What to Know About Wooden Cribs (Before You Buy)

Some families choose wooden cribs because they like the style. Others prefer the peace of mind that comes from knowing their baby’s bed meets crib safety standards while avoiding all the toxic glues and chemicals that go into the construction of most baby beds. 

But no matter your reasoning for seeking out a wood crib, this type of baby bed is a stylish and sustainable alternative to many modern models. 

Here’s what you should know before choosing a wooden crib design for your little one. 

First Things First: Are Wood Cribs for Babies Safe? 

Like most things, it depends. 

When you buy a new crib or baby bed that has been lovingly crafted with solid, natural, and sustainably sourced wood (like the babybay bedside sleeper, which is made of 100% ethically-sourced beechwood), you can be confident that you’re getting a superior product than your everyday crib—and a safer, natural option for your little one. 

But not all cribs, bedside co sleepers, or baby beds are created equal.

Some crib manufacturers will use natural wood, but then cover it in the kind of toxic glues, sealers, and paints that come with toxic fumes. And though these cribs might look all-natural from the outside, they can still be less than supportive for your little one. 

That’s why it’s important to research the ethics and attitude of any crib or bedside sleeper manufacturer before you buy, and choose a manufacturer that takes your baby’s safety seriously. 

How About If It’s a Wood Crib Antique? Is That Still Safe? 

A wood crib antique may offer everything you’re looking for in terms of design, but that doesn’t mean it’s your safest option. 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the U.S. agency responsible for determining which consumer products (including cribs!) are safe for consumer use. 

The CPSC lists antique cribs as one of their “Most Wanted” dangerous products, since many were designed and sold before there were universal safety standards that protected your baby through the night. 

Though antique cribs might be made of the most beautiful, hard-to-resist wood out there, they could be built with crib wooden slats that are too far apart to properly keep your little one safe and in place while they sleep. 

They could also have been manufactured with lead, or feature a drop-side design that was banned in the United States in 2010 after multiple safety concerns arose. 

Which is to say—though style is important when it comes to a baby crib, so is design. And when it comes to design, looking for a baby crib that prioritizes modern safety standards is key. 

Can I Find a Natural Wood Crib That Is Also Mobile? 

It can be easy to assume that a natural wood crib or co sleeper like the babybay means you’re limited when it comes to easily-convertible convenience. But cribs made of natural woods can be just as convenient as cribs made of plastic, mesh, or other common (but less sustainable and natural) materials for modern cribs. 

Though it might be hard to find a crib or co sleeper that comes in the exact natural wood style you want while also providing the ease that comes from a mobile conversion kit, it’s not impossible. 

A convertible baby crib or co sleeper like the babybay can be transformed into a mobile, rolling baby bassinet with the help of a conversion kit.

When your conversion kit is set up and in place, you can enjoy all the benefits of a natural wood crib that stays close to your bedside, while also giving you the freedom to move your perfectly-styled and all-natural crib or co sleeper through the house and into different rooms. 

Which means you can have the best of both words—all the style of the natural, all-wood crib you want, with the convenience of a mobile baby bassinet. 

So What’s the Best Wooden Crib Out There? 

The best wooden crib or co sleeper will offer the right balance of style and safety, while giving you the freedom to transform your baby’s bed into a rollable, moveable, baby bassinet. 

For parents who have explored the many benefits of co sleeping and decided that it’s right for them, the babybay co sleeper offers a safe sleeping solution that is stylishly made with all natural, 100% ethically-sourced beechwood and safely made to protect and cradle your little one through the night. 

So that you can enjoy the all-natural beauty that wooden cribs bring to the room, while still knowing that your baby is co sleeping safely and sweetly.