Top 5 Recommended Cribs

When you buy a crib you want it to be secure and sturdy. Make sure you choose a solid wood crib and slat spacing under 2.4 inches wide.

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

1. Sturdy

The majority of a cheap baby cots for cot sale (https://fewpal.com/post/420264_https-zenwriting-net-bombbacon28-11-Faux-pas-that-are-actually-okay-to-make-with.html)'s time is spent in their time in their crib, so it's important to find one that is sturdy enough. Make sure that the crib you choose is in compliance with the safety standards and regulations set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and concentrate on the structural integrity of the crib. Avoid cribs with loose parts or rough areas that could harm your child.

Avoid cribs that have slats that are too close to each other, as this could cause the child to suffocate. Find a crib that does not have decorative cutouts or drop-sides since these options could be dangerous to your child.

Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) as they can affect your baby’s breathing and sleep. Instead, choose cribs that are certified with Greenguard Gold and uses non-toxic materials. It is also beneficial to select a crib that has a small cot beds footprint, since it can reduce the space 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 requirements. It's easy to clean, doesn't include any exposed hardware that could get stuck on toys or clothing and looks fantastic in most rooms. The only downside is that it doesn't have a toddler rail and it doesn't have the same amount of slats as some other cribs on this list.

Stork Craft Tuscany is another crib that we highly recommend. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other cribs on this list, but it's sleek and stylish and is a perfect fit for our criteria, including being extremely easy to assemble. It has just three mattress height levels which is lower than other cribs, but it's a good choice if you're planning to have your baby use the crib for a while and want it to last longer.

2. Easy to Assemble

Unlike some larger cribs, most modern mini cribs do not require a full day to put together. In fact, most are ready to use out of the box, and take approximately 30 minutes to put together using the included tools. Some come with a built-in toddler bed conversion kit, which saves the cost of buying separate pieces.

Of course, you should ensure that the crib is properly assembled without gaps or rough areas that could snag your baby. Pay attention to the quality and quantity of the hardware, especially bolts and screws. Make sure you tighten them properly but not excessively, as this can cause the wood to break or strip threads. Also consider a solid-wood crib, which is believed to be safer than metal.

If you're looking at a crib that requires an assembly, look for one with simple and straightforward instructions. Some manufacturers provide an instructional video for those who aren't used to working with furniture pieces. A good guide will include a list of required tools, including screws and washers.

In addition to the design, size is a different consideration. A crib should be large enough for your child, but not so large that it cannot pass through a standard opening. Also, be wary of using hand-me-downs, as older cribs may not meet current safety standards.

The Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is a fantastic option for those looking for a modern, sleek crib. It has three different mattress height settings and is made of durable and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It has more exposed hardware than other options on this list though, and some users noted that it was more difficult to set up than necessary due to the mislabeled components and unclear instructions.

3. Convertible

Unlike strollers and car seats cribs don't come with many "features." However, that doesn't mean parents shouldn't take into consideration other factors like aesthetics, cost and the length of time the crib lasts. Consider a convertible crib if want a crib that lasts long into toddlerhood. This will save space and money, and make it easier to change the mattress as your child grows.

Although most cribs that convert into full-size beds are considered an afterthought and you have to remove the side and replace it by an extended rail. Oeuf has designed a stylish crib that can be transformed into bed frames. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified minimal and can be incorporated into almost every nursery. You can also bundle it with the trundle bed that matches and dresser for an even more seamless appearance.

This crib is a little more substantial than other cribs in our tests, and it could take up more square feet of your nursery cots than some of the less expensive options, but it's a beautiful piece that will stand 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 means you can begin your child in a low position which is easy for parents to lift and raise as they get older.

This crib that converts to a convertible is more traditional than the other cribs on this list. It's ideal for parents who are looking for a crib to be a part of an elegant nursery. It's also easy to put together and comes with a set of toddler-sized conversion rails, which eliminates the need to buy those separately. The only downside is that it does have some exposed hardware, which might be a problem for certain.

4. Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly cribs offer the best of both worlds, providing a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby while promoting sustainable practices for the environment. 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 generally made of solid wood or renewable and sustainable materials, and a lot of them are designed to minimize the environmental impact. They are easy to assemble and convert, and some include a dresser or a changing tray built-in. This can reduce space.

Some brands make eco-friendly cribs designed to grow with your child changing into a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed. They might also come with additional features, such as a built-in changing table or storage compartments. They must be durable and sturdy to withstand frequent use and cleaning. The Best cot for newborn eco-friendly baby cribs are made of organic materials that are non-toxic with low-VOC coating.

Bloom Alma crib is a fantastic example of an eco-friendly crib. The model is constructed from sustainable birchwood, and it has no harmful finishes or components. It is Greenguard Certified and meets all safety requirements. It is a great choice for parents looking for an eco-friendly crib with modern, sleek design and is easy to clean.

Another option is the Namesake crib, which comes with an elegant design and top-quality construction at a reasonable price. The sturdy slats of the crib are made of high-quality wood, and its non-toxic finish is Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. The crib comes with an reflux foot that can be affixed to the side of the crib to create an easy slope for babies with reflux.

5. Safety First

Safety should be the top priority when selecting the right crib. Make sure that the crib is sturdy and well-built with well-fitting and sturdy hardware. Check that it meets 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 aligned with the ends of the crib or extremely tall. Anything in between is the danger of strangulation.

Be sure to keep all toys out of the crib, as they can pose dangers of choking or even suffocation. Choose a baby monitor that has a clear line-of-sight so it does not hinder your view. Also, ensure that all cords are out of reach of your baby and securely connected. Don't keep any cushions, blankets or other baby cribs with positioners. These items could pose the risk of choking or suffocation and could be thrown away by your child or pushed down by older siblings.

Also, do not use old cribs because they could contain outdated features that could result in injuries. Even if the crib appears in good condition, it may have slats which 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 is an excellent value, however it may be too much to those who prefer a minimalist design. Other options, like the Dream On Me Ashton 4-in-1 or the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1, have the same style, but without all the bells and whistles.