How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

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

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on 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. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of 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. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice 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 durable as our other choices.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it 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 style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. Pick a best crib for newborn that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another option that is a great crib choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and Best Cot For Newborn it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing 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.