How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best rated cribs cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cot beds cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, Sale Cot and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.