How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you 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 the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been tested and certified 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 an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the price. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.