9 Best Non-Toxic Cribs for your Nursery

When setting up a nursery for a baby, safety comes first. For that reason, we have done extensive research to find the best Greenguard Gold certified, Non-toxic Cribs for your Nursery.

It really gets confusing when you start looking for a non-toxic crib for your baby. There are so many crib brands available in the market labeled as non-toxic and affordable compared to others labeled as non-toxic and very expensive.

What do you trust? Affordable sound good but are they truly non-toxic cribs?

Cribs also vary in style. It could get quite confusing between solid headboard crib vs crib with slats vs upholstered crib. Which one is safe for a baby?

The non-toxic crib should be the one that does not off-gas Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and chemicals in the nursery. 

How do you search for one?

Not to worry, we have done the research for you to find out the best non-toxic, Greenguard Gold certified crib for your nursery.

Depending upon the material used to build a Crib, it can off-gas toxic chemicals and VOCs in the air. Many brands used cheap composite wood, glue, paint, and finish that release harmful VOCs and chemicals. VOCs are up to 10 times more toxic indoors, especially for babies, as their organ system is still developing.

Other toxic chemicals used in crib making include formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene, and others. Chronic exposure to toxic chemicals and VOCs has been linked to Asthma, allergies, damage to the Central nervous system, liver, and kidney.

So, it is best to choose Greenguard Gold certified Cribs vs. conventional cribs available in the market. Greenguard Gold-certified cribs are tested for more than 10,000 chemicals and ensure clean indoor air quality in your baby’s room.

Now let’s look at what exactly makes a crib non-toxic?

Type of Wood

Cribs are made of either solid wood, soft solid wood, or manufactured wood. The crib made of solid wood (Beech, Birch, Oak, or Cherry) is the best. They are safe, durable, fire-resistant, and free from glues, veneers, formaldehyde. Many brands use soft solid wood (pine wood) to manufacture cribs. They are less expensive and comparatively better than cribs made out of manufactured wood (engineered wood, MDF, plywood, or particleboard).

The crib made out of manufactured wood is the worst one as it emits a higher amount of VOCs, formaldehyde (used in making composite wood) than solid wood. Because to put together composite wood, the manufacturer uses formaldehyde-based glue. Hence, the formaldehyde level is higher in a crib made out of manufactured wood than in a solid-wood crib. Look for a crib that has used soy-based or water-based glue to put components together.

Type of Paint or Finish

It is equally important to check what type of paint or finish is used for a crib. The color or finish makes the crib durable and protects the baby from splinters. But paint or finish of a crib can also emit harmful VOCs in the air. The wood finish is either water-based or oil-based. Water-based finish is considered non-toxic or safe as it has fewer VOCs compared to oil-based. However, the water-based finish still off-gasses VOCs in large amounts in the first couple of days compared to the oil-based finish, which takes months and years.

To work around that, leave your water-based finish crib outside for a couple of days to air out before bringing it to your nursery. However, we still don’t know how long it takes for the rest of the chemicals to off-gas from a water-based finished crib. 

Best of all, buy a crib that is unfinished and then finish it with no-VOC paint.

Alternatively, look for a non-toxic crib finished with a food-based finish such as beeswax, tung oil, and linseed oil. They are the safest option. However, it is hard to know what kind of paint or finish is used for the crib as manufacturers do not disclose this information most of the time. But you can always email them and ask about it.

Greenguard Gold Certified Crib

Purchase a crib that is Greenguard Gold certified. Period. As mentioned earlier, the Greenguard Gold certificate ensures that the product meets strict chemical emissions limits and has been tested for more than 10,000 chemicals. It indicates that the product is safe to use indoors. As a consumer, having a Greenguard Gold-certified crib is peace of mind; after all, your baby will spend a lot of time in the crib.

So, the truly non-toxic crib is one made of 100% solid wood, finished with a food-grade finish and water-based or soy-based glue. Most of the time, manufacturers do not disclose the type of finish and glue used to put crib components together. But it is better to email them and ask. It is essential to know, especially if the crib is made from manufactured wood.

1. Green Cradle

The Green Cradle is a manufacturer of 100% solid wood furniture, and their cribs are truly non-toxic, made of 100% solid wood (oak, maple, cherry, and walnut) with a food-grade oil finish and soy or water-based glue. Their cribs are free from any toxic chemical or chemical preservatives. But they are very expensive, and their cribs’ pricing starts at $1000-$2000. So, if the price is not your concern, I highly recommend getting a Green Cradle crib.

Here is the link to buy Green Cradle Crib.

3. Oeuf Classic Crib

Oeuf cribs are a great option for affordable, Greenguard Gold certified cribs. The cribs are made in Latvia from a locally sourced solid birch, and eco-MDF in Forest Stewardship certified manufacturing facility. The mattress support and four sides of the crib are made of Birch eco-MDF recovered from wood fiber. The crib is finished with non-toxic and water-based paint.

Oeuf Classic crib is stylish, safe, sturdy, and will go great with modern nursery décor. It comes in a warm matte, white finish with sleek metal legs (adjustable for uneven surface). It is designed to grow with your baby. There are three mattress height settings to make it easy for you to lift the child in and out of the crib. With the purchase of a conversion kit, it can convert into a stylish toddler bed that will last up to age 5.

Specification

• Measures – 54.25 x 30.25 x 36
• Item Weight – 113 pounds
• Weight limit -100 pounds

In addition to Classic crib, Ouef also offers other Greenguard Gold certified cribs. Check out Sparrow and other Ouef cribs here. They are all made from solid Birch wood and Birch plywood in Latvia, Europe.

4. Stokke Sleepi Crib

Made in the Netherland, Stokke Sleepi cribs are oval-shaped, convertible cribs. Most parts of the crib are made from cultivated solid beech wood. The crib’s round part is made with Beech laminate, and the mattress plate is made with Beech plywood. The crib is painted with non-toxic, water-based paint. However, the glue used to put together plywood does contain some amount of formaldehyde.

The crib is strong, solid, and truly designed to grow with your baby. The narrow oval design of the crib is great if you have a little nursery. The advantage of a narrow shape is that it can create a cozy-nest-like environment like a bassinet for your baby in the first few months. The crib is designed for maximum air circulation so your baby can sleep comfortably in the crib.  

The crib also has wheels so your baby can move from room to room with you.  And, as your baby grows, you can use it as a crib. There are four mattress height positions so you can easily access your baby. It can be covert to a toddler bed with the purchase of additional parts.

If you decide to go with this crib, make you purchase it in well advance and air it out before considering the type of glue used in putting the crib together. Overall, very affordable, non-toxic, a narrow crib for your nursery.

Specification

• Measures : 50 x 29 x 33.5 inches
• Item Weight – 50 pounds
• Weight limit- 176 pounds

5. DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Rail

DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible crib is the most affordable and non-toxic crib available in the market. You won’t find any other crib that is made of softwood yet sturdy. It is made of 100% sustainable New Zealand pine wood, which is consistent wood with no knots.

DaVinci Kalani crib is Greenguard Gold certified and Toxic Substance Control Act  (TSCA) compliant, which means that it is low in VOCs, formaldehyde, and lead. The crib is painted with non-toxic multi-step painting.

The crib comes in seven different colors, so you will find one to go with your nursery décor. For a cost-effective option, Davinci Kalani is a great choice. This 4-in-1 crib converts from a crib to a toddler bed, day bed, and full-size bed. Given that it is made of softwood, you need to be careful if your baby turns out to be a crib chewer as it can easily dent. Like with any other softwood crib, you need to get a teething guard to protect the crib, so baby won’t bite the crib’s railing.

In addition to Kalani, DaVinci also offers other Greenguard Gold certified cribs. Check out the collection at Amazon here. Some of these models come with changing table combo.

If a hardwood crib is not for you, Kalani 4-in-1 is an excellent choice considering affordability, non-toxicity, and sturdiness.

Like any other crib that are not made with 100% solid wood, there are chances of chemical like smell when new. Make sure you buy it well in advance and let it sit outdoor for off-gassing for a couple of days before you bring it indoors.

Specification

• Measures – 54.375 x 35 x 41.875
• Weight- 56 pounds
• Weight limit – 50 pounds

6. Karla Dubois Baby Oslo Convertible Crib with Drawer

Who doesn’t like extra storage space when designing a nursery? If you are short in storage space, consider Karla Dubois Baby Oslo Convertible Crib with Drawer. It comes with a built-in under the crib drawer to store essentials for the baby. This is another great crib on this list for a narrow nursery.

The Oslo crib is made with FSC-certified American wood and finished with a non-toxic water-based topcoat. Safety is a priority for any modern furniture from Karla Dubois. The Olso crib meets CARB Phase 2 formaldehyde emissions standards.

Karla Dubois cribs used to be Greenguard Gold certified, but they have recently ended their affiliation with UL and Greenguard program, but their manufacturing procedure hasn’t changed since then.

This modern crib comes in four different colors, but the underneath drawers are white in all options. This crib converts to a toddler bed with the purchase of a Karla Dubois toddler conversion rail kit.

Specification

• Measures  – 54 x 39.25 x 30 inches
• Weight – 80 pounds
• Weight limit- 50 pounds

7. Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

Babyletto makes a modern crib that looks really elegant in any nursery. Babyletto Hudson, in particular, is a modern design with wounded spindles and a two-tone color option. They are part of the Million Dollar Baby brand. Babyletto brand cribs are Greenguard Gold certified.

Babyletto Hudson crib is made of 100% solid New Zealand pine wood. The Hudson crib is finished in a non-toxic multi-step staining process that is lead and phthalate safe. Babyletto cribs are manufactured in Asia.

This standard size crib converts from crib to toddler bed and daybed with an included conversion kit. The low-profile design and 4 adjustable mattress positions make it easy to access your baby.  It comes in six different colors and has an option for the two-tone color.

The Babyletto Hudson is a great choice for affordability, but if you can, go for Davinci for the quality. Overall, a great non-toxic, affordable crib available in the market.

You may want to check out Babyletto’s other Greenguard Gold certified crib here. Although, they may not be made of solid wood.

Specification

• Measures – 53.625 x 29.625 x 34.875 inches
• Weight – 54 pounds
• Weight limit – up to 50 pounds

8. Carter’s by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 Low Profile Convertible Crib

Carter is not only good at making clothes for children, but they also make many products, and Colby 4-in-1 Low Profile Convertible Crib is one of them. The Colby crib is Greenuard Gold certified, meaning that it is tested for more than 10,000 chemicals ensuring cleaner indoor air quality for your baby to sleep.

The Colby crib is made of 100% solid New Zealand Pine wood and TSCA-compliant engineered wood. The wood is durable, long-lasting, and finished with a non-toxic, multi-step staining process. It is lead and phthalate-free but may not necessarily free from formaldehyde.

This low-profile crib has four adjustable mattress positions that can be lowered as your baby grows. The crib can be easily converted from a crib to a toddler bed to a full-size bed with a toddler and full-size conversion kit. This stylish and sturdy crib is available in four different colors, so you are sure to find the one to go with your nursery décor.

If you are in need of extra storage, Colby 4-in-1 Convertible Crib also comes with Trundle Drawer in Grey and White.

Specification

• Measures – 55.9 x 30 x 36 inches
• Weight – 39 lbs
• Weight limit – up to 50 lbs

9. Union 2-in-1 Convertible Crib

Union 2-in-1 convertible crib is a DaVinci brand product. This Greenguard Gold certified crib is very simple, elegant, and affordable for those who care about safety more than design. This standard-size crib is made of sustainable New Zealand pine wood and finished with a non-toxic, multi-step staining process. It is free from lead and phthalates.  

The crib is available in seven different colors to go with your nursery décor. It has four adjustable mattress positions that can be lowered as your baby begins to sit and stand. It can convert from toddler bed to daybed to full-size bed with an additional conversion kit available to purchase.

Specification

• Measures – 53.5 x 30.5 x 33.5 inches
• Weight – 31 pounds
• Weight limit – not specified. The consumers have used this product at 40 lbs without a problem.