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

Top 5 Recommended Cribs When you buy a crib you want it to be safe and sturdy. You should look for sturdy construction and slats less than 2.4 inches apart. One of our favorite choices is the Stokke Sleepi Crib. It comes with four different mattress heights and is made from renewable and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It comes with a toddler's bed. 1. Sturdy It is essential that the crib is strong because a baby will spend the majority of the time in it. Find cribs that comply with the safety standards and regulations 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 cause harm to your child. Avoid cribs that have slats that are too close to each other, as this could cause suffocation. Look for a crib without decorative cutouts or drop-sides because these can be dangerous for your child. Avoid finishes that contain volatile compounds (VOCs) because they may affect your baby’s breathing and sleep. Instead, opt for cribs that are 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 reduce dust accumulation. DaVinci Kalani is an excellent option for a sturdy baby crib because it meets the majority of our criteria. It is easy to clean and doesn't have exposed hardware that can be in the way of toys or clothing. It also looks fantastic in most rooms. The only downside is that it doesn't have a toddler rail, and does not have the same amount of slats as other cribs on this list. Another crib we recommend is the Stork Craft Tuscany. It's more expensive than the other cribs, but it meets all of our criteria and is easy to assemble. It also only has three mattress height levels which is lower than other cribs, however it's a good choice in the event that you plan to let your child use the crib for a while and want it to last longer. 2. Easy to Assemble Many modern mini cribs do not need the time of a whole day to put together, unlike some larger cribs. navigate here for use right from the box, and only take 30 minutes to put together using the tools included. Some have a built in toddler bed conversion kit that spares you from having to buy separate pieces. Of course, you must always check that the crib is properly constructed without gaps or rough areas that could catch your baby. Also, be aware of the quality of hardware, especially bolts and screws. Be sure that they are securely tightened however, don't over-tighten them, which can cause stripped threads or cracking wood. Also, look for a solid-wood crib, which is believed to be safer than metal. Look for cribs that have simple and clear instructions. Some manufacturers offer videos for those who are not familiar with working with furniture pieces. A good guide should also include a list of supplies, like washers and screws. Besides the design, size is a different consideration. A crib should be large enough for your baby but not too big that it can't be accessed through an ordinary doorway. Be wary of 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 height settings and is constructed from durable, sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It has more exposed metal hardware than other choices on the market. Some customers also complained that the instructions and mislabeled pieces made it more difficult to put together. 3. Convertible Unlike strollers and car seats, cribs don't have a lot of “features.” However it doesn't mean that parents shouldn't be thinking about other aspects such as aesthetics, price, and how long the crib will last. Consider a convertible crib if want a crib that lasts well into toddlerhood. This will help save space and money, and make it easier to change the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs that transform into full-size beds are a last resort they can be removed from the side and replace it by a wider rail. Oeuf has designed a stylish crib that can be transformed into bed frames. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified minimal and looks nice in almost every nursery. It can also be bundled with matching trundle beds and dressers to create a seamless design. The crib is much more sturdy than the other cribs we tested in our tests. It may take up more space in your nursery, but it's going to last for years. Parent testers say it's sturdy and easy to assemble, even for those who aren't handy. It also has three different mattress heights you can adjust which means you can start your child in a low position that's easy for caregivers to lift and then raise it as they grow older. This crib is more of a traditional style than the other two cribs on this list, and is ideal for parents looking for a crib that will look nice in a stately nursery. It is also simple to set up and comes with a set of toddler conversion rails. This makes it unnecessary to purchase them separately. It does feature exposed metal hardware, which may be a problem for certain people. 4. Eco-Friendly Eco-friendly cribs offer the best of both worlds, providing a safe sleep environment for your child while also promoting sustainable environmental practices. Other cribs can contain harmful chemicals and emissions, and toxins such as PVC, MDF, phthalate and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are constructed of solid wood, sustainable and renewable materials, and feature an elegant design. They are typically easy to assemble and convert, and some come with a changing tray or dresser 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-sized bed. They might also come with additional features, like a built-in changing table, or storage compartments. They should be durable and sturdy to withstand frequent use and clean. The most eco-friendly cribs are made of non-toxic, organic materials and come with a low-VOC finish. A great example of a crib that is eco-friendly is the Bloom Alma crib. It is constructed of sustainable birchwood, and it does not contain toxic finishes or components. It is Greenguard Certified and meets all safety standards. It is a great choice for parents who want an elegant crib design that is easy to clean and is environmentally friendly. Namesake is another option, with timeless design and high-quality construction at 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 has an optional reflux foot that can be affixed to the side of the crib to create an even slope for infants with reflux. 5. Safety First Safety should be the top priority when choosing a crib. Make sure the crib is strong and well-constructed with well-fitting and secured hardware. Also, ensure that it is in line with current CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines: Less than 2.375 inches of space between slats (that's about the width of a soda container) There should be no cutouts or decorative designs in the headboard or footboard and corner posts that are flush with end panels or very tall—anything between can pose a strangulation risk. Be sure to keep all toys out of the crib, as they can pose dangers of choking or even suffocation. If you're planning to use baby monitors, select one with a clear line of sight that does not block your view. Also, make sure any cords are kept away from your child's reach and are securely attached. Also, do not keep pillows, blankets or positioning devices in the crib. These can lead to dangers of suffocation and choke and could be pushed down or kicked by your child. Avoid using old cribs because they may have outdated features that could cause injuries. Even if a crib is in good condition, the slats could be too wide or it could be missing hardware. Additionally, old cribs may contain lead-based paint or have loose and dangerous screws or bolts. The Stork Craft Evolur is an excellent value, however it could be too much for those who prefer a minimal style. Other options, such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4-in-1 or the Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 have a similar style but less bells and whistles.