How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for 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. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. 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

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.