What kind of mom would I be if I bought a lousy crib?
As much as possible, you want a crib that will be a worthy long-term investment for your baby’s nursery furniture.
You want to get a baby crib that is:
- Sturdy and won’t break down
- Secure for your baby
- Durable and can last a long time
- Made of NON-TOXIC materials like solid wood
Manufactured wood can contain a bunch of toxic chemical additives that can harm your baby. Going for natural 100% solid wood is your best bet to ease your mind!
In this list, I narrowed down the best non-toxic solid wood cribs that are safe, sturdy, and reliable.
Most of these chemical-free, eco-friendly cribs grow alongside your baby too, so they also give great value in the long run!
7 Best Non-Toxic Cribs for Infants and Toddlers
1. Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
OUR PICK
I LOVE Babyletto, and they’re a wonderful baby brand that makes several of the best non-toxic crib options in the market today.
Main Features
Material: 100% New Zealand pine wood
All of their non-toxic cribs are made of 100% solid and sustainable New Zealand pine wood. They also use a non-toxic multi-step painting and staining process that’s free of lead and phthalates.
Their non-toxic cribs are GREENGUARD Gold certified and exceed ASTM International and U.S. CPSC safety standards.
They’re tested for over 10,000 toxic substances and emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)!
What I love the most about these GREENGUARD Gold-certified cribs is the simple but modern-looking design. I love the touch of class it adds to my house!
My favorite is the Hudson 3-in-1 which has 8 different color variants you can choose from!
The Modo 3-in-1 is another simple option, but if you want an added drawer underneath the crib, the Mercer 3-in-1 is for you.
These 3-in-1 options can be converted into a toddler bed and a daybed, and what’s great is that the toddler bed conversion kit already comes with your purchase!
If you’re looking for a 4-in-1 Babyletto crib that can convert into a full-sized bed, then I highly recommend the Gelato 4-in-1. You can also get this lovely 3-drawer dresser that will match perfectly!
Pros
- Certified and safe for babies
- Modern-looking design will look great in any home
- Can be used for a long time
- Toddler bed conversion kit comes with the purchase
- Accommodates standard crib mattress size
Cons
- Doesn’t convert to a full-size bed
- Expensive
- The simple, modern design might not be for you
2. DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
BEST FOR LONG-TERM USE
DaVinci is another great crib brand that makes several non-toxic cribs made of 100% solid wood.
Main Features
Material: New Zealand pine wood
Most of their cribs are made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood. They also use a non-toxic multi-step painting process as a finisher. This is lead-free and phthalate-free!
These non-toxic cribs are also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which means it’s tested for over 10,000 toxic substances. They follow all safety standards of CPSC and ASTM International too!
You can also convert these GREENGUARD Gold-certified cribs to a toddler bed, day bed, and full-size bed.
Nothing would make me happier than to see my baby grow up with this crib!
You can use these for a long time, and the design is appealing enough to work great for any person!
My top recommendation would be the Kalani 4-in-1. You can buy and attach separate 3-drawer dressers that blend perfectly with this non-toxic mini crib!
If you’re not interested in attachable drawers, you can get the Piedmont 4-in-1 which has a built-in drawer underneath to save up space, and I have a lot of clutter.
The Autumn 4-in-1 is also a great pickup that has, what I think, the best design!
DaVinci also sells a compact Mini Kalani 4-in-1 Crib that could fit better in some rooms. It’s more affordable too!
Whatever DaVinci crib variant you go for, you’ll still need to buy a separate Toddler Bed Conversion Kit and Full-Size Bed Conversion Kit if you want to keep this toxic-free crib for future use.
Pros
- GREENGUARD Gold certified and safe for babies
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Perfect for long-term use
- Contemporary designs blend well with most furniture
- Accommodates standard crib mattress size
Cons
- Conversion kits are bought separately
- Contemporary designs might not be what you’re looking for
3. Union 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
AFFORDABLE OPTION
Looking for an affordable non-toxic crib that’s sturdy, budget-friendly, and free of toxic chemicals? This 3-in-1 convertible crib by Union is your best bet!
Main Features
Material: New Zealand pine wood
This mini crib is made of a solid New Zealand pine wood finish, and it has a non-toxic, lead-free finish. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold-certified and meets the safety standards of CPSC and ASTM International.
This ECO-FRIENDLY crib is safe for any baby!
For its affordable price, this GREENGUARD GOLD-certified crib still gives great value. You can convert this non-toxic crib into a toddler bed and day bed.
However, you have to buy an additional Toddler Bed Conversion Kit if you’re going to stick with this crib when your baby grows older.
A great added safety feature is that it has four adjustable mattress positions, which is useful when your baby starts to build their mobility and can already sit up and stand up on their own.
My baby’s an active one, so these extra safety measures for when he learns to stands up and bounce will be a huge help!
This affordable non-toxic crib also fits the standard size of crib mattresses, so that’s great!
Pros
- Affordable
- GREENGUARD Gold certified and safe for babies
- Can grow alongside your baby until their toddler years
- Adjustable crib mattress height adds more security
- Accommodates standard crib mattresses
Cons
- Can’t be converted into a full-size bed
- Simple design might not be what you’re looking for
- Conversion kit is bought separately
4. Delta Children Emery Deluxe 6-in-1 Convertible Crib
MOST VERSATILE
Delta is a popular crib brand, and they claim that 1 out of 2 children sleep in their products. After seeing what this solid wood crib has to offer, I can clearly see why!
Main Features
Material: Pine wood
The Delta Children Emery Deluxe 6-in-1 is a convertible crib that can be used as a toddler bed, daybed, full-size bed, full-sized bed with additional footboard, and a sofa bed!
It’s crazy how VERSATILE this crib is. I might as well save up on other furniture!
Your baby can use this for a very long time, and when the time comes, any mom can use it as elegant sofa furniture too! I know I will.
This crib is made of a sustainable pine wood finish, and is certified by the JPMA, and exceeds all safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM International. This 100% non-toxic crib has a bunch of awards too!
They also made non-toxic cribs with CONVENIENCE in mind! Dads and moms will be relieved to know that assembling this crib is easy and hassle-free!
It also has 3 adjustable mattress positions, so that’s great for the safety of your little one as they grow older.
For conversion kits, you have to buy their toddler rail separately, as well as the bed rails for the full-sized bed option. You can also get this beautiful 3-drawer dresser that matches perfectly with this crib!
With its gorgeous design and versatility, this eco-friendly crib is a great pickup that will look great in any household.
You also have the option to get the 4-in-1 variant, as well as get it with a 100% non-toxic crib mattress that fits perfectly.
Pros
- Versatility makes it long-lasting
- Made from 100% non-toxic materials
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy and elegant design
- Can accommodate standard crib mattresses
Cons
- Conversion kits are bought separately
5. Stokke Sleepi Crib
COMPACT OPTION
It’s easy to see how this crib stands out from the rest of the non-toxic cribs on this list. It has an oval shape, oval mattress, 360 degrees breathability, and has WHEELS!
Its shape and size also fit through average doorways, so it’s perfect to move around the house.
You also don’t have to position it against the wall since it’s breathable from all angles!
Main Features
Material: Beech wood
This crib is made of solid beech wood, beech laminate, and beech plywood.
The non-toxic paint finish is formaldehyde-free, but the glue used to assemble this crib does contain small amounts of formaldehyde.
The latter two are synthetic wood materials, which can also be troubling. However, Stokke is a reliable brand, and I’m comfortable trusting this product as a safe non-toxic crib.
With one purchase you can convert this crib into a toddler bed and day bed by removing the middle barrier.
However, you’ll need additional parts if you want to convert it to a junior-sized bed that works for kids up to 10 years old.
Since this has an oval shape, it can’t accommodate the standard crib mattress size and shape. It comes with an oval mattress of its own which is great, but it contains polyurethane foam which is a big no-no.
Instead, I recommend getting the Naturepedic Organic Cotton Oval Crib Mattress. It’s non-toxic and fits perfectly with this crib design!
Pros
- Wheels and shape make it easy to move around
- Provides great air circulation
- Unique design blends in with more modern furniture
- Made from durable solid wood
Cons
- Expensive
- Junior-sized bed conversion kit is bought separately
- Can’t be converted to full-sized
- Doesn’t come with an organic cotton mattress
- Not a GREENGUARD GOLD-certified crib
- Can’t accommodate standard crib mattresses
6. Storkcraft Portofino 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer
BEST FOR ADDITIONAL STORAGE
Storkcraft is a baby furniture brand that’s been in business since 1945.
All of their cribs are reviewed by JPMA and exceed the safety standards of CPSC and ASTM International. Their crib mattresses are all GREENGUARD Gold certified too!
This brand has also been a recipient of the Women’s Choice Awards since 2018, so it’s a great brand that a lot of moms recommend!
Main Features
Material: Pine wood
This non-toxic baby crib can convert up to a full-size, and it also comes with a matching dresser and changer, which is great!
You can detach it and use it as a nightstand too, so it’s also a great, long-lasting furniture piece alongside the crib.
It’s also made of solid wood, so it’s sturdy and emits low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to manufactured food. It also has 3 adjustable mattress positions.
I just know this crib was made with the SAFETY of my little one in mind!
If you don’t see yourself needing a changer and dresser, then you also have the option to get it as a standalone crib.
Whichever option you choose, it will still conveniently come with a toddler rail, so that’s great!
Although, you do need to buy a separate bed frame if you want to convert it to a full-size bed.
This GREENGUARD GOLD-certified crib doesn’t come with crib mattresses, but you’ll be relieved to know that it can accommodate ANY standard-size crib mattress.
It does come with a water-resistant baby changing pad with safety straps, though, but it’s not disclosed if this is made of safe materials.
Instead, I recommend getting a great non-toxic one like the Naturepedic Organic Cotton Changing Pad.
If you want to add even more storage for your baby essentials, you can get Storkcraft Steveston 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer with Drawer. This has a large drawer underneath the crib!
Pros
- Solid wood is certified to be safe for babies.
- Detachable dresser and changer give additional storage
- Toddler rail comes with the purchase
- Accommodates standard crib mattress size
- Adjustable mattress height makes it safer for toddlers
Cons
- Bed frame for the full-sized option is bought separately
- Can be difficult to assemble
- Not made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood
7. Million Dollar Baby Classic Ashbury 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
BEST DESIGN
Million Dollar Baby is a great baby furniture brand that makes sturdy, non-toxic, and reliable cribs. In fact, Babyletto and DaVinci are two brands that are also part of the Million Dollar Baby brand!
A lot of their cribs are GREENGUARD GOLD certified, and this product also meets the safety standards of CPSC and ASTM International.
Main Features
Material: Pinewood
This non-toxic baby crib is made of a 100% solid New Zealand pine wood finish. It’s also finished using a multi-step painting process that’s lead-free and phthalate-free. This solid wood crib is safe for babies!
You also have additional storage with the built-in drawer underneath the crib, which is the perfect place where I can store baby essentials like diapers, clothes, and bed sheets.
What I love the most about this eco-friendly crib are its elegant curved designs and luxurious-looking details! My baby looks like he’s sleeping in a million-dollar piece of baby furniture!
When you convert this non-toxic crib into a full-size bed, it’ll also add a touch of elegance and class to any bedroom. This will work great for any adult, and it can hold up to 500 lbs which is great.
These eco-friendly cribs also have hidden hardware construction that allows you to adjust the height of the mattress to 4 different positions.
The toddler rail also conveniently comes with the purchase, but you’ll have to buy an additional conversion kit if you want to use it for the full-size option.
Pros
- GREENGUARD Gold certified and safe for babies
- Non-toxic solid wood is sturdy and reliable
- Luxurious design adds a touch of elegance to any room
- Built-in drawer adds more storage
- Comes with toddler bed conversion kit
Cons
- Design might not be what you’re looking for
- Full-size conversion kit is bought separately
What Are the Safest Baby Cribs?
Your baby, toddler, or child will spend countless hours on their cribs and beds. You should make sure to get a non-toxic baby crib and organic mattress as much as possible!
The safest baby cribs are made of natural and non-toxic materials, and there are other factors I suggest you look for before buying a non-toxic crib.
1. Materials
Wood is commonly used in most beds and a lot of cribs. Although, NOT ALL wood is safe and non-toxic.
There’s manufactured wood that’s added with different toxic chemicals like glues, fillers, and other substances.
Some examples of manufactured wood are plywood, chipboard, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). AVOID these as much as possible!
When it comes to non-toxic wood, the safest option would be natural solid wood.
Solid wood construction is a lot safer and sturdier compared to manufactured wood. It’s also free from any toxic chemicals.
Although, it could still have very small amounts of formaldehyde, which isn’t a cause of concern.
All of the products I listed above are made of solid wood. Most of them are made of pine wood, which is a sturdy, lightweight, and soft solid wood material that has a rustic look and feel.
On top of that, some of these solid wood cribs are sustainably sourced from New Zealand, so that’s great!
Make sure your baby’s crib sheets and mattress pads are also made with safe materials!
2. Wood Finish and Glue
Aside from the wood material, you should also take into account the wood finish and glue materials used on the crib.
Glue
Cribs applied with standard formaldehyde-based glue can be dangerous for your baby.
These toxic chemicals can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, which have been linked to cancer and other developmental problems for children.
To reduce the chances of formaldehyde-based glue exposure, it’s best avoid manufactured solid wood cribs altogether because more glue is usually needed to put these cribs together.
Solid wood cribs don’t need as much glue to be assembled, so it’s the best safe wood option out there. It will even be safer if you use water-based glue instead.
Most cribs don’t come assembled, so when the time comes, using water-based glue is your SAFEST bet to avoid added formaldehyde exposure.
FUN FACT: Water-based glue is commonly used for food packaging because it’s non-toxic, eco-friendly, and a safer adhesive alternative!
Wood Finish
For wood finishes, a safe, non-toxic finish option is also water-based.
Water-based finishes use less harsh chemicals, emit low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and are friendlier to the environment.
However, the safest, toxic-free finish would be a food-grade oil finish. Some examples of these oils are beeswax, tung oil, and flaxseed oil.
Unfortunately, non-toxic cribs that use this kind of finish are hard to come by.
The best you can do is settle for cribs that have a water-based non-toxic finish. Some brands don’t openly disclose this information, so you might have to contact them just in case.
3. Crib Mattress
Now that you know what makes solid wood cribs safe for your baby, you should also take into account the kind of mattress you’ll use.
Your baby will come in contact with crib mattresses more often than the wooden parts of your crib. I always choose NON-TOXIC and ORGANIC crib mattresses that will keep my precious one comfy and safe.
Standard crib mattresses made of non-organic materials can off-gas toxic chemicals, so an organic mattress is the only way to go!
The best non-toxic mattress types are made of organic cotton or other natural materials like wool, coconut husk, and latex. These options are more eco-friendly too!
Some safe crib mattresses are also made of synthetic materials like polyethylene and polyester.
Babies with super sensitive skin might still react poorly to these synthetic materials, so you should check and see first if they’ll work for your baby.
Read through my Best Organic Crib Mattresses article for safer options that would fit nicely with most of these eco-friendly cribs.
As much as possible you should avoid crib mattresses that use polyurethane foam.
Flame retardants are usually added to this material, which is another toxic substance that’s linked to cancer and other developmental issues.
4. Certifications
As with all non-toxic baby furniture and products, having certifications is your BEST BET to confirm if these products were reviewed and tested to be:
- Free of toxic chemicals
- Completely safe for babies
The common certification you would see when it comes to safe cribs is the GREENGUARD Gold certification.
If a crib has this certification, it means it’s specifically reviewed for safe VOC emissions. It also means that thousands of other toxic substances were tested for too!
It’s also likely that these brands follow safety standards from other review boards like ASTM International, CPSC, and TSCA.
These certifications are huge green flags for me when searching for any baby product!
5. Convertible
This isn’t exactly a safety feature, but it is a crib feature you might want to consider. A convertible crib is a great, long-lasting solution that grows alongside your baby.
Non-toxic cribs aren’t the most affordable baby products out there, so it would be great to buy one that will last you for years!
In this list, most of these non-toxic cribs are 3-in-1 convertibles or 4-in-1 convertibles, meaning that they can be used as a baby crib, toddler bed, day bed, and full-size bed!
To convert these cribs, most companies sell separate toddler bed conversion kits that you have to buy additionally.
Luckily, some eco-friendly cribs already come with these toddler bed conversion kits, so that’s great!
Additional Things to Look For in a Non-Toxic Crib
Even though it may be overwhelming to decide on the perfect non-toxic crib, it is not impossible.
I’ve listed a few extra criteria that were helpful in my decision-making.
- Adjustability – Consider a crib that you can adjust as the baby grows to ensure it will last longer.
- Ease of Assembly – A crib that is easy to install will save you A LOT of time, preferably one that doesn’t require any additional tools.
- Airflow – A crib with mesh sides is best to allow steady airflow for breathability and ventilation.
- Convenience – Some cribs have extra features like wheels or a drop-side for easy access. Decide if these features are essential for you and your baby.
- Durability – Of course, a sturdy crib is a safe crib! You want one that can last a long time and support the weight of your baby.
- Size and Dimension – You want to give them enough wiggle room, so they do not feel cramped. Make sure your mattress also fits the size of the crib, as a too-small one may be a hazard.
- Price and Warranty – Cribs are quite expensive; you want to make sure you get your money’s worth. Additionally, check if the brand has a warranty to cover any damages.
EXTRA TIP: If you’d like to keep your baby entertained as they lie in their crib, consider buying them a baby mobile! The best baby mobiles keep the baby stimulated with sounds, colors, and toys!
Frequently Asked Questions
Buying a crib can be overwhelming, so here’s some extra information that I think will be helpful!
Are Non-Toxic Cribs More Expensive Than Regular Cribs?
The high-quality materials and manufacturing process make non-toxic cribs more pricey.
However, the long-term health benefits for your child make it worth it!
Are Sustainably Sourced Wood Cribs Non-Toxic?
Yes, sustainably-harvested wood is natural wood that is free of toxic chemicals and VOCs.
You also want wood that has been finished with non-toxic water glue.
How Can I Tell If a Crib is Truly Non-Toxic?
One surefire way to tell if a crib is non-toxic is with official certifications, such as GREENGUARD Gold and Made Safe.
These badges show the crib has been tested for toxic chemicals.
Can Non-Toxic Baby Cribs Last as Long as Traditional Cribs?
Yes, non-toxic cribs can lat as long as traditional cribs (or longer) as long as they are properly and regularly maintained.
Conclusion
From all the non-toxic crib options on this list, my pick would be the 3-in-1 convertible cribs by Babyletto, specifically the Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib.
The added convenience of having the toddler conversion kit is great, and the modern design is hard not to love! With its GREENGUARD Gold certification, this crib will surely be safe for your precious one.
DaVinci is another great choice, especially if a long-term solution is what you’re looking for. Their 4-in-1 convertible cribs will grow alongside your baby, and the Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is a great pickup that adds a nice contemporary touch to your baby’s room. The additional matching dressers will make it look even better!
For those looking for a great non-toxic wood crib that’s affordable, the Union 3-in-1 Convertible Crib takes the cake. Despite its affordable price tag, it still packs a punch with its safe and reliable material, as well as its GREENGUARD GOLD certification.
FINAL MOMMY TIP: For more non-toxic nursery furniture, you can browse through my Newborn Baby Preparation Checklist to ensure you have everything covered.