17 Best Wooden Cribs for Your Baby (Natural & Solid Wood)

Learn about wood types, and find inspiration in this guide on the best wooden cribs. Get helpful tips for choosing among this natural and solid wood cribs list.

When my babies were on the way, I spent countless hours, just like you, flipping through Pinterest and admiring those dreamy nursery rooms. I have a soft spot for nursery decor. I’d love to share these charming baby cribs made of wood that caught my eye.

I remember how it felt to be a new parent. Oh, the choices we have to make! But don’t worry. This article will be your friendly guide through this exciting journey.

A solid wood crib is the best type of crib you could get for your baby. Besides the beautiful natural look of wood, these wooden cribs are built to last.

This article will cover the following:

• Best Wooden Baby Cribs You Could Buy
• More Wooden Baby Cribs Inspirations
• Understanding the Benefits of Wooden Baby Cribs
• Different Types of Wood Used in Baby Cribs
• Essential Safety Standards for Wooden Baby Cribs
• Selecting the Perfect Wooden Crib for Your Baby
• Conclusion

Let’s dive into this world of comfort and cuteness, shall we?

Uncertain about which mattress to get? Take a look at this list of the best crib mattresses. I have put lots of hours into this guide, for you to find the ideal mattress for your baby!

The Best Wooden Baby Cribs You Could Buy

The perfect crib should be safe, comfy, and, let’s admit it, pretty darn cute. Here are the most swoon-worthy wooden cribs that I, and countless parents, have fallen in love with. These cribs make you go, “Now that’s Pinterest-worthy!”

After we’ve feasted our eyes on these beauties, let’s stir our creative juices further with more crib inspirations!

More Natural and Solid Wood Crib Inspirations

Can you ever have enough crib inspiration? I don’t think so! From rustic to chic, these designs will make your heart flutter, and your camera click!

So, now that we’re bursting with ideas let’s get serious and understand why wooden cribs are the talk of the town.

Why Wooden Cribs Are a Parent’s Best Friend

Aside from the Pinterest-able aesthetics, wooden baby cribs pack some significant benefits that make them a worthy investment.

1. The Aesthetic Versatility of Wood: One of the many reasons I’m obsessed with wooden cribs is their ability to fit right in, no matter the nursery theme. From the sleek Scandi style to rustic farmhouse charm, the aesthetic versatility of wood is the best.
2. Durability and Longevity: Wooden cribs are popular because they are sturdy and durable, which makes them superb investments. Especially if you plan on using it for more than one baby.
3. The Eco-Friendly Advantage: Choosing a wooden crib is also a conscious step towards sustainability. Wood is a renewable resource; many wooden cribs are made from sustainably sourced timber. It’s like giving a high five to Mother Nature!
4. Non-Toxic: Wooden cribs don’t release harmful chemicals as some plastic counterparts can. The very thought of my baby inhaling anything dangerous was a big no-no. With wooden cribs, you don’t have to worry about that.

Speaking of wise decisions, in the next section, we’ll explore the various types of wood used in cribs. Because, as we know, all woods are not created equal!

Different Types of Wood Used in Baby Cribs

The artisan must decide which wood to use when making a wooden piece of furniture. The choice of timber greatly depends on the desired style and budget. The more unique and durable a type of wood is, the more expensive it will be for the end customer.

What Kind of Wood is Used for Cribs?

There is no unique kind of wood used for cribs. Like any other type of wooden furniture, you can find cribs made of oak, pine, chestnut, birch, walnut, cherry, maple, pine, and bamboo. However, the type of wood influences the style and price of the crib.

As you can see, the following kind of wood has different colors and grains.

Exploring the Richness of Solid Woods Essences

If cribs were castles, hardwoods would be the kings and queens. They’re the go-to choice for their sturdiness.

	Cherry: Cherry wood is a trendy wood to make quality furniture. This tree can be founded in the eastern United States and is very common with antique American furniture. The cherry red color of the wood is beautiful and ages very well.
	Maple: In general, maple trees can be found in the Great Lakes region, between the north of the United States and the south of Canada. This solid wood is among the hardest types of wood, ideal for making long-lasting furniture. Colors from the Maple wood range from blonde to red-brown.
	Chestnut: The chestnut trees produce one of the best wood in durability. Even fallen trees can be harvested to make furniture. Unfortunately, in the early 1900s, the chestnut trees from America suffered from blight and are now decimated. That fungus was accidentally imported from the other side of the world. However, other countries still produce chestnut wood, and crib manufacturers appreciate its medium-brown-reddish colors.
	Birch: Birch is another tree from North America that produces the perfect solid wood for furniture. The whitewash appearance of the wood is widespread in modern furniture design, especially if you look at Scandinavian room decor. Besides its yellow cream to light natural brown color, birch is extremely solid. That’s why Hughes Aircraft Company, Howard Hughes, used birch wood to make the famous H-4 Hercules aircraft (Spruce Goose). Because of wartime restrictions, they used birch wood instead of aluminum to make a giant airplane.
	Walnut: Another wood used to build airplanes during WW1 is walnut. The hardwood from the walnut tree is remarkably durable and can stay in good shape for ages. Besides the sturdiness of walnut, the darkish brown tones of this wood are another great feature.
	Oak: Oak is remarkably dense, which makes it also extremely durable. Besides the long-lasting characteristics of oakwood, this type of wood is perfect for designing furniture with different finishes. On a wavy grain, the natural oak colors are mostly red. Many American antique furniture is made from oak because this tree comes from the United States. Created in 1880 for President Hayes, the current oval office desk is built of oak. Therefore, your oak crib could last centuries if you care for it.
	Bamboo: Technically, bamboo is not hardwood like the other types from this list. Bamboo is from the grass family and can grow 10x faster than hardwood trees. However, bamboo is the best eco-friendly option for creating durable furniture. Also, the natural light tone of bamboo is beloved in modern design.

The Warmth of Softwoods Natural White Color

Let’s now talk about the other end of the spectrum: softwoods. Don’t let the name fool you. Softwoods like pine and cedar are no less when it comes to durability.

Pine: Pine trees can mostly be found in the Northern Hemisphere, in countries such as the United States, Canada, United-Kindom, Romania, Lithuania, etc. Pinewood is lightweight and low-priced, making it a trendy wood to build furniture. It’s the perfect wood to create a rustic or farmhouse-style crib because of its visible knots and yellowish tones.

But pine is a soft type of wood and can indent easily.

Is Pine Wood Good for Cribs?

Cribs can be made from all types of wood, but pine combines features that make it perfect for making furniture, such as a baby crib.

First, pine is lightweight, so the shipping cost is lower than any other wood type. Also, pine trees are widespread around the globe. They grow 1-2 feet per year, making them inexpensive compared to different kinds of wood. Finally, pine can easily be painted to create colorful pieces of furniture.

The only downside of pine wood is the softness of the wood, which can indent easily. Therefore, a crib made of pine will be less durable than others made from solid wood.

What About Composite Woods and Veneers?

Now, let’s say you love the look of wood but are working on a budget. Enter composite woods and veneers.

Composite woods, like MDF or particle board, are engineered from wood fibers. They’re the friend who’s always there when you need them. Veneers, on the other hand, are thin slices of wood glued onto cheaper materials. It’s like getting a designer look without the designer price tag!

Whether you choose a royal hardwood, a comforting softwood, or an economical composite or veneer, remember it’s about finding the perfect fit for your nursery and budget.

Now that we’re experts on woods let’s move on to the most crucial factor while picking a crib: safety. After all, nothing is more important than our baby’s well-being.

Now, before we get lost in the beauty of these woods, remember safety is paramount!

Essential Safety Standards for Wooden Baby Cribs

A crib made from wood is also an eco-friendly choice, creating a non-toxic environment for your baby. Therefore, you must recognize the “real” wood and see through the marketing claims. Because some “wooden” cribs are made with medium-density fibreboard (MDF) or particleboard and contain glue, veneer, and other harmful chemicals.

Are All Solid Wood Cribs Non-Toxic?

Cribs made with solid wood are the safest option when looking for non-toxic furniture for your nursery. Still, it’s not all wooden cribs that are non-toxic. You must be careful when selecting a wooden crib. The label “non-toxic” could be used by any manufacturer, no matter what the crib is made of.

Look for Cribs Made in the USA

First, I would recommend you choose a crib manufactured outside of Asia. Because on too many occasions, those cribs contained dangerous chemicals such as lead paint. Look for a crib made in America (USA, Canada) or Europe.

Many wooden cribs made abroad are excellent, but the safety standards are just not the same as in the US. For example, in 2015, the CPSC recalled cribs from a well-known brand manufactured in Chile because they contained lead paint. On the other hand, finding a crib made in the USA is not that easy since most manufactured goods are produced outside the good ol’ USA. Don’t worry. When I created this list of wooden cribs, I highlighted the one made in the USA.

Additionally, you might think that wood, compared to plastic, should be toxins-free. Still, it’s important not to trust the manufacturer blindly. Look for cribs that third-party agencies have tested. You’ll find different certifications, such as the CPSC, ASTM, APP, and Greengard.

Since the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) are mainly testing the structural safety of the crib. These labels do not guarantee against toxic chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or lead paint. Therefore, the best indicator to find a non-toxic crib is the Greenguard certification.

What Cribs Are Greenguard Certified?

The Greenguard label is issued to non-toxic nursery furniture tested for more than 10,000 chemicals and 360 VOCs.

These toxic chemicals evaporate in the bedroom during the “off-gassing” process. You probably notice the smell of new furniture? Exposure to such VOC levels can cause minor irritation and worsen health conditions like asthma.

The state-of-the-art laboratory of Greenguard helps manufacturers produce toxin-free furniture to improve the air quality in your home. After being tested, the product can receive the Greenguard Certification or the Greenguard Gold standard (a stricter series of tests especially made for children’s products).

If your baby has a particular health condition, I recommend buying a Greenguard Gold-certified crib. Even if this means the crib is made of MDF, the Greenguard Gold certification is the safest “wooden” crib option.

Now, let’s find that perfect crib for your little sunshine!

Selecting the Perfect Wooden Crib for Your Baby

Depending on the period, designers used it to create different furniture styles. From Rococo to Mid-century modern, wooden furniture has been around since the beginning of time. The designer chooses a specific kind of wood for its color and grain to create a particular style.

Today, here are the 3 most popular styles for wooden cribs.

3 Most Popular Styles for Wooden Cribs

	Farmhouse: The style has a warm and welcoming feeling you usually find in classic farmhouses. The cozy appearance is achieved by combining natural wood with visible hardware. Maple and pine are excellent wood essence to create that country’s living-inspired style.
	Barnwood: Barnwood is a type of wood reclaimed from old barns. In recent years, many barn owners have decided to disassemble their old wooden farm buildings. And some designers saw an opportunity to create unique pieces of furniture from that aged wood. Barnwood is mostly grey and has a deep textured grain. Also, the original barn wood has marks and indents from his previous life. It’s not uncommon to have old nails or horseshoe marks on barn wood.
	Rustic: Really similar to the farmhouse style, rustic furniture embraces the wood’s natural character. However, rustic furniture has a simple design. The natural aspect of the wood stands out more than the lines and shapes. It is an unpretentious style with a warm and organic look.

The Most Popular Colors for Wooden Cribs

When it comes to wood colors, you’ll find a wide range of earth tones colors. Wood can also be yellow, orange, and red, mainly in the brown spectrum. The natural wood color and whitewash finish are the most popular in the crib department today.

	Natural wood: Sure, every type of wood has its natural colors. However, the light brown (almost yellow) tones are mostly associated with natural wood. Light-colored wood, such as pine or maple, is widely used to make nursery furniture.
	Whitewash: Whitewash is a type of finish created by applying a thin coat of white paint over the natural wood color. Like watercolor, the paint is diluted and does not hide the wood’s natural grain.

Conclusion: Making Dreams Come True

When I make a significant purchase, like furniture, I always look for something durable and with a timeless design. I am OK with spending a bit more to get a quality product that will last long.

Furniture made from solid wood is always a good investment, especially for kid’s furniture. When your child has outgrown his crib, you can keep it for another baby or resell it to another family.

Buying a solid wood crib is an investment your family will enjoy for many years.