How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could be compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and isn't as durable as our other options.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the price. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

cots offers that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.