How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

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

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. 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 as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. 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 more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs beds, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of baby cots online.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

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

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great crib 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. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.