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 best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning 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. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.


A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. For Baby Crib , opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up 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 for the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.