How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

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 stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state 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 also designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age 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 infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic, 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's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more 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 competition and isn't as durable as our other options.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable 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 very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

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 converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger 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 excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry 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 surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.