How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

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

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations 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 sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider 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 have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and isn't as durable as our other choices.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe Baby Cot Bed, 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 aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this cheap cot bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds for sale.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. 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 can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler Cot Bed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for 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 chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and 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 more womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple 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 be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally 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 beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.