20 Irrefutable Myths About Recommended Cribs: Busted

Top 5 Recommended Cribs When you purchase a crib, you want it to be safe and sturdy. You should look for solid wood construction and slat spacing that is less than 2.4 inches wide. Stokke Sleepi Crib is one of our favorites. Baby Crib cots4tots.co.uk comes with four different mattress height settings and is made of sustainable and renewable New Zealand pinewood. It also comes with a toddler rail included. 1. Sturdy The majority of a baby's time is spent in their time in their crib, so it is important to choose a crib that is strong enough. Find cribs that comply with safety regulations and standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Consumer Product Safety Commission, which are focused on the structural integrity of the crib. Avoid cribs that have loose parts or rough surfaces which could hurt your child. Look for solid frames, and avoid slats that are too close as this can pose a risk of suffocation. Choose a crib with no decorative cutouts or drop-sides because these can be harmful to your child. Also, stay clear of finishes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because they could affect your baby's breathing and sleep. Instead, choose cribs that are certified with Greenguard Gold and uses non-toxic materials. It's also beneficial to select the crib with the smallest footprint, since it will make room in your nursery and limit dust accumulation. DaVinci Kalani is an excellent choice for a sturdy crib for your baby because it meets the majority of our criteria. It is easy to clean and doesn't have exposed hardware that could be caught on clothing or toys. It also looks great in all rooms. The only drawbacks are that it doesn't have an infant rail and doesn't have the same amount of slats like other cribs on this list. Another crib that we recommend is the Stork Craft Tuscany. It's a bit more costly than other options on this list, however it's stylish and meets nearly all of our criteria, including being super-easy to assemble. It has only three mattress levels which is less than some other cribs. However, if you intend to use the crib for several years it could be better suited to your needs. 2. Easy to Assemble Many modern mini cribs do not require an entire day of assembly unlike larger cribs. Most are ready to use right from the box, and take only 30 minutes to put together using the included tools. Some have a built in toddler bed conversion kit, which saves you from the need to purchase separate pieces. It is essential to ensure that the crib is assembled properly and that there aren't gaps or rough surfaces that could catch babies. Be sure to check the quality and quantity of the hardware including screws and bolts. Be sure to tighten them up securely but not too much because this could cause the wood to crack or tear threads. Also consider a solid-wood crib, which is thought to be safer than metal. If you're thinking about buying a crib that requires an assembly, search for one with simple and straightforward instructions. Some manufacturers provide a video tutorial, which is helpful for those who may not be used to working with furniture parts. A good guide will include a list of necessary supplies, such as washers and screws. The size of the crib is also important. A crib must be big enough for your baby but not so big that it will not fit through an ordinary doorway. Be cautious when using cribs that are older because they may not be in compliance with the current safety standards. The Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is a great choice for those who want an elegant, modern crib. It is constructed of sturdy and sustainable New Zealand Pinewood and has three different mattress options. It is more exposed to the elements than the other options on this list, though, and some users noted that it was more complicated to assemble than needed due to the mislabeled components and unclear instructions. 3. Convertible Unlike strollers and car seats cribs aren't equipped with a lot of “features.” However this doesn't mean that parents shouldn't take into consideration other factors such as aesthetics, price and the length of time the crib lasts. If you're looking for a crib that will last through the age of three and beyond, think about getting one that converts into a full-size bed or daybed. This will reduce your costs as well as space, making it easier to swap out the mattress as your child develops. The majority of cribs that convert into a full-size bed feel like an afterthought—you simply remove the side and replace it with a longer rail, the Oeuf design is a sleek high-quality crib that can transform into a bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified minimalist, stylish, and looks nice in almost any nursery. You can also bundle it with an equivalence trundle bed and dresser for an even more seamless look. This crib is more substantial than other cribs in our tests. It could take up more square footage of your nursery than some of the other cribs, but it's a beautiful piece that will stand the test of time. It's simple to put together and durable even for parents who aren't handy. It also comes with three different mattress heights you can adjust that allows you to start your child in a low, comfortable position that is easy for caregivers to lift and then raise as they grow older. This convertible crib is more traditional than the other two cribs on this list. It's perfect for parents looking for a crib to fit into the formal nursery. It's also simple to assemble 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 could be a problem for certain. 4. Eco-Friendly Eco-friendly cribs can be a win-win for everyone. They provide a safe sleeping environment for your child while promoting sustainable environmental practices. Some cribs are contaminated with harmful chemicals and emissions as well as harmful substances such as PVC, MDF, phthalate and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are constructed from solid wood, sustainable and renewable materials and have simple designs. They are simple to put together or convert, and some have an adjustable dresser or changing tray that is attached. This can save space. Some brands offer eco-friendly cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed or full-sized bed. Some cribs might have additional features such as an integrated changing table or storage compartments. Whatever their conversion capabilities they should be strong and durable to withstand regular use and regular cleaning. The best eco-friendly cribs are constructed from organic, non-toxic materials and have a low-VOC finish. Bloom Alma crib is a great example of a eco-friendly crib. The model is constructed of sustainable birchwood, and is free of toxic components or finishes. It is Greenguard Certified for low chemical emissions and meets all safety standards. It is a great option for parents looking for an elegant crib design that is easy to clean and environmentally friendly. Another alternative is the Namesake crib, which comes with timeless design and top-quality construction at an affordable price. The sturdy slats are constructed of high-quality hardwood and its non-toxic finish is Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. The crib also features 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 choosing a crib, security should be the primary priority. Make sure the crib is sturdy and well-built with well-fitting and secure 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 either aligned with the panels at the end of the crib, or very tall. Anything in between is the danger of strangulation. Keep all toys away from the crib, as they pose choking or suffocation risks. Choose a baby monitor that has a clear line-of-sight to ensure it does not hinder your view. Also, make sure that all cords are out of reach of your child and are securely attached. Don't keep any cushions, blankets or other positioners in the crib. These items can cause dangers of suffocation and choke and could be pushed or kicked by your child. Also, avoid using old cribs as they may contain outdated features that could result in injuries. Even if a crib appears in excellent condition, the slats might be too wide, or they might be missing hardware. Old cribs can also have lead-based paint, or unsafe screws and bolts. The Stork Craft Evolur comes with a variety of features at a great price, but it could 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 Collby by Carter 4-in 1 offer a similar design but without the bells and whistles.