How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

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

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child 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 information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.


The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. best rated cribs can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea to pick the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.