Guide To Recommended Cribs: The Intermediate Guide Towards Recommended Cribs

Top 5 recommended cribs (a fantastic read)

When you purchase a crib, you want it to be secure and sturdy. Look for solid wood construction and slat spacing less than 2.4 inches wide.

One of our most favored choices is the Stokke Sleepi Crib. It comes with four mattress height settings and is made of sustainable and renewable New Zealand pinewood. It comes with a toddler's bed.

1. Sturdy

A baby is likely to spend the majority of their time in their crib, so it is important to find one that is solid enough. Find cribs that meet the safety standards and regulations set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and focus on structural integrity. Avoid cribs that have loose parts or rough surfaces that could cause harm to your child.

Avoid cribs with slats that are too close to each other, as this could cause suffocation. Also, search for a crib that doesn't have decorative cut-outs or drop sides, as these features can be an hazard for your child.

Also, avoid finishes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they can affect your baby's breathing and sleep. Instead, select a crib that has been certified with Greenguard Gold and uses non-toxic materials. It's also helpful to choose a crib with a minimal footprint, since it will reduce the space in your nursery and minimize dust accumulation.

DaVinci Kalani is an excellent option for a sturdy baby crib because it meets the majority of our requirements. It's easy to clean, doesn't have exposed hardware that could get caught on toys or clothing and looks fantastic in most rooms. The only drawbacks are that it doesn't have an infant rail and does not have the same amount of slats as other cribs on this list.

Stork Craft Tuscany is another crib that we highly recommend. It's more expensive than some of the other cribs on this list, however it's sleek and stylish and meets nearly all of our criteria, including being extremely easy to assemble. It has only three levels of mattress that is less than some other cribs. However, if you plan to use the crib for a longer period of time it might be better suited to your needs.

2. Easy to Assemble

Modern Mini Cot Bed cribs don't require an entire day of assembly unlike larger cribs. They are ready to use straight out of the box, best cot bed taking approximately 30 minutes to assemble with the tools provided. Some come with a built-in toddler bed conversion kit that spares the cost of buying separate pieces.

It is essential to ensure that the crib is properly assembled and that there aren't any gaps or rough surfaces that could catch a baby. You should also be aware of the quality of hardware, particularly bolts and screws. Be sure to tighten them properly but not too much as this can cause the wood to crack or tear threads. Look for a solid wood crib as it is believed to be more secure than metal.

Find cribs that come with simple and clear instructions. Some manufacturers provide videos that provide instruction which can be useful for those who might not be familiar with furniture components. A good manual will include a list with the required tools, including washers and screws.

Size is also important. A crib should be large enough to accommodate your baby, but not so big that it will not fit through a standard doorway. 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 fantastic option for parents who are looking for a sleek and modern crib. It comes with three mattress heights and is constructed from durable and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It has more exposed metal hardware than other choices on the list. Some users also noted that the instructions and mislabeled pieces made it more difficult to assemble.

3. Convertible

If you're looking for a crib that will last through the age of toddlers and beyond, look into one that can be converted into a full-size bed or daybed. Consider an adjustable crib if you want a crib that lasts until the age of toddlerhood. This will reduce your costs and space, and make it easier to change the mattress as your child grows.

The majority of cribs that convert into full-size beds are considered an afterthought and you have to remove the side and replace it by a longer rail, Oeuf has designed a stylish crib that can be turned into a bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, minimal, and can be incorporated into almost any nursery. You can also combine it with matching trundle beds and dressers to create a seamless design.

This crib is more substantial than the other cribs we tested in our tests. It might take up more space in your nursery, but it will last for a long time. Parent testers say it's sturdy and easy to put together, even for those who aren't handy. It also has three different mattress heights that can be adjusted, which means you can begin your baby off in a low position that's easy for caregivers to lift and raise as they grow older.

This convertible crib has more of a traditional style than the other two cribs on this list, which is ideal for parents who want an option that looks nice in a stately nursery. It's also easy to set up and comes with a set of toddler rails that convert, eliminating the need to buy those separately. It does have some exposed metal hardware, which could be a problem for some people.

4. Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly cribs create the best cots of both worlds, providing a safe and secure sleeping environment for your child while also encouraging sustainable environmental practices. Other cribs can contain harmful chemicals and emissions, as well as toxins such as PVC, MDF, phthalate and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are made of solid wood, sustainable and renewable materials and have an elegant design. They are easy to set up or convert, and some include an adjustable dresser or changing tray that is attached. This can save space.

Some brands make eco-friendly cribs designed to grow with your child and convert to an infant bed, daybed or a full-size bed. They might also come with additional features, like a built-in changing table, or storage compartments. Whatever their conversion capabilities they must be strong and durable enough to withstand frequent use and frequent cleaning. The most eco-friendly cribs are made of non-toxic, organic materials and come with a low-VOC finish.

An excellent example of an eco-friendly crib is the Bloom Alma crib. It is made from sustainable birchwood, and is free of toxic components or finishes. It is Greenguard Certified and meets all safety standards. It is a great option for parents who want an elegant crib design that is easy to maintain and also green.

Namesake is another option, with 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 levels of chemical emissions. The crib also features an optional reflux leg that can be added to the side of the crib to create a gentle incline for babies who have reflux.

5. Safety First

When you are choosing a crib security should be the primary priority. Make sure the crib is well-built and sturdy, with solid hardware and firmly fitted fittings. Also, ensure it is in line 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 container), no decorative cutout designs on the headboard or footboard and corner posts that are flush with the end panels or very tall--anything in between poses 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 with a clear line of sight so that it doesn't block your view. Also, make sure all cords are out of reach of your baby and securely anchored. Also, do not keep pillows, blankets or positioners in the crib. These can cause suffocation and choking risks and could be thrown away by your child or pushed down by older siblings.

Avoid using old cribs, as they could have outdated features that can lead to injury. Even if the crib is in excellent condition, cheap cot beds it could have slats that are too wide or may be missing hardware. Old cribs can also have lead-based paint, or unsafe screws and bolts.

The Stork Craft Evolur has a wide range of features for a reasonable price, but it might be too expensive for those who want a minimal look. Other options, like the Dream On Me Ashton 4-in-1 and the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1, sport a similar style but less bells and whistles.