Best Infant Cribs: 11 Thing You're Forgetting To Do How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.

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

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.


A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. best crib for newborn comes with most good 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 recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

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 a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white 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 government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.