How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

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

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is also a good idea to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. 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 any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it is durable and has many options to make up the price. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.