The safest baby cribs are those purchased new, assembled in compliance with the assembly instructions, and properly inspected so there are no defects or missing parts. However, all this is not enough for your baby’s safety if you do not use the crib correctly and follow safe sleeping guidelines.

Crib’s Safety Standards

Regarding safety standards, the safest baby cribs are those manufactured after 2011, when the new safety standards were introduced. New standards are more strict and prohibit certain features that were previously in mass use! No matter where you buy your new crib, all cribs sold in stores must meet these standards.

A crib that complies with CPSC* requirements and ASTM** is certified as safe through third-party testing. That gives you assurance you are buying a crib that undergoes rigorous testing to meet all the safety standards. 

*CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) is an independent agency of the United States government. It seeks to promote the safety of consumer products by addressing “unreasonable risks” of injury, researching product-related illness and injury, and developing CPSC safety standards.

**ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is a standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.

However, meeting safety standards alone is not enough to guarantee the safety of your baby. The sturdiness and quality of the crib, as well as proper assembly, also play a role. And last but not least, following safe sleeping guidliness plays a crucial role in providing a safe sleeping environment for your baby.

While you will have to ensure that the crib is assembled and used correctly by yourself, we will help you find those that are well-made, solid, and durable.

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The Safest Baby Cribs in 2024

We have plenty of top-notch crib recommendations and baby gear on our site. Safety is our priority, so rest assured all the cribs and equipment we recommend meet the government’s safety rules.

But the best cribs in their categories not only meet these standards but go above and beyond them. We wouldn’t recommend anything that doesn’t make the safety cut!

In the table below, you’ll see the winners for different crib types. But if you want the complete lists of the best options in each category, I’ve also included links to them.

The safest full-size baby cribs in 2024:

CRIB	BEST	PRICE	OTHER SAFE OPTIONS
Babyletto Hudson	convertible crib	latest price	Best convertible cribs
Storkcraft Portofino	crib with changing table	latest price	Best combo cribs
Babyletto Maki	portable crib	latest price	Best portable cribs
Graco Hadley	crib with under crib drawer	latest price	Best cribs with under-crib storage

The safest mini cribs in 2024:

CRIB	BEST	PRICE	OTHER SAFE OPTIONS
Dream On Me Aden	mini convertible crib	latest price	Best mini cribs
Dream On Me Jayden	mini crib with changing table	latest price	Best mini combo cribs
Babyletto Origami	mini portable crib	latest price	Best mini portable crib

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NOTE: If you decide on a secondhand crib, those made after 2011 are also safe in the eyes of the law. However, you should inspect it even more thoroughly, as there may be missing parts, damages, loose screws and bolts, etc.

Recall List

If all cribs sold today meet all required safety standards, why are some recalled later?

In theory, whichever new crib you choose is safe and appropriate for your baby. And most of the time, they are! However, a potentially hazardous safety issue sometimes occurs after the crib is already in mass use. The manufacturer must immediately recall such crib, notify customers, and CPCS must put it on its recall list.

Key requirements in new baby crib safety standards

New rules apply to full-size and non-full-size cribs!

• Traditional drop-side cribs are prohibited because of numerous injuries and even tragic deaths. Such cribs are forbidden to sell! – Do not use an old drop-side crib because it is dangerous!
• Immobilizers and repair kits for drop-side cribs are also not allowed.
• The crib slats must be stronger to prevent breakage, and the hardware must have anti-loosening devices to keep it from coming loose or falling off.
• The CPSC has mandated more durable mattress support.
• More rigorous testing has been put in place to ensure safety.

You can read more about safety standards here: New Baby Crib Safety Standards

Other baby crib safety specifications

Safety of crib mattress:

To ensure the safest sleeping environment for your baby, you must purchase a firm crib mattress that fits tightly into your crib.
The measurements of full-size cribs and standard crib mattresses are regulated by the government. That’s why any new standard-size crib mattress fits into any new baby crib.

Mini cribs are a different story. Their measurements are not regulated by the government. A mini crib or non-full-size crib is any crib that is smaller than a standard crib.
However, in most cases, their inner dimensions are around 38″ (96,52cm) by 24″ (60,96cm), which is great because most mini crib mattresses correspond to those measurements.

A proper crib’s assembling and maintenance ensures its safety:

Make sure that you assemble the crib correctly. Take your time and follow the provided instructions. Make sure there are no missing parts, and the crib is in working order. Check the crib’s stability when you are done. Shake it, and if it wobbles, check if you assemble it correctly.

Check your crib regularly for missing hardware, loose screws, broken parts, or anything out of the ordinary. It is best to do it every time the sheet is changed.

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Safety precautions when using a crib

As I already said, just purchasing a new crib that meets all required safety standards and thinking your baby is safe, is not enough! There are safety measurements, which you should take into consideration to provide the safest sleeping environment for your baby.

• You should always place your baby in the crib on his or her back.
• Never put blankets, pillows, or sheepskins in a crib. Also, do not put plush toys and comforters in the crib with your baby. They can cause suffocation!
• It is better not to use sleep position devices, but if you do, use them carefully following the instructions.
• If you decide to use bumper pads, use breathable materials, which fit firmly around the crib. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warned against using them.
• The cord from a baby monitor should not be close to the crib, as the baby can strangle or choke.
• Keep the crib away from blinds and windows or anything else she can pull down. 
• Don’t smoke near your baby!
• Do not over cloth your baby while sleeping, as she can overheat.

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