6 Cribs I Love: SAFE, SUSTAINABLE & CHIC

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a mom, it’s that choosing a crib is a big deal. It’s where so many firsts happen—cozy naps, sleepy snuggles, and those early morning stretches that make you wish time would slow down.

Finding the perfect crib is more than just a practical decision—it’s the heart of your nursery, setting the tone for the space where you’ll create cherished memories. This little bed is where your baby will snooze, stretch, and probably gnaw on the railing at some point, so choosing something safe, non-toxic, stylish, and built to last is key. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy, serene nursery or going all in on playful colors, the crib sets the tone for the entire space.

With so many options on the market, finding a truly 100% non-toxic crib is rare. However, this list rounds up some of the best choices available, featuring cribs that prioritize safer materials in meaningful ways. Kalon Studios and Green Cradle stand out as a couple of the only brands producing cribs made from 100% solid wood with non-toxic finishes, but many others are taking steps to reduce toxins by using solid wood for visible parts, while incorporating plywood or MDF in hidden components like mattress supports. Transparency matters, and I want to make sure parents know exactly what they’re getting when creating a healthy nursery.

So let’s talk about my top crib picks—beautiful designs that check all, or most of the boxes without compromising on safety, sustainability, or longevity. Whether you’re prioritizing eco-friendly materials, convertible features, or timeless aesthetics, these are the best picks to create a nursery that’s as healthy as it is stylish.

1. KALON STUDIOS CARAVAN Crib

  • Materials: Made from solid wood (Ash, White Oak or Black Walnut). Organic plant-based oil/wax finishes

  • Convertible: Yes—converts to a toddler bed with a conversion kit

  • Price: 1,295 - $1,495

  • Lead Time: Typically ships within 6-8 weeks

Why It Stands Out:

Impeccably crafted from time-tested and 100% natural materials, each piece is thoughtfully designed with a commitment to sustainability.Meets all US, Australian and European safety standardsNo toxins/No off-gassing. EDC free (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals).

Potential Considerations:

  • Higher price point due to premium materials and craftsmanship

  • Longer lead time

  • Toddler bed conversion kit sold separately

  • Limited finish options compared to other brands

2. Green Cradle CHILDSPOSE SLAT Crib

  • Materials: 100% solid wood, all natural zero-VOC finishes

  • Convertible: A toddler rail can be purchased

  • Price: $1,645 - $2,795

  • Lead Time: Custom-made, ships in 8-10 weeks

Why It Stands Out:

Zero toxins—no MDF, plywood, or formaldehydeHandcrafted from 100% solid hardwoodMade in USA Exceptional durability—built to last for generations. Petroleum free and formaldehyde free oil finish

Potential Considerations:

  • Higher price point due to premium materials and craftsmanship

  • Longer lead time since each crib is custom-made

  • Toddler conversion rail not included

 

Urbanology Designs for Hoàng-Kim (shown above in the mini crib, which converts to a full crib and toddler bed).

 

3. Nestig Wave Crib

  • Materials: The frame is made from sustainably-harvested solid Brazilian pine, and the mattress support is made of eco-engineered wood. The natural wood finish has a non-toxic clear coating finish, and the white finish is painted with a non-toxic, voc-free paint.

  • Eco-Friendly: Sustainably harvested Brazilian pine. All wood used on the cribs comes from reforested areas in Brazil, working with wood suppliers that are FSC certified, which adds an additional assurance that the wood came from a responsible source with minimal impact to the environment. There is also no fire retardant used on the crib. No inventory, low waste: They produce only what’s ordered and ship directly to you.

  • Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold Certified, JPMA, CPSC, ASTM

  • Convertible: Transforms from a mini crib to a full-size crib and toddler bed

  • Price: $749

  • Lead Time: Typically ships within 4-6 weeks

WHY IT STANDS OUT:

✅ Versatile 3-in-1 design ✅ Sustainably sourced materials ✅ Compact option for small spaces ✅ Comes with wheels to easily move around ✅ Conversion kit to full crib and toddler rail included

POTENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

  • Not 100% solid wood. The mattress support frame is made of eco-engineered Brazilian pine.


Martyn Lawrence Bullard

4. Babyletto Hudson Crib

  • Materials: The frame and spindles are made with sustainably sourced solid New Zealand pine wood, coming from well-managed, FSC®-certified forests

  • Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold Certified, JPMA, ASTM

  • Convertible: Converts to a toddler bed and daybed. From newborn up to 4 years old

  • Price: $499 - $599

  • Lead Time: Ships within 1-2 weeks

WHY IT STANDS OUT:

✅ Modern, stylish design ✅ Hidden hardware eliminates visible screws ✅ GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low chemical emissions ✅ Affordable compared to other eco-friendly cribs ✅ Toddler conversion kit included ✅ You can have this crib in hand pretty quickly

POTENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

  • Uses engineered wood (MDF) for the mattress support board. (*Babyletto states that all MDF found in their products is from CARB certified manufacturers and is indeed safe.)

 

5. Crate & Kids Hampshire Crib

  • Materials: Crafted from solid pine and solid poplar with metal mattress support

  • Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold Certified, FSC Certified–sustainably sourced wood

  • Convertible: Converts to a toddler bed

  • Price: $799

  • Lead Time: 2-4 weeks

WHY IT STANDS OUT:

✅ GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low chemical emissions ✅ Classic, timeless design ✅ Sturdy construction

POTENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

  • Toddler bed conversion kit sold separately

  • Rail covertings are recommended as many parents have expressed concerns with the paint chipping as toddlers chew on the rail

 
 

6. NURTURE& MILAN 3-IN-1 CRIB

  • Materials: Made with premium, sustainably sourced materials– The Crib White: Poplar & MDF The Crib Natural: Poplar & Oak Veneer MDF. There is also no fire retardant used on the crib.

  • Certifications: – JPMA, ASTM

  • Convertible: – Transitions from bassinet to crib, to toddler bed, extending its usability for up to 6 years.

  • Price: – $799

  • Lead Time: 3-4 weeks

WHY IT STANDS OUT:

✅ GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low chemical emissions ✅ Multiple finish options ✅ Conversion kit included ✅ Sealed without fire retardants

Potential Considerations

  • Not 100% solid wood as MDF and veneers are used

These cribs offer a range of options—from ultra-premium solid wood designs to more accessible, eco-conscious choices from Crate & Kids and Babyletto. Whether you prioritize heirloom-quality craftsmanship or certifications like GREENGUARD, each of these selections ensures safety, sustainability, and longevity.

Which crib speaks to you? Reach out if you'd like to discuss your design project with me.


- StephaniE