How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for Best Infant Cribs structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester stated that her cheap baby cots slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following 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 contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of cheap baby cots.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of 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.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.