How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're 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 reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose 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 secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A 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 an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.