Your baby’s crib should be the safest place in your home — a peaceful spot for rest, growth, and development. But here’s the reality: most cribs on the market today are made with toxic glues, synthetic finishes, and questionable materials that can off-gas harmful chemicals right into your baby’s sleep space.
At Simple Steps Market, we only offer cribs that meet the highest non-toxic standards — because your baby’s health, sleep, and long-term development depend on it.
Here’s our crib checklist — and why each standard is non-negotiable.
✅ Real, Solid Wood (No Particleboard or MDF)
Why it matters:
Many cribs are made with MDF or particleboard, which contain synthetic adhesives and are prone to off-gassing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. We only carry cribs made from real, solid wood — like maple, oak, or beech — that are durable, natural, and safe.
✅ Glue-Free or Naturally Assembled
Why it matters:
Conventional cribs often use toxic glues that release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air, especially in warm environments. We prioritize cribs that are mechanically assembled (screws, bolts, or natural joinery) to eliminate harmful adhesives completely.
✅ Formaldehyde-Free
Why it matters:
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can be found in glues, finishes, and composite woods. Even “low-formaldehyde” cribs can still off-gas this chemical. We require our cribs to be 100% formaldehyde-free — so you can breathe easy (literally).
✅ Low-VOC or VOC-Free Paints & Finishes
Why it matters:
Standard crib paints and finishes often contain VOCs, which can contribute to asthma, allergies, hormone disruption, and long-term health risks. We only allow low-VOC or VOC-free finishes that are water-based, food-grade, and safe for babies who love to chew and explore.
✅ GREENGUARD Gold Certified
Why it matters:
This certification is one of the most trusted in the non-toxic world. It means the crib has been independently tested for over 10,000 chemical emissions and meets strict standards for indoor air quality — making it safer for babies, especially those with allergies or sensitivities.
❌ Not Made in Asia (Due to Lead Contamination Risks)
Why we avoid it:
Studies have shown that lead contamination is more common in furniture manufactured in certain parts of Asia, due to poor quality control and the continued use of lead-based paints and finishes. At Simple Steps, we only carry cribs made in the USA, Canada, or Europe, where stricter regulations are in place and quality is more transparent.
✅ Non-Toxic Teething Rails or Finishes
Why it matters:
Let’s be honest — babies chew on everything. That’s why we look for cribs with natural wood rails or certified non-toxic finishes that are safe if (and when) your baby bites them.
Final Thoughts
Your baby spends 12–16 hours a day sleeping — and their developing brain and lungs are especially vulnerable to airborne chemicals. That’s why we created this strict crib standard — so you never have to question what your child is breathing in while they rest.
At Simple Steps Market, every crib we carry is:
✅ Made from real, solid wood
✅ Free from formaldehyde, glues, and high-VOC paints
✅ Certified non-toxic with GREENGUARD Gold (or better)
✅ Sourced from trusted manufacturers with clean, transparent practices
Simple ingredients. Simple materials. Safer sleep.
