How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot bed cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. 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 have been used by children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, cheap Cots aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also 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 other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, 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 include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation 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 in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your cheap baby cots. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

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

Another option that is a great choice 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 soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.