Every parent wants the best for their baby, but not every parent knows what that entails. For example, did you know that there are chemicals in your baby’s crib? If you’re anything like me, you would want to eliminate those toxic chemicals as quickly as possible. A non-toxic baby crib is a must for new parents looking to keep their children safe. These cribs are made with safe and natural materials that are free of toxic chemicals, which can irritate the skin and cause breathing issues in infants. If you’re worried about your child’s safety while they sleep, then non-toxic baby cribs might be the right choice for you!
In this article, I will be answering some of your questions and introducing you to some truly non-toxic crib models, so you don’t get lost on the internet searching for them. So without any further delay, let’s dive in!
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Table of Contents
What Is Toxicity in Cribs?
Are Baby Cribs Toxic?
There are so many baby cribs out there and most of them off-load toxic chemicals which are harsh for your children. Cribs can release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) relying on their build, wood, adhesives used.
Volatile organic compounds are chemicals that are used in products and processes. They are often emitted into the air as a gas and pollute our nature. There are many types of VOCs out there like benzene, formaldehyde, tetrachloroethylene, xylene, methylene chloride ETC.
Some of them can even cause cancer. These compounds can be the reason for heart and lung diseases like asthma, lung failure, central nervous system damage. If you expose your baby to these chemicals for a long time, they can develop these diseases.
Even more, these chemicals are more threatening indoors, not only for your kid but also for you. So, you must buy the right crib for the safety of your children.
Woods That Are Used to Make Cribs/ Natural Crib Vs Toxic Crib
Wood is a common source of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as it is usually processed. Toddler beds are often made with hardwood, soft solid wood, softwood, composite wood, processed, engineered wood, or manufactured wood.
Hardwoods are the best for baby cribs and they are the most expensive ones. They are built strong and have higher scratch and fire resistance than any other woods mentioned. For example- Oak, solid beech wood, Maple, or Cherry are some of the hardwoods that are used to make baby cribs.
As for softwoods, they aren’t as durable as solid wood. However, you will find many cribs made out of softwoods, which are less expensive than hardwoods. Pine, Fir, Spruce are some examples of softwood that are used to make modern furniture.
Then comes the manufactured or processed woods. They are the real culprit for leaking volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Particleboard, Fiberboard, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), Plywood are some processed woods. Cribs made out of these woods emit the VOCs most.
So, it would be best to look for cribs made of either hardwood or softwood as they emit a few VOCs, or most of the time, they don’t. Therefore, they can be labeled as non-toxic cribs. On the other hand, when it comes to composite wood or engineered wood, stay miles away from buying it.
Adhesives used in manufactured wood are also responsible for the emission of VOCs. Cribs made of solid wood or natural wood don’t need many adhesives, but cribs with manufactured wood use more adhesives than others. The bad news is that these adhesives contain formaldehyde, a VOC chemical.
Difference Between Hardwood Vs Softwood Cribs
As discussed above, the best option for a crib is a hardwood crib with linseed oil (flaxseed oil) or a beeswax finish. But these solid wood cribs are so expensive and for many, it’s inaccessible due to location.
You don’t need to get stressed about this. Luckily, there are some remarkable softwood cribs out there in the market for you. They are easy to find and you don’t need to break your banks to buy them. They might not be as strong as hardwood but they are also safe for your kid.
Just make sure they’re GREENGUARD Gold Certified Cribs and have a food-grade oil finish and they don’t have any glue with it. In case they have glues, make sure either they are water-based or soy-based, not formaldehyde ones.
What to Consider While Buying a Non-Toxic Baby Crib?
There are a couple of things you should double-check before buying a crib for your children. First of all, find the crib made out of 100% hardwood as they are natural wood. They have better fire and scratch resistance than other woods. Moreover, hardwood cribs are very durable.
Secondly, look for a food-grade oil finish. Shellac, flaxseed oil, tung oil are examples of these kinds of oils. Also, make sure no adhesives are used in the toddler bed since you don’t want a crib made with glue containing formaldehyde. Even if there is glue used make sure that it’s soy or water-based.
Next, you should look for cribs with low-VOC paints. Finally, consider buying unfinished furniture or painted with low VOC products.
Now the most crucial part- a Greenguard Gold certification. Whenever you are buying the crib for your child, check if the crib is a Greenguard gold certified crib or not. Not only for the crib, if you are buying any other non-toxic baby furniture, make sure it’s Greenguard certified.
It’s better to buy a Greenguard certified crib containing beech Plywood or any processed wood than a usual crib without the certification.
Bonus: How to Choose Non-Toxic Baby Crib Mattresses for Your Child?
Not only are cribs a source of VOC emissions, but even the crib mattress can also be harmful to your children. This is because they also contain many chemicals such as petroleum, Vinyl, and other toxic compounds.
Crib mattresses are made of polyurethane foam, a petroleum-derived synthetic material. A waterproof cover wraps the core, and they may contain adhesives that can release VOCs. Therefore, it’s better to invest in an organic crib mattress that can increase your baby’s blood flow and relieve pressure, resulting in a good night’s sleep.
Go for mattresses that are GOTS or GOLS certified. For instance, a GOLS-certified latex doesn’t contain any kinds of synthetic materials. Meanwhile, natural latex can hold up to 40% synthetic materials such as polyurethane foam which is highly flammable and may cause a severe accident to your child.
You can also search for a mattress that isn’t petroleum-based rather than go for a bed with soy-based foam and use organic cotton in it. You should check whether the foam is 100% soy or not (manufacturers mix soy-based foam with polyurethane foam sometimes).
Forgo buying vinyl-based waterproof plastic covers as vinyl/PVC plastic is the worst for our health and globe. Instead, consider buying organic waterproof pads.
Avoid recycled materials. Non-toxic organic mattresses won’t carry any recycled compounds. When you’re shopping for a mini crib mattress, you’ll find hundreds of options to consider; make sure to go with the organic bed or a non-toxic crib mattress.
What Are the Safest Cribs for Your Children?
This segment will discuss some safe and non-toxic baby crib options for your little precious. In this detailed review of cribs, we will talk about what we find good in them and things we don’t. So, without further delay, let’s get things going.
1. DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Non-Toxic Baby Crib (Top pick)
Specification
Wood: Hardwood
Material: Solid New Zealand Pine Wood and TSCA compliant MDF
Dimension: 41.88 Inches (H) x 35 Inches (W) x 54.38 Inches (D)
Finish: Non-toxic finish multi-step painting
Colors: cherry, ebony, espresso, grey, white, and chestnut
Certification: Greenguard Gold Certified, TSCA, CPSC Safety Standards, Eco-Friendly, ASTM.
DaVinci Kalani is our top pick in this list for its versatility. It excels other non-toxic cribs in so many fields and it is not expensive at all. In addition, it is made out of 100% New Zealand Pine Wood and TSCA compliant MDF, which is safe for your baby.
In addition, it is Greenguard gold certified. It has a sturdy construction that allows you to convert it to a toddler bed, day bed, and full-sized bed, so you can use it for other purposes. It has a dimension of 41.88 inches (H) x 35 Inches (W) x 54.38 Inches (D) and weighs 56 pounds. But short mommies may find it hard to lift the baby in and out, unlike other cribs on the list.
The crib has a high resistance to any damage so that you can use it for many years. Not only is this crib built strong, but it also has a non-toxic multi-step painting. That means it doesn’t contain VOC or any other toxic chemical materials such as formaldehyde-based adhesives.
Pros
- Includes mattress springs and adjustable mattress positions
- Easy to assemble
- Convertible into 3 different beds, which can save you some cash
- Comes in 6 different colors
Cons
- A slight change of color may appear due to the use of original wood
Alternative cribs to consider
2. Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit (Runner up)
Specification
Wood: Hardwood
Material: Sustainable New Zealand pine wood (frame)
Dimension: 34.88 Inches (H) x 29.62 Inches (W) x 53.62 Inches (D)
Finish: Non-toxic
Color: Grey and White
Certification: Greenguard Gold Certified, CPSC Safety Standards, FSC Certified, Eco-Friendly.
When it comes to design, this crib from Babyletto is our favorite one. It is made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood (frame). It is one of the best-selling and beautiful cribs from Babyletto and can be a beautiful addition to your precious baby’s room.
It weighs around 54-56 pounds and is very easy to assemble. It has a measurement of 34.88 inches (H) x 29.62 Inches (W) x 53.62 Inches (D) overall. If you are looking for a sleek natural color finish, then this is exactly for you. With its non-toxic finish and backed with Greenguard certification, it is undoubtedly 100% safe for your child.
You will find this crib in two colors- Grey and white. The most impressive part of this product is that it is made out of sustainable materials. In addition, it has a 4-position mattress height, so it will be easier for you to adjust while your child grows. But you can not convert this crib into a full-size bed, unlike DaVinci Kalani and it costs more (including toddler conversion rail).
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Rounded spindle design
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Paint may come off after 1 or 2 years
- Crib size is smaller than usual crib size
- Mattress sold separately
Alternative cribs to consider
3. Storkcraft Portofino 4-in-1 Convertible Non-Toxic Baby Crib and Changer
Specification
Wood: Softwood
Material: Painted Wood Composite, Pine Wood (Frame)
Dimension: 43.11 Inches (H) x 70.78 Inches (W) x 32.91 Inches (D)
Finish: non-toxic painting
Color: Espresso and white
Certification: Greenguard Gold Certified, FSC Certified, CPSC Safety Standards, Eco-Friendly, JPMA certified.
Portofino is a classic from Storkcraft. Its sturdy design and adjustable mattress height provide a sound sleep for your baby at night. It is the first softwood crib on our list. It is made out of Painted Wood Composite. It has a dimension of 43.11 inches (H) x 70.78 Inches (W) x 32.91 Inches (D) and weighs 125 pounds which is unusually heavy unlike the cribs we mentioned above.
This crib is larger than the standard size of cribs as it has three spacious drawers and three open shelves. Another thing, this one has a changing station attached to it. You can detach it and use it as a nightstand whenever you want. Its non-toxic paint finish guarantees a safe environment for your child.
This eco-friendly crib is designed to grow with your baby. It can transform into a toddler bed, day bed, and ultimately a full bed. Due to its versatility, you don’t have to think of a place to sleep for your child from infancy to adolescence. But if you don’t have enough space in your house, then we recommend not buying this one.
Pros
- 4-in-1 functionality
- Water-resistant changing pad
- This product is JPMA approved- a Government certification
- Includes changing table pad
- Easy to operate for short moms
Cons
- Heavy
- Hard to assemble as the instructions are unclear
4. Million Dollar Baby Classic Ashbury 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit
Specification
Wood: Soft Solid wood
Material: New Zealand Pine Wood and TSCA compliant MDF
Dimension: 49.87 Inches (H) x 30.75 Inches (W) x 59.12 Inches (D)
Finish: Non-toxic espresso
Color: Espresso
Certification: Greenguard certified, CPSC safety standards, ASTM, Eco-friendly.
The million-dollar baby Ashbury classic is another solid softwood crib on our list. This crib is made of 100% sustainable New Zealand pine wood. It is designed with winged corners and gently curved posts which bring out the traditional elegance.
It measures 49.87 inches (H) x 30.75 Inches (W) x 59.12 Inches (D) and weighs 79.6 pounds. It can hold up to 50 pounds. The wide under-drawer beneath the crib offers a place to store the baby’s clothes and essentials.
You can move it into four adjustable mattress positions up and down when your baby starts to move, sit or stand. It can convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-sized bed (toddler bed conversion kit is included). But you have to buy the full-size bed conversion kit separately. However, this crib doesn’t include a crib mattress with the packaging, so you have to buy it separately, whereas DaVinci Kalani and Portofino include the mattress with the crib.
With its natural espresso finish, backed with Greenguard Gold certification and CPSC safety standards, you don’t have to think about the safety of your kid. In addition, the classic heirloom-like look of this crib is undoubtedly going to elicit grace in your nursery. Not to mention it’s from the old and traditional million-dollar baby brand.
Pros
- 4 adjustable heights
- Lead and phthalate safe
- Includes conversion rails
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Doesn’t include a full-sized bed conversion kit
- Crib mattresses are not included
Alternate cribs to consider
5. Carter’s by Davinci Colby 4-in-1 Low Profile Convertible Non-Toxic Baby Crib
Specification
Wood: Softwood
Materials: Sustainable New Zealand pinewood
Dimension: 35.5 Inches (H) x 29.75 Inches (W) x 55.75 Inches (D)
Finish: Non-toxic multi-step paint
Certification: Greenguard Gold Certified, FSC Certified, TSCA Compliant Wood, CPSC safety standards, Eco -friendly.
Carter’s by DaVinci is the budget pick crib on our list. Therefore, if you’re on a budget but looking for a versatile crib for your child, this is the best you can get. It is purely made of New Zealand pine wood and finished with a non-toxic multi-step painting process, safe to say there are no toxic adhesives used in this crib at all.
It has a measurement of 35.5 inches (H) x 29.75 inches (W) x 55.75 inches (D) overall and only weighs 40 pounds. It is called ‘low profile’ because it is specially designed for parents of all heights. So you won’t have a problem while lifting the baby in and out. In addition, it is the lightest crib on the list, so it will be easier to move or assemble it unlike other cribs that weigh twice as much of it.
It is Greenguard Gold certified and creates a healthier indoor environment for your baby. This Low-profile crib has four adjustable mattress heights that can adapt as your baby grows. This crib can transform into three beds: a toddler bed, daybed, and full-bed. Moreover, it also includes a drawer underneath.
Pros
- Low profile design that makes it easy to lift the baby in and out
- Underneath the drawer to store your baby’s essentials.
- Sturdy and versatile build
Cons
- Crib may create squeaky noise during movement.
Alternative Cribs to consider
6. Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Non-Toxic Baby Crib
Specification
Wood: Solid wood
Material: Sustainable New Zealand pinewood
Dimension: 30.25″L x 55.75″W x 43.75″H
Finish: Non-toxic
Color: white and Natural Legs
Certification: Greenguard Gold certified, CPSC safety standards, ASTM, JPMA certified, Eco-friendly.
Delta Children is one of the biggest manufacturers of cribs in the US. So if you are searching for a high-quality, budget-friendly crib, this one is a great choice for you. It is 100% solid wood and is made out of New Zealand pine wood. So there is no question to raise for its durability.
This product’s dimension is 30.25 “L x 55.75 “W x 43.75 “H overall and weighs a bit over 59 pounds. This crib has three adjustable height mattresses that allow it to grow with your child. The non-toxic paint finish makes sure your baby is safe from any kinds of toxic chemicals and provides a safe and healthy environment. If you are a short mommy, it will be a bit hard to lift the baby as it has only three adjustable heights, unlike other cribs in this list, which have four.
In addition, this crib is certified by JPMA, which means this crib meets all the safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Not to mention it is also Greenguard Gold certified. So you can take a deep breath and let this crib take care of your child’s sleep.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Convertible daybed, toddler bed, and full-sized bed
- Elegant design
- Adjustable mattress height
Cons
- Toddler bed and full-sized bed rails are not included
Alternative crib to consider
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ø Are baby cribs toxic?
Yes, baby cribs can be toxic. Cribs made of processed or manufactured wood may contain VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) such as benzene, formaldehyde which can emit as a gas in the air and may cause physical damage to your child.
Ø How dangerous is it for your kids?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are more threatening indoors. This is because they play a significant role in the formation of ground-level ozone molecules. Ground-level ozone harms human health as they are a vital pollutant. For example, if your baby is exposed to these chemicals for a long time, they can develop fatal diseases like Asthma, Lung failure, and even Cancer.
Ø Are metal cribs safe?
Metal cribs are safe for babies. But not all of them. Make sure it’s not made of lead and also doesn’t include any toxic ingredients.
Ø Which finishes are the best?
The best finish of your crib will be a food-grade oil finish like Shellac, flaxseed oil, tung oil. Make sure there are no formaldehyde-based adhesives used in the crib rather than look for cribs with soy or water-based glue. Even if you buy a solid wood crib, you have to consider the finish. A good finish makes sure the crib is more resistant to scratch and protects your child from splinters.
Ø Are Graco cribs considerable?
Graco cribs are certified by CPSC, JPMA and they come in with five non-toxic finishes. Therefore, it is safe to assume Graco cribs are safe for your baby.
Final Words
We know how precious your child is to you. Every parent wants to give their child the safest and most comfortable environment possible. That’s why finding the right non-toxic crib should be a priority for you. When buying a natural and organic baby crib, it is also crucial to buy organic baby bedding free of harmful chemicals.
When you are looking for a crib for your baby, ensure it is natural wood and doesn’t contain any kinds of VOCs compounds and has a non-toxic finish. Avoid cribs made out of composite woods.
We hope our picks helped you to make the right choice. If you have any questions or like to leave a suggestion about other crib models, let us know about it in the comment section.
