How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

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

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal 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 as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby cots on sale, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, Best Infant Cribs one user said that her child did well sleeping in it, crib sets and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.