11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Okay To Do With Your Recommended Cribs

· 6 min read
11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Okay To Do With Your Recommended Cribs

Top 5 Recommended Cribs

You want a crib that is sturdy and safe. Look for solid construction and slats less than 2.4 inches apart.

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

1. Sturdy


It's important that the crib is strong because a baby will spend a lot of the time in it. Find cribs that meet the safety standards and regulations formulated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and focus on structural integrity. Also, you should avoid older cribs that may have loose parts or rough areas that could harm your baby.

Choose a solid frame and stay clear of slats that are too close together as they could pose a risk of death from suffocation. Also, you should look for a crib that doesn't feature decorative cut-outs or drop sides, since these could pose dangerous for your child.

Also, stay clear of finishes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they could affect your baby's breathing and sleep. Select a crib certified by Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. It is also beneficial to select a crib that has a small 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 all of our criteria. It is easy to clean and doesn't have exposed hardware that can be stuck on toys or clothing. It also looks great in most rooms. The only drawbacks are that it doesn't come with a toddler rail and it doesn't have as many slat levels as other cribs on this list.

Stork Craft Tuscany is another crib that we recommend. It's more expensive than the other cribs, but it meets all of our criteria and is easy to put together. It has only three mattress levels which is less than some other cribs. However, if you intend to use the crib for a longer period of time it might be better suited to your requirements.

2. Easy to Assemble

Many modern mini cribs do not require a full day of assembly, unlike some larger cribs. They are ready to use straight out of the box, taking around 30 minutes to put together using the tools included. Some have a built in toddler bed conversion kit, which saves you from the need to purchase separate pieces.

Of course, you must always ensure that the crib is securely assembled with no gaps or rough areas that could snag your baby. Be sure to check the quality and quantity of the hardware including screws and bolts. Make sure they're securely tightened, but don't over-tighten them, which can result in broken threads or wood cracks. Choose solid wood cribs as it is believed to be safer than metal.

If you're looking at a crib that needs assembly, search for one with simple and straightforward instructions. Some manufacturers include an instructional video that can be helpful for those who might not be accustomed to working with furniture components. A good guide will also include a list of required tools, including screws and washers.

Size is also crucial. A crib should be large enough to accommodate your child but not so big that it cannot fit through an opening of a standard size. 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 fantastic option for parents who are looking for a modern and sleek crib. It has three mattress height settings and is constructed from sturdy, sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It's got more exposed hardware than other options on this list, though, and some users noted that it was more difficult to set up than they needed to because of mislabeled parts and unclear instructions.

3. Convertible

As opposed to car seats and strollers cribs aren't equipped with many "features." However, that doesn't mean parents shouldn't be thinking about other aspects like design, cost, and how long the crib lasts. Consider an adjustable crib if you want a crib to last long into the age of toddlerhood. This will save space and money, making it easier to change the mattress as your baby grows.

While most cribs that can be converted into a full-size bed feel like a gimmick--you just remove the side and replace it with a larger rail -- Oeuf has designed a stylish, quality-made crib that transforms into an actual bed frame. It's GREENGUARD Gold-certified, minimal and will look great in any nursery. You can also combine it with matching trundle beds and dressers to create a seamless design.

This crib is a little larger than the other cribs in our tests. It may use up more square feet of your nursery than the other cribs, but it's a beautiful piece that will stand the test of time. Parents have praised it as sturdy and easy to assemble, even for those who aren't skilled. It also comes with three adjustable mattress heights. This allows you to start your baby in a low position which is easy for caregivers and then raise the mattress as they grow older.

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

4. Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly cribs create an ideal solution for both parents and children, offering a safe and secure sleeping environment for your child while also promoting sustainable practices for the environment. Some cribs are contaminated with harmful chemicals and emissions as well as harmful substances such as PVC, MDF, phthalate and lead. Eco-friendly cribs tend to be constructed of solid wood, sustainable and renewable materials, and feature simple designs. They are easy to set up or convert, and some come with a dresser or a changing tray built-in. This can save space.

nursery cots  offer eco-friendly cribs which can be transformed into an infant bed or a full-sized bed. Some cribs may have extra features like a built in changing table or storage compartments. Regardless of their ability to convert, they should be sturdy and durable to withstand regular use and frequent cleaning. The best eco-friendly cribs are made from organic and non-toxic materials. They also are low-VOC in their finish.

An excellent example of an eco-friendly crib is the Bloom Alma crib. The model is constructed of sustainable birchwood, and is free of harmful components or finishes. It is Greenguard Certified for low chemical emissions and is compliant with all safety standards. It is an excellent choice for parents who want an elegant crib design that is easy to clean and is eco-friendly.

Namesake is another option that offers a timeless design and high-quality construction at a low cost. The sturdy slats that are constructed from high-quality hardwood are Greenguard Gold certified to have low levels of chemical emissions. The crib comes with an reflux foot that can be connected to the side of the crib to create an even slope for infants with reflux.

5. Safety First

Safety should be the primary priority when choosing the right crib. Make sure the crib is strong and well-constructed with well-fitting and secured hardware. Also, ensure it meets the current CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines: less than 2.375 inches of space between slats (that's about the width of a soda can) and no cutouts with decorative designs on the headboard or footboard and corner posts that are flush with end panels or extremely tall. Anything in between poses the risk of strangulation.

Keep all toys away from the crib, as they can pose the risk of choking or suffocation. Select a monitor for your baby with a clear line of sight so that it doesn't hinder your view. Also, ensure that all cords are out of the reach of your baby and securely connected. Don't place any blankets, pillows or positioners inside the crib. These can cause dangers of choking and suffocation, and could be thrown away by your baby or pulled down by older siblings.

Beware of cribs that are older as they could be equipped with outdated features that can lead to injuries. Even if the crib appears in excellent condition, it may have slats that are too wide or lack hardware. Old cribs may also have lead-based paint, or unsafe bolts and screws.

The Stork Craft Evolur is an excellent value, however it may be too much to those who prefer a minimalist look. Other options, such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4 in 1 or the DaVinci Carter's 4-in 1 offer a similar design but less bells & whistles.