's breathing and sleep. Select a crib certified by Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. It's also helpful to choose the crib with the smallest footprint, as it will reduce the space in your nursery and reduce dust accumulation.

DaVinci Kalani is an excellent option for a sturdy crib for your baby as it meets most of our requirements. It is easy to clean and doesn't include exposed hardware that could get in the way of toys or clothing. It also looks fantastic in all rooms. It's only downside is that it doesn't have a toddler rail or as many slats as other cribs in this list.

Another crib that we recommend is the Stork Craft Tuscany. It's more expensive than the other cribs on this list but it meets all of our criteria and is simple to put together. It also only has three mattress heights, which is less than some other best rated cribs, but it might be preferable when you're planning to let your child use the crib for a few years and would like it to last for longer.

2. Easy to Assemble

Contrary to some of the larger cribs, many modern mini cribs don't require a whole day to put together. They're ready to use out of the box, taking approximately 30 minutes to assemble using the included tools. Some even come with built-in toddler bed conversion kit, which eliminates the cost and hassle of buying separate pieces later on.

You should always make sure that the crib is properly assembled and that there aren't any gaps or rough surfaces that could catch the baby. Also, be attentive to the quality of the hardware, specifically bolts and screws. Make sure you tighten them properly, but not too much as this can cause the wood to crack or tear threads. Choose a solid wood crib as it is believed to be safer than metal.

If you're looking at a crib that requires assembly, look for one that comes with easy and simple instructions. Some manufacturers offer an instructional video, which is helpful for those who may not be used to working with furniture components. A good guide will include a list with the required tools, including screws and washers.

The size of the crib is also important. A crib must be large enough for your child but not so big that it can't pass through a standard opening. Be wary of using hand-me-downs as older cribs might not meet the latest safety standards.

The Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is a great choice for those looking for a modern, sleek crib. It has three mattress heights and is made of durable and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It has more exposed metal hardware than other options on the list. Some customers also complained that the instructions and the incorrectly labeled pieces made it difficult to put together.

3. Convertible

If you're looking for a crib which will last until toddlerhood and beyond, consider one that can be converted into a full-size infant cot bed or daybed. If you're seeking a crib that will last into toddlerhood and beyond, Recommended Cribs consider getting one that converts into a bed that is full size or a daybed. This will free up space and money, and make it easier to change the mattress as your baby grows.

The majority of cribs that convert into a bed of a larger size feel like an afterthought - you simply remove the side and replace it with a longer rail, the Oeuf design is a sleek quality crib that can be transformed into an actual bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified minimal and looks nice in almost every nursery. It can also be bundled with matching trundle beds or dressers for a seamless look.

This crib is a little more substantial than others in our tests, and it could occupy more square feet of your nursery than some of the less expensive options however, it's a stunning piece that will stand the test of time. It's easy to assemble and durable, even for parents who don't have the skills. It also comes with three adjustable mattress heights. This allows you to begin your baby in a seated position which is easy for caregivers and then raise the mattress as they grow older.

This crib is more of a traditional design than the other two cribs on this list, which is ideal for parents looking for an option that looks stylish in a grand nursery. It's also simple to assemble and comes with a set of toddler-sized conversion rails, eliminating the need to shop for the rails separately. It does feature exposed metal hardware, which could be a problem for certain people.

4. Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly cribs are a win-win for everyone. They provide a safe sleeping environment for your child and promote sustainable environmental practices. They are free of harmful chemicals and emissions that are found in other cribs, and also harmful substances such as PVC, phthalate MDF and lead. Eco-friendly cribs tend to be made of solid wood, renewable and sustainable materials and have a minimalist design. They are generally easy to assemble and convert, and a few come with a changing tray or dresser attached that can save space in the nursery.

Certain brands offer eco-friendly cribs that are designed to grow with your child, converting to a daybed, toddler bed or a full-size bed. They may also have additional features, like an integrated changing table or storage compartments. They should be durable and sturdy to withstand frequent usage and cleaning. The most eco-friendly cribs are made from organic, non-toxic materials and are low-VOC in their finish.

Bloom Alma crib is a fantastic example of an eco-friendly crib. It is constructed of sustainable birchwood and does not contain harmful finishes or components. It is Greenguard Certified for low chemical emissions and it meets all safety standards. It is a great choice for parents who want an eco-friendly crib with a sleek, modern design and is easy to clean.

Another option is the Namesake crib, which has timeless design and top-quality construction for a low cost. 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 is equipped with an reflux foot that can be attached to the side to create an even slope for infants with reflux.

5. Safety First

Safety should be the primary priority when selecting the right crib. Make sure the crib is well-constructed and sturdy, with solid hardware and firmly fitted fittings. Also, ensure that it meets 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 container) There should be no cutouts or decorative designs on the footboard or headboard and corner posts that are flush with the end panels or are very tall. Anything between is an opportunity for strangulation.

Also make sure that all toys are out of the crib because they could pose choking and risk of suffocation. If you're planning to use a baby monitor, make sure you choose one that has a clear line of sight so that it doesn't interfere with your view. Also, make sure any cords are not within your baby's reach and are securely connected. Also, do not keep pillows, blankets or Baby Cot Bed cribs with positioners. These can cause suffocation and choking risks and could be thrown away by your child or pushed down by older siblings.

Also, do not use old cribs since they could contain outdated features that could cause injuries. Even if a crib appears in excellent condition, the slats could be too wide or it could be missing hardware. Also, old cribs could contain lead-based paint or have loose and hazardous screws or bolts.

The Stork Craft Evolur is an excellent value, however it 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 Carter's Colby 4-in-1, have similar styles, but with less bells and whistles.