How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be 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 comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use 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 wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and Best Rated cribs requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

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

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can 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 has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

Our top choice 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 then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.