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Materials to avoid in children’s furniture:
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals that are commonly found in paints, glues, and other materials used in furniture production. These chemicals can off-gas and release harmful toxins into the air, which can be especially dangerous for infants who spend a lot of time in their cribs.
- Formaldehyde is another chemical commonly used in furniture production that can also off-gas and release harmful toxins. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and other health problems.
- PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) are flame retardant chemicals that were commonly used in furniture production until they were banned in many countries due to health concerns. These chemicals can accumulate in the body and have been linked to developmental delays and other health problems.
- Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and can be found in some crib mattresses and other materials. These chemicals can disrupt hormone function and have been linked to a variety of health problems.
When shopping for non-toxic cribs, look for one that is certified by organizations such as Greenguard or the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). These certifications ensure that the crib meets strict standards for low VOC emissions and other harmful chemicals.
Additionally, look for cribs made from natural materials such as solid wood or bamboo, and avoid those made from particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) which often contain harmful chemicals.
Softwoods vs Hardwoods
Softwoods and hardwoods can both emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are potentially harmful chemicals that can be released into the air from certain types of wood. However, the amount of VOCs that are emitted can depend on a variety of factors, including the type of wood, how old it is, the processing methods used, and the finishing products applied.
In general, some studies have found that softwoods may emit more VOCs than hardwoods due to their higher resin content. For example, pine and cedar are softwoods that are known to have higher levels of VOC emissions compared to hardwoods like oak, maple, or cherry. However, it’s important to note that the actual levels of VOCs can vary depending on the specific type of wood and the processing methods used in creating the furniture.
When looking for non-toxic cribs, it’s important to select one made with low-VOC finishes and materials, regardless of whether the wood is hardwood or softwood. Additionally, it’s important to look for certifications such as Greenguard Gold or GOTS, which can indicate that the crib meets strict standards for low chemical emissions and is less likely to release harmful chemicals into the air.
What to look for in a non-toxic crib:
- Natural and organic materials: Choose a crib made from natural materials such as solid wood. Solid wood non-toxic cribs are less likely to contain harmful chemicals and are more sustainable than synthetic materials.
- Low VOC emissions: Look for a crib that has low or zero VOC emissions. This means that the materials used in the crib have been tested and certified to release minimal amounts of harmful chemicals into the air.
- Water-based finishes: Choose a crib with a water-based finish, rather than a solvent-based finish, as these finishes are less likely to contain harmful chemicals.
- Non-toxic adhesives: Look for a crib that is held together with non-toxic adhesives (or that lack adhesives altogether).
- Sustainable and eco-friendly: Consider the environmental impact of the crib materials. Look for materials that are sustainably sourced and eco-friendly.
- Safety standards: Don’t forget this one! Choose a crib that meets safety standards such as those set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the United States. These standards ensure that the crib meets strict safety guidelines and is less likely to pose a risk to your baby’s physical safety.
- Certifications: Look for a crib that has been certified by independent organizations such as Greenguard or the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). These certifications ensure that the crib materials have been tested and meet strict standards for safety and environmental impact.
9 Best Non-Toxic Cribs for Nurseries, 2023
1. IKEA Sniglar Crib ($134)
Highlights
- Hardwood: The IKEA Sniglar crib is made from solid beech wood, which is a durable and sustainable hardwood.
- No harmful chemicals: This crib is unfinished (so it has no stains or paints to worry about emitting VOCs) and free from harmful chemicals such as lead, formaldehyde, and phthalates.
- Meets safety standards: The Sniglar crib meets safety standards set by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
- Adjustable mattress height: The Sniglar crib has an adjustable mattress height, which can be set at two different levels. You can lower the mattress as your baby grows taller, which can reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
A lot of parents love the IKEA sniglar crib. It’s a great budget friendly choice for a non-toxic crib (though of course, as with all IKEA furniture, you’ll need to figure out how to put it together!)
2. DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Crib ($199)
- Softwood: Made with sustainable New Zealand pine wood. This wood is sustainably sourced and renewable, so it’s an eco-friendly choice.
- Finished with non-toxic paint: The crib is finished with a non-toxic, multi-step painting process that is lead and phthalate-free.
- Low VOC emissions: The crib is Greenguard Gold certified, which means that it meets strict standards for low chemical emissions and is less likely to release harmful chemicals into the air.
- Convertible design: The crib can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed with an optional conversion kit, making it a versatile and long-lasting choice for your child’s sleeping needs.
to turn it into a toddler bed. Overall, as far as non-toxic cribs go, this was a great buy!
3. Dadada Cribs (starts at $399) 
Highlights
- Hardwood: Dadada’s non-toxic cribs are constructed of solid beechwood and birchwood, and some (like the Chicago 3-in-1 crib pictured above) are supported by sturdy metal legs.
- Non-toxic finishes: These cribs are finished with non-toxic, water-based finishes that are low in VOCs.
- Adjustable mattress height: The cribs feature adjustable mattress heights, allowing you to lower the mattress as your baby grows.
- Convertible designs: Many Dadada cribs are designed to convert into toddler beds, daybeds, or even full-size beds as your kiddo grows.
- Sustainable and eco-friendly: Dadada’s cribs are GreenGold certified, and the company is committed to sustainability and eco-friendliness, using only sustainably-sourced materials in their cribs and manufacturing processes that minimize waste and reduce their environmental impact.
4. Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Cribs ($499)
Highlights
- Softwood: The Hudson crib is made with sustainable New Zealand pine wood, which is renewable and eco-friendly.
- Non-toxic paint: The crib is finished with a non-toxic, multi-step painting process that is lead and phthalate-free.
- Low VOC emissions: The crib is Greenguard Gold certified, which means that it meets strict standards for low chemical emissions and is less likely to release harmful chemicals into the air.
- Convertible: The crib can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed with an optional conversion kit ($150), so it could be useful for years beyond a typical crib. It also has four adjustable mattress positions to lower as your baby gets taller.
- Matching dresser: Babyletto also makes a matching dresser ($399) that does double duty as a changing table.
The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib is a great non-toxic option made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood and finished with lead and phthalate-free paint. It is also Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions.
5. Bloom Alma Mini Crib ($529) 
Highlights
- Hardwood: The Bloom Alma Mini crib is made from sustainable solid beechwood, and it’s free from harmful chemicals and formaldehyde emissions.
- Low VOC finishes: The crib is finished with low VOC baby-safe finishes and is GreenGold certified.
- Compact and portable: The Bloom Alma Mini crib is designed to be compact and portable (you can roll it through standard sized doorways if you need to change rooms). It’s more like a bassinet than a crib, but it’s usable for the first 6-12 months of baby’s life. Its small size makes it good for small spaces and/or keeping baby right by your bed. It also folds up for storage.
6. Oeuf Sparrow Crib ($960)
- Hardwood: The Oeuf Sparrow Crib is designed in the U.S. and made from FSC certified birch wood and Baltic birch plywood in Latvia under strict European environmental standards. The crib is also free from harmful chemicals and formaldehyde emissions, ensuring that it is safe and non-toxic for your baby to sleep in.
- Zero VOC finishes: The crib is finished with non-toxic, water-based finishes that are free of VOCs.
- Adjustable mattress height: The crib has three adjustable mattress heights, allowing you to lower the mattress as your baby grows.
- Convertible: The Oeuf Sparrow Crib can be converted into a toddler bed (with the purchase of an additional conversion kit), making it a longer-lasting option than cribs that don’t convert.
- Matching dresser: Oeuf also makes a matching dresser($1,695) out of the same non-toxic materials.
The Oeuf Sparrow Crib’s use of sustainable materials, low VOC finishes, adjustable mattress height, and Greenguard Gold certification make it a solid choice.
Note that parts of this crib are made from birch plywood instead of solid birch hardwood. This may be a dealbreaker to some buyers!
7. Silva Edison Crib– Zero VOCs ($1,075)
Highlights
- Hardwood: The Silva crib is made with solid hardwood in Europe (which has stricter safety regulations than other manufacturing centers, like many in China).
- Non-toxic finishes: The crib is finished with organic and non-toxic oils and finishes that are free of VOCs (yay!), ensuring a safe and healthy sleeping environment for your baby. It has zero levels of formaldehyde, lead, VOCs or other toxic elements.
- Design: The Silva Edison crib has a cute farmhouse vibe we love.
- Convertible: You can get a Toddler kit so your kiddo can get in and out of their bed once they’re older, and a Conversion Kit that turns the crib into a small kid bed.
- Matching dresser: Silva also makes some beautiful dressers and hutches that match their non-toxic cribs.
8. Romina Cribs– Zero VOCs (from $1,325)
- Hardwood: Romina cribs are made in Europe with solid hardwood which is sustainably sourced and free of formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals.
- Non-toxic finishes: These cribs are made with natural, non-toxic oils and water-based finishes that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Convertible design: Many Romina cribs have a convertible design that allows them to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds, and full-size beds with the use of an optional conversion kit, providing a long-lasting solution for your child’s sleeping needs. The Karisma specifically has three height settings for the crib and the option to convert it into a toddler bed with the purchase of separate toddler rails ($225).
- Matching Dressers: You can find dressers and chests for your baby’s room as well, made out of the same materials as Romina’s non-toxic cribs.
9. Green Cradle Gratitude Crib– Zero VOCs (from $1,545)
- Hardwood: The Green Cradle Eco-Friendly Organic Crib comes in different hardwoods. You can choose between solid brown maple, red oak, hard maple, cherry and walnut. The 100% solid wood slat mattress support is made from unfinished maple (no engineered wood in this crib!)
- Finishes: This crib is finished with a 100% VOC free finish (note that this is even free-er of VOCs than the “low VOC finishes” of other cribs) made of cold pressed linseed oil, otherwise known as flax seed oil. So the same thing you put in your smoothies for healthy skin is used to finish this crib! This oil contains no chemicals, varnishes, polyurethanes, stains, synthetic preservatives, heavy metal driers, carcinogens, or formaldehyde. It also makes for a beautiful natural wood look.
- Made in the U.S.: The crib is handcrafted in the good ol’ U.S. of A. using sustainable production methods and materials, which helps reduce the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. It’s nice to know it doesn’t need to get shipped overseas if you are ordering it from within the states.
- Adjustable mattress height: The crib has two possible mattress heights, allowing you to lower the mattress as your baby grows into a toddler and becomes likely to attempt a prison break. This reduces the risk of falls out of the crib.
- No harmful chemicals: The Green Cradle Eco-Friendly Organic Crib is free from harmful chemicals such as lead, formaldehyde, and phthalates.
- Matching dresser: Green Cradle also makes several different, gorgeous dressers if you’re in the market.
The Green Cradle Eco-Friendly Organic Crib is a super safe, solid wood crib option for parents who are looking for a high quality piece of furniture. Its use of natural oils, its lack of engineered wood, and the fact that it’s made in the U.S. make it a fantastic choice for eco-conscious parents.
The Value in Shopping for Non-Toxic Cribs
When you’re a new parent, you have enough to worry about. You don’t need to add hazardous chemicals off-gassing from your baby’s new crib to the pile! If you go with a non-toxic crib for your new baby, you can relax knowing you’ve put an eco-friendly piece of furniture that should last you a long time- and can find new life as a hand-me-down if you decide to have other kids or pass it along to another family.
If you’re also looking for an organic crib mattress, a non-toxic nursery rug or eco-friendly toys for your baby’s room, check out our guides to those items as well.
Happy crib shopping, Moms and Dads!
