How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or Tots And Cots (51.15.222.43) ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby cot online. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

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