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How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to 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 be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. 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 and/or pets, since their safety could be compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other options.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve 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 makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including 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 for a long time.