How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants 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 tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.