Top 5 Recommended Cribs

You want a crib that's both safe and durable. You should look for sturdy construction and slats that are less than 2.4 inches apart.

One of our top choices is the Stokke Sleepi Crib. It comes with four different mattress heights and is made from renewable and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It also comes with an infant rail.

1. Sturdy

A baby spends most of their time in their crib, so it is important to find one that is strong enough. Make sure that the crib you choose is in compliance with safety regulations and standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission, which focus on structural integrity. Avoid cribs with loose parts or rough surfaces that could harm your child.

Avoid cribs with slats too close to each other, since this can cause suffocation. Find a crib that does not have decorative cutouts or drop-sides, because these can be harmful to your child.

Also, avoid finishes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as these can affect your baby's breathing and sleep. Choose a crib certified with Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. Choose a crib that has a small footprint to minimize space and reduce dust build-up in your nursery.

DaVinci Kalani is an excellent option for a sturdy baby crib because it meets all of our criteria. It's easy to clean, doesn't have any exposed hardware that could get caught on toys or clothing and looks beautiful in all rooms. The only drawback 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 we would recommend. It's more expensive than other cribs, but it is a perfect fit for our requirements and is easy to assemble. It also has only three mattress height levels, which is less than other cribs, however it's a good choice in the event that you plan to let your child use the crib for a few years and would like it to last for longer.

2. Easy to Assemble

Modern mini cribs don't require a full day of assembly unlike some of the larger cribs. They're ready to use out of the box, and take around 30 minutes to assemble using the tools included. Some even have built-in toddler bed conversion kit which saves you the expense and hassle of buying separate pieces later.

Of course, you must ensure that the crib is securely built with no gaps or rough areas that could snag your baby. Pay attention to the quality and quantity of the hardware including screws and bolts. Be sure that they are securely tightened but don't over tighten them, which can result in stripped threads or cracking wood. Also, look for a solid-wood crib, which is thought to be safer than metal.

If you're considering a crib that needs assembly, look for one with simple and straightforward instructions. Some manufacturers offer videos for those who are not used to working with furniture pieces. A good guide will include a list with the essential tools, like screws and washers.

Beyond design, size is an additional factor to consider. A crib must be large enough for your child, but not so large that it will not fit through an opening of a standard size. Be cautious when using cribs older than a year, as they might 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 comes with three mattress heights and is constructed of durable, sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It's got more exposed hardware than other options on this list however, and some customers found it more difficult to set up than they needed to due to the mislabeled components and confusing instructions.

3. Convertible

In contrast to car seats and strollers cribs don't come with a lot of "features." However it doesn't mean that parents shouldn't take into consideration other factors such as aesthetics, price and the length of time the crib lasts. Consider a convertible crib if want a crib to last well into the age of toddlerhood. This will help save space and money, as well as make it easier to replace the mattress as your Baby Crib grows.

While most cribs which convert into full-size beds are considered an afterthought they can be removed from the side and replace it with a longer rail, Oeuf has created a chic crib that can be turned into bed frames. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified minimalist, stylish, and will look great in any nursery. You can also combine it with matching trundle beds or dressers to create a cohesive look.

The crib is more substantial than other cribs in our tests. It could occupy more square feet of your nursery than the smaller options However, it's a gorgeous piece that can stand the test of time. It's simple to put together and durable, even for parents who don't have the skills. It also features three adjustable mattress heights. This allows you to begin your child in a low position, which is easy for parents to manage and then raise the mattress as they grow older.

The convertible crib has more of a traditional style than the other two on this list, and is ideal for parents looking for a crib that looks elegant in a formal nursery. It's also simple to assemble and comes with a set of toddler conversion rails, which eliminates the need to purchase the rails separately. It does feature exposed metal hardware, which may be a problem for some people.

4. Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly cribs are a win-win situation. They provide a safe sleeping environment for your child while promoting sustainable environmental practices. They are free of harmful emissions and chemicals that are present in other cribs, as well as toxic substances like PVC, phthalate MDF and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are usually made of solid wood or renewable and sustainable materials, and most have a minimal design to minimize the environmental impact. They are generally simple to put together and convert, and a few include an adjustable dresser or changing tray attached to them, which can free up space in the nursery.

Some brands offer eco-friendly cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. They could also include additional features, like a built-in changing table, or storage compartments. Regardless of their capabilities to convert they must be strong and durable enough to stand up to regular use and frequent cleaning. The best cot beds eco-friendly baby cribs are constructed of non-toxic organic materials with a low-VOC coating.

Bloom Alma crib is a excellent example of an eco-friendly crib. The model is constructed of sustainable birchwood and has no toxic components or finishes. It is Greenguard Certified and meets all safety standards. It is a good choice for parents who are looking for an eco-friendly crib that cots offers an elegant, modern design and is easy to clean.

Another option is the Namesake crib, which comes with a timeless style and high-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 also has an optional reflux leg that can be added to the side of the crib to create a gentle slope for babies who have reflux.

5. Safety First

Safety should be the primary priority when choosing a crib. Make sure that the crib is well-built and sturdy with well-fitting and sturdy hardware. Make sure it is in compliance with the current CPSC guidelines. This includes having less than 2.375 inches between the slats, no decorative cutouts in the headboard or footboard, and corner posts that are in line with the panels at the end of the crib or very tall. Anything in between poses a danger 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 monitor, make sure you choose one that is clear of sight that doesn't interfere with your view. Also, make sure any cords are kept away from your baby's reach and securely connected. Don't keep any cushions, blankets or other baby cribs with positioners. These items could pose suffocation and choking risks and could be thrown off by your infant or dragged down by older siblings.

Also, do not use old cribs because they could have construction elements that are outdated and could cause injuries. Even if a crib is in excellent condition, the slats might be too wide, or they could be lacking hardware. Also, old cribs could have paint that contains lead or have loose, dangerous screws or bolts.

The Stork Craft Evolur comes with a variety of features for a reasonable price, but it may be too much for those who want a simple design. Other options, such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4-in-1 or the DaVinci Carter's Colby 4-in-1, sport the same style, but without all the bells and whistles.