The Best Eco-friendly & Non-Toxic Cribs for Your Baby
A baby’s crib is a place of peace and safety, as it should be, especially considering that they spend 14 to 18 hours a day sleeping.
But it’s no comfort to know that of the many environmental toxins a baby could be exposed to, some of those may be coming from the very place that should be offering them security: their cribs.
Like crib mattresses, the actual crib has the potential to be toxic.
Cribs can release what are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs): chemicals emitted as gases into the air.
These are particularly harmful indoors, especially for babies. This can be exacerbated by direct contact with the crib, such as your baby chewing on the rails.
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What Toxic Materials Should Parents Avoid When Buying a Crib?
Chemicals that are off-gassed as VOCs and make for a toxic crib are usually found in paints, glues, and finishes.
These include benzene, formaldehyde, phenol, toluene, and 2-ethylhexanoic acid and may contribute to a range of health effects including eye, nose, and throat irritation, central nervous system damage, kidney damage, and cancer.
Lead, which may affect a baby’s development, has been known to be present in paints and stains.
Cribs made from manufactured wood such as plywood, chipboard, and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) are best avoided.
These release the most VOCs because manufactured wood is often made with layers of wood composite, requiring the need for more glue.
Glues may contain formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen.
A formaldehyde-free label does not necessarily indicate that a crib is non-toxic, it could just mean something else has been used and that alternative could just as easily be toxic.
What Eco-friendly Materials Should Parents Look For Instead?
The ideal and least toxic crib is one made of solid wood that is unfinished or finished with a food-grade oil.
Cherry, oak, birch, hickory, and maple wood are all used to make cribs: not only are these the safest because they use less or no glue and thus release fewer VOCs, but they are also durable and long-lasting.
If you want to purchase a 100% solid wood crib, remember to check that the rails, support board, and any extra components (like drawers or changing tables) are made of the same materials.
These are often made of manufactured wood even if the rest of the crib is not. The downside to solid wood cribs is that they are very expensive.
Solid softwood such as pine and poplar is not as durable but is more affordable.
If glues are used, find out whether they are water or soy-based glues as these emit fewer VOCs.
As mentioned, food-grade oils are best for finishes.
Linseed oil (also known as flaxseed oil) is popularly used but you can also find oil finishes made from shellac, beeswax, or tung.
Make sure there are no additives in the finish, such as metallic drying agents that may contain lead. You don't want your baby exposed to heavy metals or toxic fumes.
Third-Party Certifications
Certifications on baby cribs can aid you while shopping for a non-toxic crib as these programs test toxic chemicals as well as structural safety.
All cribs sold in the United States must adhere to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements.
Manufacturers and importers of cribs must also carry a Children's Product Certificate.
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and ASTM International also focus on structural safety.
For certification that focuses on toxins, look for the GREENGUARD Gold label.
This is a third-party program that tests for chemicals.
They have established strict test methods and emission limits for furniture, including cribs, with the goal of reducing indoor air pollution.
However, a product that does not carry this certification is not necessarily toxic.
Some brands will not seek GREENGUARD Gold certification because they believe in using no chemicals, while GREENGUARD Gold just ensures lower levels.
Conventional cribs can be toxic to more than just your baby.
There are also workers who are exposed to chemicals while manufacturing the cribs.
Fair trade certification promotes safe and sustainable standards for workers so that they are not exposed to toxic chemicals, while maintaining fair wages and working hours.
Another helpful certification is the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label, which ensures that the wood your crib is made from has been sourced from forests that are managed responsibly and sustainably.
If you choose a crib made from or containing manufactured wood, look for CARB II certification as this regulates formaldehyde emissions in composite wood.
There is, however, no need to disregard products with few or no certifications. With or without certification, if you have concerns or queries, ask the brand or manufacturer about their materials and processes.
4 Non-Toxic Crib Brands
If you're looking for a crib made with non-toxic materials for your baby's nursery, the good news is we've got you covered.
This list features some of the best non-toxic cribs and brands with some of the highest standards for safety & clean materials.
babyletto Modern GREENGUARD Gold Certified Cribs
Specializing in baby furniture and eco-friendly mattresses, babyletto is passionate about safety and sustainability.
Most of their GREENGUARD Gold certified full-size cribs are made from New Zealand pine sourced from sustainable forests.
Under drawers and solid side panels are made from solid wood and CARB II compliant MDF. Mini-cribs are made from New Zealand pine and CARB II compliant MDF.
Cribs are tested to CPSC and ASTM standards, and all babyletto’s products are lead, phthalate, and formaldehyde safe.
They also test for cadmium, antimony, chromium, mercury, and arsenic.
Their cribs feature a unique modern design that is convertible to a toddler bed.
Their cribs range in price from $300-$1000 depending on the selected style.
Davinci’s Affordable & Sustainable Cribs
Durable and stylish, DaVinci’s offers cribs and mini-cribs that are GREENGUARD Gold certified, made from New Zealand and Chilean pine sourced from sustainable forests.
When MDF is used – such as in thick paneling or under drawers – it is TSCA and CARB II compliant.
Their paints are lead, phthalate, and formaldehyde safe and undergo annual tests that go above and beyond the CPSC regulations.
Their cribs feature a more affordable price ranging from $250-$280.
These cribs are also a great option if you're looking for something that can convert into a day bed, full-size bed, or toddler bed.
Nestig’s Colored Wood Cribs
Using sustainable wood and non-toxic finishes, Nestig’s cribs meet and exceed the CPSC and ASTM International safety standards.
The wood for their cribs is sourced from Brazil from reforested land, where they are made in a family-owned factory with decades of experience in producing children’s products.
Instead of producing in bulk, cribs are only made once orders are placed thus reducing waste.
These cribs range from $500-$700 and feature some fun different colors.
Green Cradle Solid Wood Cribs
Keeping it natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, Green Cradle makes solid wood cribs out of 100% brown maple, hard maple, solid oak, walnut, and cherry hardwood sourced from local, sustainably-grown trees.
Their cribs are 100% VOC free finish made of cold pressed linseed oil, otherwise known as flax seed oil.
The oil finish contains no chemicals, no varnishes, no polyurethanes, no stains, no synthetic preservatives, no heavy metal driers, no carcinogens and is formaldehyde free.
These beautiful cribs sell for $1395 to $2295. They also offer organic bedding and mattresses along with additional furniture for your nursery also made out of solid wood.
What About The Best Organic Crib Mattresses?
Along with choosing an eco-friendly crib it's incredibly important to consider an organic crib mattress.
Standard crib mattresses can be made with synthetic materials and toxic substances.
For example, polyurethane used in mattresses is known to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as do chemical flame retardants and glues used in mattresses.
VOCs are compounds which can quickly form into gas. Off gassing is when these VOCs are released into the air due to our own body heat when we lie on mattresses.
Below we've listed a few mattress companies that are leading the way, but for a more in-depth guide be sure to check out our organic & non-toxic crib mattresses guide.
Naturepedic’s Organic crib mattresses
Naturepedic organic baby products eliminate hazardous chemicals found in conventional mattresses while offering a more natural and non-toxic alternative for parents.
Naturepedic products are certified to the organic and non-toxic standards of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Their crib mattresses are also Made Safe certified!
These sustainable crib mattresses meet all fire safety standards without ANY flame retardant chemicals or flame barriers whatsoever.
Naturepedic has a range of crib mattresses including Mini, Oval, Breathable, Classic, and more. Their organic crib mattresses range from $249-$500.
Naturepedic is also a member of 1% For The Planet where they donate a portion of proceeds to environmental causes.
AVOCADO MATTRESS: AN AFFORDABLE ORGANIC BABY MATTRESS
Designed in New Jersey and handmade in California, Avocado Mattress aims to bring customers certified organic, natural, and non-toxic mattresses, pillows, and bedding, including crib mattresses.
Avocado’s factories are powered by renewable energy and they make their own natural latex, which is GOLS-certified.
Avocado is also certified by Eco-INSTITUT, GOTS, Green America, and Made Safe, amongst many others.
For example, Avocado Mattress' organic crib mattress features no petroleum-based polyurethane foams, no chemical adhesives, no vinyl waterproofing, polyethylene, or flame retardant chemicals. Just pure, healthy, natural materials — at an affordable price.
This baby mattress features a GREENGUARD Gold certification and a coconut fiber that’s infused with 100% GOLS organic certified latex and 100% GOTS organic certified wool and cotton.
The result is a gentle, delicate feel that’s supportive, breathable, and soothing for your little one.
Avocado Mattress has multiple different options for mattresses with prices as low as $270 ranging up to $1250.
NEST BEDDING: NON-TOXIC MATTRESSES MADE IN THE USA
Handmade to order in Phoenix, Arizona Nest Bedding specializes in bedding from mattresses and bed frames to organic cotton sheets and duvets.
Their crib mattresses are certified by GOLS, GOTS, and GREENGUARD certified.
Nest Bedding's options for children include the BKB mattress and the Certified Organic Crib Mattress.
The BKB mattress is made in the United States with CertiPUR-US certified foams, no chemical fire barrier, nothing toxic.
This mattress is specifically made for kids & young people.
The Certified Organic Crib Mattress is designed and built by the experienced craftsman at OMI, in Northern California. OMI crafts all products in their certified ECO-FACTORY™ and is trusted to produce the highest quality sleep goods on the market.
Customers can choose between the Certified Organic Quilted Innerspring or the Certified Organic Latex options.
This crib mattress is GOLS, GOTS, and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Nest Bedding’s baby and toddler mattresses range from $350-$700.
SAVVY REST: NATURAL CRIB MATTRESSES
Savvy Rest is an employee-owned company certified by Eco-INSTITUT, GOTS, GREENGUARD, and others.
Their organic mattresses are made with organic cotton, organic wool batting, and natural latex, including their crib mattress.
Savvy Rest's choices for babies and children include the The Savvy Baby™ Talalay and the Savvy Baby.
The Savvy Baby™ Talalay is a GOTS-certified crib mattress made of a single, solid 5" layer of Firm natural Talalay latex in the Savvy Rest organic casing.
The Savvy Baby™ is a GOTS-certified crib mattress made of a single, solid 5" layer of Firm natural Dunlop latex in the Savvy Rest organic casing.
On top of using sustainable materials, Savvy Rest has also implemented a recycling program to keep mattresses out of landfills, taking in old mattresses to break down the various components and recycle them.
Savvy Rest’s crib mattresses range from $399-$599.
Learn more about the harmful chemicals safest option for mattresses in our in depth Organic Mattress Guide.
We hope this guide has helped you learn about some of the best eco-friendly cribs and best mattresses.
Finding sustainable baby products can be overwhelming! Be sure to do lots of research and pick out the best option for your growing family.
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