How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning 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, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get 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 adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. 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 has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top choice 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 then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.