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As a father of two, I know that choosing a safe and non-toxic crib for your little one could be one of the most important decisions you'll ever have to make.
The challenge is to find one that is affordable, but free from formaldehyde and toxic chemicals that could harm your baby.
Needless to say, you'll also want it to meet all necessary safety standards, provide quality sleep, and be eco-friendly with minimal environmental impact.
In this article, I use my years of parenting and sleep product testing experience to reveal the safest cribs you can buy in 2024.
Why It's My Top Pick: The Gelato gets the nod as my overall winner because it strikes the perfect balance between modern design and being made with solid non-toxic materials.
Made of solid New Zealand pine wood (and finished using a lead and phthalate-free non-toxic multi-step painting and staining process that exceeds the safety standards set by ASTM International), this crib comes with the prestigious GREENGUARD Gold certification, ensuring it's free from harmful chemicals.
Personal Experience: The low-profile design is perfect for peacefully putting a newborn to rest. With four adjustable positions, you can lower the mattress height as your baby learns to sit and stand.
The easy-to-use conversion kit that comes with this crib allows for a seamless transition as your little one grows, and I love the choice of rounded posts and customizable feet in vibrant colors to match any decor.
Why it's the Top Luxury Option: This is a beautifully styled, solid, robust, and durable piece of solid wood furniture that will last many years.
It's expensive, but it converts to a toddler bed so it's suitable for children up to the age of five. After that time, you can easily sell it and the quality is so good you can expect to get a decent price for it secondhand.
Personal experience: Wow, what a fantastic crib this is. As soon as it arrives, you'll notice the quality. The solid hardwood build felt more durable than any other crib I tested.
I love the two adjustable mattress height options and the high level of cooling airflow thanks to the fully open-slatted design.
I would look at this as an investment piece of furniture, so I'd recommend also getting the toddler rail so it can grow with your child from newborn to around their 5th birthday.
Free curbside delivery is included, and you can upgrade to a white glove service if needed. However, this crib is so easy to assemble (using just a hex key) that I don't see the need.
Why it's My Recommended FSC-Certified Option: This is one of the few affordable cribs with FSC Certification, for parents who want the peace of mind of knowing their crib was made in the most eco-friendly way possible.
Personal experience: The Sparrow crib by Oeuf impressed me due to its mix of eco-friendliness, durability, and style. Out of the box I was really happy with its beautiful, modern look but sturdy construction that looks like it will last for many years.
From both an environmental and health perspective, the organic water-based finishes are perfect, and give utmost peace of mind if you find your baby chewing on the rails during teething.
With a conversion kit, you can transform this crib into a toddler bed once your baby outgrows it. This means it's likely to be in use until they are 5-6 years old, at which point I expect it to be easy to resell due to the high-quality build.
I tested the assembly, adjustment between the three mattress heights, and conversion, and all were surprisingly simple. You can easily do this yourself without hiring a handyman.
This crib is expensive, but considering the sustainability, longevity, and resale potential it is well worth the price.
Why It's My Recommended Portable Crib: This foldable crib is perfect if you have limited space at home, or if you need to transport it. The frame easily folds down to just 10" (25cm) and fits nicely into the back of a truck, RV, or even an SUV. It comes with wheels so you can move it around inside your home effortlessly.
Personal Experience: I think this is a great space-saving option with a clever design. If you live in a smaller apartment, you'll really appreciate the smooth folding mechanism.
This smoothness is also evident in the easy glide wheels. Unlock, push to where you need to go and lock the wheel again for safety. Neat!
Being a mini crib it is only suitable for babies aged 0 to 12 months, but like the Bloom Retro crib, the solid wood construction means you can easily get a good resale price when your toddler outgrows it.
The build quality feels on a par with the retro crib. Both are fully non-toxic, free from all the harmful chemicals that parents worry about, and made from wood sourced from sustainable forests.
This crib comes with a complimentary 4" mattress made right here in the USA with baby-safe materials. There are better crib mattresses on the market, but for a freebie to be kept as a spare or used when traveling, etc., it's very good quality.
✔ Tested for Over 10,000 Chemicals
✔ Non-Toxic Multi-Step Painting Process
✔ Made from Premium Steel
Why it's My Recommended Metal Crib: The coatings used in some metal frames contain heavy metals, like lead, which should be avoided for your baby's safety.
There are no such worries with the Winston 4-in-1 Convertible Metal Crib, though. You can rest assured that this product has undergone rigorous GREENGUARD testing for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs.
Personal Experience: I'm pleased to see four adjustable mattress positions, meaning this crib will easily accommodate your baby's growth. Start with the crib mattress at position one, then slowly drop it to position four over time as your baby grows.
Once your bundle of joy is too big for mattress position four, you can turn the crib into a toddler bed using this conversion kit.
I personally prefer the look and eco-credentials of wood cribs. But if you're looking for a non-toxic metal crib to add a vintage vibe to your nursery, this is the one for you!
Green certifications from trusted and respected third parties help assure you that the crib you're buying matches your non-toxic and eco-friendly credentials.
They also help you avoid greenwashing by giving you the confidence to trust that the claims made by the manufacturer are legitimate.
Some of the key certifications my team considered for non-toxic cribs were:
At TheRoundUp we always consider the ethical practices of the brands we recommend.
We prioritize manufacturers who share our ethical and social values (such as companies who give back, support local communities, and have carbon offset schemes).
While a unique shape or size might add style to your nursery, remember to ensure it adheres to US crib safety standards.
A standard full-sized crib should measure 28" x 52".
As your baby grows and becomes more active, ensuring safety is paramount.
One important feature to consider when choosing a crib is the ability to lower the mattress height.
This feature allows you to adjust the mattress as your baby develops, preventing it from climbing out or falling over the crib rails.
While many baby cribs offer this functionality, it's always a good idea to double-check and confirm.
Convertible cribs are a versatile investment that can transition from a crib to a toddler bed to a full-sized bed.
Though they may come with a slightly higher upfront cost, their long-term value lies in their adaptability and ability to grow with your child as they progress through different stages of development.
Safety should never be compromised, regardless of the cost.
For this article, I tested a wide range of cribs across all price points to find affordable options prioritizing your little one's well-being and leaving no corners cut regarding their health.
Traditional cribs are classic, timeless, and the most common choice among parents.
They come with four fixed sides, providing your baby with a secure, cozy space.
The simplicity and durability of standard cribs make them a trustworthy option.
Convertible cribs offer incredible versatility.
As your child grows, they can transform into different types of beds (from toddler beds to daybeds and even full-sized beds).
Think of them as a long-term investment that adapts to your child's evolving needs.
Travel and mini cribs are lightweight, portable, and easy to assemble, making them an excellent choice for families on the go.
They offer a convenient solution for maintaining your baby's sleep routine, no matter where you are.
When deciding between metal and wood cribs, the choice extends beyond aesthetics.
Metal cribs are popular for their modern, sleek appearance, exceptional durability, and long-lasting quality.
However, it's important to note that, in some instances, metal cribs may contain potentially harmful substances such as lead and cadmium.
I also strongly recommend avoiding metal cribs that are over ten years old. Vintage and antique cribs might lack modern safety features and could potentially contain harmful substances.
Finally, there is the issue of EMF conduction. Some argue that metal cribs, bed frames, and other furniture may conduct more electromagnetic radiation than wood. This radiation is emitted by devices such as Wi-Fi routers and cell phone towers.
Although more research on EMFs is needed, adopting a cautious mindset suggests considering natural wood instead of metal for your baby's crib,
On the other hand, wooden cribs offer a natural and renewable option that adds a warm and classic touch to your nursery.
However, it's crucial to emphasize that not all wood is created equal.
Solid wood is usually the perfect choice for cribs because it's a more naturally non-toxic product.
However, solid wood can be costly, so some manufacturers opt for cheaper wood options, such as:
Solid wood cribs are typically more expensive but offer unmatched durability and longevity.
While lighter on the pocket, engineered wood may contain formaldehyde (a known carcinogen found in some adhesives).
Unfinished cribs are free from any chemicals used in stains, paints, or varnishes.
Finished cribs, if not carefully chosen, can contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
When considering finished and painted cribs, ensure that any finishes, glues, dyes or stains used are certified non-toxic.
No, not all cribs are non-toxic. Many cribs are made using paints, glues, and finishes that contain harmful chemicals including benzene, formaldehyde, phenol, toluene, and 2-ethyl hexanoic acid.
These can be emitted into the air as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in a process known as off-gassing and can harm your baby if inhaled.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected death of an infant before they reach their first birthday.
The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, but it has been linked to sleeping in unsafe environments, such as on soft bedding or in a crib with inadequate air circulation.
While solid wood is the better choice, not all cribs made from engineered wood (MDF, etc.) are toxic. If the engineered wood is produced in a non-toxic manner and carries certifications (such as GREENGUARD), it can be a cost-effective (albeit not environmentally friendly) option.
Ideally yes, cribs carrying the GREENGUARD Gold certification mark provide peace of mind, as they have been extensively tested for over 10,000 chemicals and VOC emissions. You can rest easy knowing that these products meet strict criteria for minimal emissions, ensuring indoor air quality.
Choosing the best non-toxic cribs involves balancing safety and environmental considerations with affordability, durability, and resale value.
Some key features to look for include adjustable mattress heights, convertibility, and ease of assembly.
Solid wood or metal are both potentially great options that look great and are highly durable.
Probably the most important thing is to make sure your crib has non-toxic glues, coatings, and finishes, so you avoid harmful chemicals like formaldehyde.
Certifications such as GREENGUARD Gold are the easiest way to get that peace of mind.
For me, the Babyletto Gelato gets the balance just right. It has the lot: sustainable materials, non-toxic certification, a stylish look, and an affordable price.
But if your needs are slightly different, I'm confident that any of our picks will help you give your baby the very best start in life.
Do you only buy nursery furniture made from solid wood? Or are you happy if a crib is made from MDF? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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