How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights 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 baby's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can 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 from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a 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 isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape 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 contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with 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 crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.