How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your Baby Crib.

The slats on your crib should be 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 secure. Check the slats and 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 may be at risk. Don't buy or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. 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 higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, great crib though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure 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 features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it and was still 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 features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has many options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler Cot Bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure 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 look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies 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 option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.