How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become trapped 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 harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on 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 appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

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

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.