Looking for a non toxic crib, ecofriendly crib or greenguard gold certified crib for your baby’s nursery? We’ve done the research so you don’t have it.
Best Choice | Best overall | The Best on a Budget |
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Davinci Kalani 4-in-1 | Babyletto Hudson | Union 2-in-1 Convertible Crib |
When it comes to putting together your baby’s nursery, safety trumps design.
Sure, there are plenty of gorgeous cribs to choose from. However, many manufacturers use cheap composite wood and paint and stain finishes that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The good news for parents looking for a non-toxic and ecofriendly crib – there are some great options to choose from, and they don’t have to break the bank.
(If you have a newborn, consider starting with a non toxic bassinet before switching to a crib. If you do buy a crib, be sure to use an organic crib mattress with it, and continue on with an organic kids mattress once they’re older.)
What are the Best Non Toxic and Eco Friendly Cribs?
- Nestig Cribs (My Updated Winner for This Year): Nestig makes solid wood cribs with an eco-engineered wood mattress support, at an affordable price point. An Eco friendly crib is made using sustainably harvested wood and responsible manufacturing. Non toxic finishes, and convertible to toddler beds (Plus, they’re gorgeous).
- Davinci Kalani 4-in-1 (Runner Up): A solid pine, eco friendly crib with non-toxic paint and is Greenguard Gold certified.
- Babyletto Hudson (Runner Up): A beautiful, mid-century modern design that will look great in the most stylish nurseries. 100% solid pine wood, non-toxic finish, and greenguard gold certified.
- Union 2-in-1 Convertible (The Budget Pick): Solid New Zealand pine wood is an eco friendly crib, has a non toxic lead free finish, and greenguard gold certified.
- Karla Dubois Baby Oslo (Best for Small Spaces): Made from solid American poplar with a non toxic water based topcoat, this crib offers extra storage to families living in small spaces.
- Delta Children Emery (The Best for Lasting a Lifetime): Made of solid pine and poplar with non-toxic finishes. Parents who want to buy a single bed that will last through the teen years should consider the Emery.
- Stokke Sleepi (The Best Portable with Wheels): We included this crib as a compromise choice. The Beech laminate and Beech plywood (used in combo with solid Beech) isn’t the best non-toxic choice. However, the wheels on the bottom of this crib make it very practical for nurseries that do double duty.
Our Top Non-Toxic Cribs for 2021
After considering some of the best non toxic cribs, we chose Nestig Cribs as the best option for most families. Well priced, they are an excellent value for the money and will last for years as it converts to a toddler bed, too. They use sustainable manufacturing and non toxic finishes, give parents peace of mind that it’s safe for their baby and the earth.
Best Non Toxic and Eco Friendly Cribs
Nestig has 4 cribs to choose from (The Wave, The Cloud, The Snow, and The Mountain).
They all have a few things in common. For one, they’re gorgeous: minimalist Scandi inspired design for the win.
More substantially, Nestig makes them in a way that is kind to the earth, their workers and your baby and family.
All Nestig cribs are made using the low-waste, no inventory method. This means they are made when you order, and there isn’t any inventory wasted, which is great news for the earth.
They’re also made in a family run factory in Brazil, where workers are valued for their skill and craftsmanship and treated fairly. You can see their factory here.
The cribs are made from either sustainably harvested wood (Brazilian Pine and Mahogany) or eco engineered wood, and finished with non toxic finishes. 3 of the cribs (The Wave, The Cloud, The Snow) convert from mini crib to full crib toddler bed. The Mountain crib converts from a full crib to toddler bed (no mini crib option).
- Wave Crib ($599) – Made from sustainably harvested solid Brazilian Pine.
- Cloud Crib ($599) – Made from sustainably harvested Solid Brazilian Mahogany.
- Snow Crib ($599) – Made from sustainably harvested eco-engineered wood.
- Mountain Crib ($449) – Made from sustainably harvested solid and eco-engineered wood.
All Nestig cribs are independently certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association
Nestig Mattress Recommendations
The Nestig Cribs should fit standard sized crib mattresses (for the full sized crib and toddler bed configuration) or mini crib mattress for the mini crib configuration.
For standard sized cribs, my top recommendations include the Naturepedic Classic and Breathable crib mattresses (we use the Naturepedic Breathable in our own house) and the Newton Baby crib mattress.
For the mini crib mattress, I recommend the same companies: Naturepedic and Newton.
Runner Up: Davinci Kalani 4-in-1
We give the Davinci Kalani a rating of 5/5 stars
The Best Overall
The Davinci Kalani 4-in-1 is a convertible standard sized crib constructed from solid New Zealand pine wood and painted with non toxic multi-step painting. It makes use of constructed wood that is Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) compliant and is Greenguard gold certified, which means you don’t have to worry about volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
It comes in seven different colors, so there is bound to be an option that will look perfect in every nursery. The Kalani converts from crib to toddler bed, day bed, and full-size bed.
Davinci has high standards for safety. In addition to the Kalani, they also offer other Greenguard certified cribs – although not all are solid wood like the Kalani. Check out the Autumn, Fairway, Jayden, and Charlie, to name a few other solid wood crib options. Some of these Davinci models, such as the Autumn, come with additional features, such as the possibility of buying as a crib with changing table combo.
The company makes their cribs in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Davinci Kalani 4-in-1 Specs
This crib measures 54.375” L x 35” H x 41.875” W and weighs 56 pounds. This non-toxic baby crib is suitable for children up to 50 pounds (in the crib or toddler bed format).
Davinci Kalani Mattress Recommendations
Kalani interior measurements are 52.125 ” L x 28.125 ” W and should fit standard sized crib mattresses. Our top mattress recommendations include the Naturepedic Classic and Breathable crib mattresses (we use the Naturepedic Breathable in our own house) and the Newton Baby crib mattress. Other mattresses such as the Naturalmat Coco Mat and Lullaby Earth Wisp and Breeze should also work. Davinci also makes their own crib mattresses that are Greenguard gold certified cribs, and made from a range of materials.
Runner Up
We give the Babyletto Hudson 5/5 rating
The Mid Century Modern
Babyletto is part of the Million Dollar Baby brand of baby products, which also includes Davinci. They make beautiful cribs and have high standards for safety. Many of their cribs are 100% solid wood, Greenguard gold certified and use a non-toxic finish.
We love the Babyletto Hudson in particular. It’s a convertible standard sized crib, and converts from crib to toddler bed and daybed with an included conversion kit, and then to a junior bed if you add an extra conversion kit. It comes in six different colors, and even has two-tone color options.
This crib has a simple modern look and feel to it with round spindles on all four sides. 100% solid wood, it’s made out of solid New Zealand pine wood – no chemical-laden MDF or composite woods
The finish is a non-toxic multi-step painting and staining process that exceeds American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
Babyletto makes several other non-toxic and ecofriendly cribs that are Greenguard Gold certified, although not all are solid wood. Check out the Babyletto Modo, Lolly, and Scoot also – great options for a chemical free sleep.
The company makes their cribs in Taiwan and China.
Babyletto Hudson Specs
This crib measures 53.625″ L x 29.625″ H x 34.875″ W and weighs 54 pounds. They’re suitable for children up to 50 pounds (in the crib or toddler bed format).
Babyletto Hudson Mattress Recommendations
According to Babyletto, this crib takes a standard sized crib mattress measuring at least 51.625 ″ L and 27.25 ″ W, and no more than 6″ high. and should fit standard sized crib mattresses. Our top mattress recommendations are the Naturepedic Classic, Naturepedic Breathable, and the Newton Baby crib mattress. The Lullaby Earth Wisp and Breeze are also great choices and should work in this crib!
The Best on a Budget
We give the Union 2-in-1 a 4/5 rating
A Seriously Affordable Option
The Union 2-in-1 is a non-toxic standard sized solid wood crib. It’s made of New Zealand pine wood and has a non toxic, lead free finish.
You can choose from seven different colors. A unique color (like blue or yellow) could make it a statement piece in the nursery. A subdued color (like grey, white, or natural) would fit with any color scheme.
While it converts to a toddler bed or day bed with a conversion kit, don’t count on doing so. The conversion kit is hard to find and gets lack luster reviews. Rather we suggest appreciating this crib for what it does best: serve as a basic and toxin free crib. Cross the “toddler bed” bridge when you come to it.
A Million Dollar Baby product, we assume MDB makes this crib in Taiwan, China or Vietnam. However, we can’t confirm.
Union 2-in-1 Specs
Union 2-in-1 convertible cribs measure 53.5” L x 30.5” H x 33.5” W and weigh 31 pounds. Weight limit isn’t specified.
Union 2-in-1 Mattress Recommendations
This crib takes a standard sized crib mattress measuring at least 51.625 ″ L and 27.25 ″ W, and no more than 6″ high. My top mattress picks include the Naturepedic Line (the Classic and the Breathable), the Newton Baby, and the Lullaby Earth Wisp and Breeze.
The Best for Small Spaces
We give the Karla Dubois Baby Oslo a 5/5 rating
The Best For Added Storage
What parent doesn’t need more storage space? The standard sized Oslo crib has built in drawers – perfect to store middle of the night essentials for baby and later clothes or toys once you convert to a toddler bed (with the conversion kit). Cribs with storage underneath are a great choice for small spaces.
The wood in this crib is solid American poplar, and it has a non toxic water based topcoat. It comes in four different colors, but the drawers in every option are white.
Karla Dubois Oslo Specs
The Oslo cribs measure 54” L x 39.25” H x 30” W and weigh 80 pounds. It’s suitable for children up to 50 pounds in the crib or toddler bed format.
Karla Dubois Oslo Mattress Recommendations
According to the manufacturer, use a USA standard full-size crib mattress of at least 51.625 inches x 27.25 inches and no more than 6 inches thick. Our top mattress recommendations are the Naturepedic Classic, Naturepedic Breathable, and the Newton Baby crib mattress. The Lullaby Earth Wisp and Breeze are also great choices that should work in this crib!
The Best for Lasting a Lifetime
We give the Delta Emery a 4/5 rating
The Most Versatile
The Delta Children Emery is a standard sized 4-in-1 with beautiful curved and detailed wood accents. Made from solid pine and poplar, it has a more classic look. The wood is covered with a non-toxic finish that’s available in three different colors.
We like this crib for extended use because it can convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or full sized bed. It’s also tested for lead and other toxic materials to meet ASTM standards.
The company makes their cribs in China and SE Asia.
Delta Emery Specs
This crib measures 55.75” L x 44” H x 55.75 W and weighs 59.2 pounds. It’s suitable for children up to 50 pounds (in the crib or toddler bed format).
Delta Emery Mattress Recommendations
Delta specifies that mattresses used with this crib should be at least 27 /14 by 51 5/8 inches and no thicker than 6 inches. Our top mattress recommendations are the Naturepedic Classic, Naturepedic Breathable, and the Newton Baby crib mattress. The Lullaby Earth Wisp and Breeze are also good choices that should work in this crib!
The Best Portable
We give the Stokke Sleepi a rating of 3.5/5 stars
Best Crib with Wheels
Stokke makes gorgeous products that we love – cribs included.
The Stokke Sleepi is uniquely designed as an oval crib. It’s made of a combination of solid beech wood, beech laminate, and beech plywood, and does contain some glue.
It’s a convertible crib that can be used up until your child is 10 – with the conversion kit.
We like it as a portable crib because the Sleepi has wheels on the bottom, making it easier to move for naps, or if your baby starts out life sleeping in a home office or guest room (and you need to temporarily relocate her).
You’ll need to use the oval Stokke Sleepi mattress for this crib, as this crib won’t fit standard mattresses. Stokke makes the Sleepi mattress with polyurethane foam. If you want an all natural or organic crib mattress, count the Sleepi out of the running. However, you should be able to use the Naturepedic Oval Mattress with the Sleepi, which solves this problem.
Stokke Sleepi Specs
Stokke Sleepi cribs measure 50” L x 34” H x 29” W and weigh 56 pounds. It’s suitable for children up to 36 months (in the crib format).
Non Toxic Crib Buying Guide: The Research
Why choose a non toxic crib?
Nobody sets out looking for cribs for their baby thinking, “I want a toxic crib for my new baby.” Unfortunately, just like with your crib mattress, you can’t trust that all cribs use safe and natural materials. Some building and construction materials like manufactured wood have toxic chemicals in them, which is why choosing a non toxic crib is essential.
Toxic materials can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air – this process is known as off gassing.
Breathing in toxic chemicals like VOCs( volatile organic compounds ) has been linked to many health problems, from asthma to cancer. Greenguard certified products are specifically checked for VOC emissions, making this a valuable benchmark for consumers.
So, what exactly makes a crib non toxic?
Wood quality matters
We recommend buying a solid wood crib. You don’t have to worry about chemical glues, fillers, and other materials, which may include toxic chemicals.
Solid wood cribs are safer, stronger, and more solid than those made from manufactured wood. They also come without the release of small amounts of formaldehyde – which occurs with some composite and manufactured wood and glue.
Which finishes are best
Even if you choose a solid wood crib, you still need to consider the paint or finish. The finish makes cribs more durable and protects your baby from splinters. Water based finishes are better for the environment and your baby, as they use less harsh ingredients and toxic chemicals, emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and leave less of an environmental footprint.
Unfortunately, many of the non toxic cribs don’t disclose much about their finishes, with some like the Kalani, Hudson, Emery, and Union stating that their finishes are non toxic, but not going into detail about what type of finish they are. If you want a non toxic crib that you can be certain is made with a water based finish, choose the Oslo.
Pair it With an All Natural Mattress
It’s no secret that we don’t love foam mattresses, which can be full of chemicals.
We would suggest doing some research to find the safest and most suitable mattress to use in your non toxic crib. We’ve rounded up the best organic and all-natural crib mattress choices, the best coconut crib mattresses, and the best breathable crib mattresses in our research, and recommend you choose from the products we’ve suggested.
We also recommend you look for a mattress that is free from fire retardant chemicals, and one that doesn’t use PVC, phthalate, or phthalate alternative chemicals.
So, which crib is best?
My clear favorite is Nestig cribs. I love the direct to consumer model, which allows the company to offer really high quality for an affordable price. I also really appreciate the approach of this company in terms of protecting the earth, making sure workers are treated fairly, and delivery a safe product to your baby’s nursery.
I have a few runner ups, including the Davinci Kalani. Made of solid wood with a non toxic finish, its well-priced for most families. True, we don’t know if the finish is water based. However, we feel this is offset by the fact that it is TSCA compliant.
We also love the solid wood Karla Dubois Oslo – and almost chose it as the “Runner Up” choice. It has a non toxic water based finish, but it’s more than double the price of the Kalani, making it out of reach for many families.
As such, we chose the Babyletto Hudson as our second runner up. It’s still affordable, has a beautiful design, and is made from solid wood with Greenguard Gold certification. Again, we wish we knew more about the finish.
The bottom line?
If you’re looking for a cost effective crib made of quality wood and non toxic ingredients, check out Nestig.
Final thoughts
We hope this guide helped you make your decision. If you have questions, or have one of these non toxic cribs or would like to leave a suggestion for other brands and models, we’d love to hear about it in the comments.
And if you know other new parents who would benefit from this advice, please share this post with them!
