How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the 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 the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler infant cot bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

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

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant cot bed to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself tots and cots doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant cot bed bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white 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 far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.