Home & Life, Parenting

Solid Wood Cribs – Buyer’s Guide & FAQ

When it comes to the best types of cribs that you can buy out there, few can match the reliability and homey comfort of a classic wood crib. 

However, that’s also the line of thinking that many brands and manufacturers out there have also followed, as there are more wooden cribs out there now than there’s ever been, making finding the right one a tricky ordeal.

Fortunately, with both our experience testing these items out for ourselves, as well as the advice and recommendations of pediatricians, we have managed to narrow that massive list down to a handy 10 items for you to take a look at, as well as all the information about good wood cribs that you could need to do your searches!

If you’re looking for a quick answer to what wooden crib you should get for your little one, we would wholeheartedly recommend the Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 crib as a good, reliable baseline.

Want to see how and why we came to that conclusion? For that, as well as what these other cribs do amazingly, read on to find out more!

Product List

Category

Product 

Star Rating 

Amazon Link

Best Overall Crib

Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Safest Crib

Delta Emery Crib Deluxe 6-In-1 Crib

Best Crib For Durability

Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib

Best Modern-Designed Crib

Babyletto Hudson Crib Convertible Crib

Best Crib For Growing Babies

DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Wheeled Crib

Best-Looking Crib

Stokke Sleepi Mini Rounded Crib

Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Starting off our list with one of the best wood cribs that you can buy out there right now, we have Babyletto’s first entry in this guide!

(Get used to seeing their name. They’ll be appearing a few times in this list!)

We love the simple, yet classy design that this crib has, something that you’ll find is the case for many wooden cribs, at least over their plastic or metal counterparts.

However, if good looks were all this crib had going for it, it wouldn’t have come out on top. So, what else does the Babyletto Gelato have going for it?

The Greenguard Gold certified approval is an assurance for any parents worried about chemicals or glues in their wooden cribs affecting their baby. That one is as clean as they get, both for your baby, and the environment (especially with its renewable wood source).

For us, the rigorous testing that this crib went through with our baby was more than enough to convince us.

This crib is a good height, meaning that you aren’t going to be straining too much to pick your baby up or put the theme to sleep in this. It’s a little detail, but one that we (and our backs) certainly appreciate!

Plus, this crib comes in a variety of colors, giving you the option to pick one that goes with your baby’s room the best!

The lack of any big fancy decorative parts might not be to everyone’s tastes. However, when you’re looking for a reliable crib for your little one, you can’t go wrong with this option!

Pros

  • The crib allows for the height of the mattress to be adjusted.
  • Made from sustainably farmed wood in New Zealand.
  • The design is simple, yet cozy.
  • Greenguard gold certified. No chemicals or glues used in this product will affect your little ones!

Cons

  • This crib, while exceptional in many ways, doesn’t excel in any one particular. It’s a classic jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none situation.
  • The lack of wheels means moving this crib around on your one will be a hassle.

Also Available From: Babyletto

Delta Emery Crib Deluxe 6-In-1 Crib

All the cribs that we have on this list are designed with safety in mind. It wouldn’t exactly be reassuring for parents if their baby’s cribs weren’t up to some kind of standard or code, would it?

However, if you value safety above all other features, then you, and more importantly, your little one, will be able to rest easy in the Delta Emery Deluxe crib.

Its JPMA certification, along with the non-toxic materials that go into making and painting this crib, means that your little one is guaranteed to be safe and sound in this crib. No unnecessary showy pieces that your baby can play and hurt themselves with, and not any harmful chemical that will affect your baby while they sleep.

And, if you’re as health-focused on your baby products as we are, that’s a huge reassurance.

However, this crib isn’t just one of the safest wooden options on offer, but one of the most versatile too. With its decent size, adjustable mattress height, and even movable wooden panels, this bed can become anything your little one needs in their busy little lives.

From a crib to a day or sofa bed, to even extending out into a full bed when arranged right and a good mattress. It’s perfect for babies that just seem to grow up so fast, especially as they enter their toddler and younger children years.

In short, if you want something safe for the most important formative years of your children’s lives, this is a great option for you!

Pros

  • Certified safe for your little one from chemicals and other harmful effects.
  • The 6-in-1 design makes this versatile for all young children.
  • This crib pairs nicely with Delta’s other baby-related products, if you’re looking to have a consistent theme in your little one’s room.
  • Pinewood used in this product is eco-friendly sourced from New Zealand

Cons

  • Colors that this product is sold as may not be representative of their final color when shipped to you.

Also Available From: Delta Children

Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib

One of the main draws that many people have when it comes to wood cribs is that they are built to stand up to tons of punishment, especially when compared to flimsier plastic models.

However, if you’re looking for a crib that can stand up to every punishment your child and time will throw at it, we wholeheartedly recommend this particular model by Dream On Me.

Like many of the other products we’ve covered, this one comes from the renewable pinewood arms of New Zealand, making this already great product environmentally conscious too.

However, combine that with a sturdy design and the right wood treatment, and you have a crib that is sure to stand up to all kinds of rough and tumble that your kids will put it through in their young years.

And, let’s be real for a second. As a parent, you just know that they’re ready to play at any time, whether they’re supposed to be sleeping or not!

Plus, the design itself is pretty stylish too, combining just the right amount of ornaments and accessories to your crib, without it becoming over-extravagant or a hazard to your kids.

Plus, there’s a pretty impressive amount of versatility in this little crib too, with it being able to turn into a mini daybed, or even a twin-sized bed, amongst several other features.

So, if you’re looking for a more compact crib that is tough enough for your tyke, this is the model to go with!

Pros

  • This tough little mini crib can handle anything your baby/toddler will through at it!
  • Certified safe for your baby from chemicals and other safety tests.
  • Looks great, especially for a crib in this price range.
  • Has adjustable mattress heights, and can be turned into many different types of beds too.

Cons

  • The small size means that you may not be able to use this crib for twins, or even older toddlers. 

Also Available From: Walmart

Babyletto Hudson Crib Convertible Crib

Time for our second Babyletto crib to make its way onto our list!

What we love about this crib, amongst many other things, is its overall design of it.

There’s something very mid-20th century and Scandinavian-inspired about it, in a way that is both practical and gives your little one all the space inside they need, while still looking great and not being too detailed or extravagant, especially with a nice, dark finish like this.

Of course, a crib might look great, but that doesn’t mean much if it can’t also function like a good crib. Fortunately, thanks to the thousands of tests the Hudson model has been through, we know for a fact that this one is tough enough to stand up to any kind of activity without much trouble, while still being safe.

When we tested this crib with our energetic little one, we found that it remained stable and comfortable for him throughout the time we had it. So it is a certified winner, in our books.

If you’re looking for a crib that balances looks with rugged dependability, you can’t go wrong with this one for your young children!

Pros

  • This crib looks both stylish, and tough!
  • Certified safe from both a design perspective, as well as free from harsh chemicals.
  • A good-sized crib that will support your baby through plenty of their early development, even into early childhood!
  • Made from renewable pinewood.

Cons

  • While panels of this crib can be adjusted and moved around, this isn’t quite as versatile in turning into other furniture for your little one as others here.

Also Available From: AptDeco

DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Wheeled Crib

One of the things that many people may quickly notice about cribs is just how tough they are to move around! That combination of large size, heavy material, and no easy way to move them makes them a real hassle to adjust once they are set up.

Fortunately, there are models like DaVinci Jenny to help you out in this regard!

Instantly, you’ll notice the world of difference that having a model with wheels can do for maneuverability. That alone is enough to make this easier to move around a baby room or the house, in our eyes.

However, DaVinci does a lot more to make this design appealing for those people that need a crib that can be moved easily.

The frame and bars used for this crib are nice and thin, giving them an old-fashioned style that cuts down on overall weight too, while still being more than up to the task of keeping your little one safe in their crib.

Of course, the next worry that many parents might have after that is that the crib may not be able to stay stationary. However, the lockable wheels will be more than able to stay in place once locked into position! All while still looking stunning in the large range of available colors.

Pros

  • Wheels and light frame make this crib surprisingly portable and easy to move.
  • This product comes in a massive range of colors, all of which are safe and non-toxic to your little ones.
  • Mattress positions are adjustable for any height you could need.

Cons

  • While this has some versatility, you’ll find fewer ways to use this crib compared to others here.

Also Available From: DaVinci Baby

Stokke Sleepi Mini Rounded Crib

For our final entry, we just had to give this cute little rounded crib a shout-out!

This rounded design for a crib might not be to everyone’s tastes, but the design helps it stand out from the many blocky or tall and wide frames that you’ve seen in the other entries here.

Plus, the smaller frame and wheeled design mean that it’s easy to move around your home.

Plus, the natural coloring of the wood doesn’t just look great but also means that there are no harsh chemicals in any paint that can hurt your baby.

So, if you’re looking to make a little nest for your baby, this is the crib to pick!

Pros

  • The oval shape makes for a great next for your little one.
  • It’s both a stylish and compact design.
  • Wheels make transporting it easier.

Cons

  • This is probably only suitable for younger babies, not for toddlers and older.

Also Available From: AptDeco

Buyer’s Guide

So, you’re not going to be pressed for choices when it comes to picking a wooden crib for your little one. There are plenty more designs that we didn’t have the chance to cover, which may prompt you to continue your searches.

If that’s the case, keep these factors in mind that pediatricians and parents will likely consider being important when selecting a crib.

Composition/Materials

When considering materials that are going in your wood crib, wood will be at the top of that list.

However, there are a few different kinds of wood that are used in crib construction. Not just the classic example like pinewood, maple, oak, and those types, but also in the composition. Generally, you’ll find that cribs are either made from solid wood or composite wood.

The former tends to be reformed pieces of wood that are held together by glues and various other chemicals, while the latter is made from shaping and cutting your pieces from solid wood logs.

  • The composite wood material is generally cheaper, but can also be less durable, as well as potentially being made from harsh or dangerous glues and chemicals (check the packaging of your chosen crib for precise details).
  • Solid wood tends to be much safer and tougher but is often noticeably more expensive.

Certifications

If you’re looking for a quick way of finding if a crib is built to a good standard, check for the following qualifiers and certifications in the product:

  • ASTM International, a standards committee that helps test the technical standard of products and materials
  • Greenguard Gold certification indicates that a given product has little to no dangerous chemicals or agents inside them.
  • JPMA certified means that the product holds up to retail and federal minimum standards.

Pediatricians generally agree that cribs that have most or all of these certifications are the best ones to go with, for your child’s health and safety.

Transportability

With cribs being so big, making sure that they can be easily transportable can be a hassle.

Making sure that your product of choice is either lightweight (can be moved/lifted by 2 people easily), or can be fitted with wheels is critical.

Versatility/Different Setups

Cribs that can be changed into small beds aren’t just versatile but will accommodate your child as they get older, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type Of Wood Is Best For Cribs?

Hardwood like maple or oak is generally considered the best for cribs, though some softwoods like pinewood are also good options for your baby

Is Wood The Best Material For My Baby’s Crib?

Wood is considered the best overall material for making cribs out of, especially when compared to metal or plastic counterparts that can otherwise be too expensive, too uncomfortable, or simply not strong enough to stand up to the everyday uses that babies will put it through.

Closing Thoughts

Now, you should have a good idea s to what a good wood crib looks like. Our top overall pick is Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 crib.

So what are you waiting for? Get your perfect crib now! Are you looking for more tips, check out our latest article on ‘How To Get Baby To Sleep In Crib” Tips and Tricks!

Looking for a crib with a changing table check out our buyers guide!

This content may contain affiliate links. We earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. We may earn money, free services or complementary products from the companies mentioned in this post. All opinions are ours alone…

The following two tabs change content below.
Michelle Jacobs

Michelle Jacobs

Michelle is a young mom and crafts fanatic. In her free time she loves to write about her latest creations, and how other moms can entertain their children with some colored paper and a pair of scissors!