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How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects 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. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. 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 reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase 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 alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified 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 there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the cost. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in 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 safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then 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 with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to comfort 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 toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.