How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

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

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep 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 loose or damaged components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other options.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is recommended for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. 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 are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to calm 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 of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.