Top 7 Safest Baby Cribs: Expert Reviews and Recommendations

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.


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:

CRIBBESTPRICEOTHER SAFE OPTIONS
Babyletto Hudson
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 convertible crib
convertible criblatest priceBest convertible cribs
Storkcraft Portofino
Best convertible crib with changing table: Stork Craft Portofino 4-in-1 Fixed-Side Convertible Crib Changer
crib with changing tablelatest price Best combo cribs
Babyletto Maki
Babyletto Maki full-size folding crib review
portable criblatest price Best portable cribs
Graco Hadley
Best Graco crib - Hadley convertible crib
crib with under crib drawerlatest price Best cribs with under-crib storage

The safest mini cribs in 2024:

CRIBBESTPRICEOTHER SAFE OPTIONS
Dream On Me Aden

mini convertible criblatest priceBest mini cribs
Dream On Me Jayden
mini crib with changing tablelatest priceBest mini combo cribs
Babyletto Origami
Babyletto Origami Mini Crib Review
mini portable criblatest priceBest mini portable crib

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.


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.

    9 thoughts on “Top 7 Safest Baby Cribs: Expert Reviews and Recommendations”

    1. Many thanks to you for sharing such an excellent article with us. I’m a first time mom so my ambition was a bit more looking for some cribs for my baby that would be very comfortable and strong and  the sleep system is very safe here.Then I purchased Dream On Me Jayden(  mini crib with changing table  )and it looks as good as it has .It has a drawer on the side where I keep the baby’s clothes and the necessary items and it is very strong. And to me it seems the safest baby cribs .

      I will be purchasing my favorite cribs from the safest full size baby cribs in the future and will share my new experience with you soon.

      1. Baby's Littke Place

        Safety should be our priority when buying the crib. I am glad you’ve decided on a reputable baby crib seller. All Dream On Me cribs went to rigorous testing to meet and exceed all applicable safety standards, so I am sure you’ve made the best choice!

        Regards, Baby’s Little Place

    2. I care so much about my baby and I want the best for her 🙂 and here I am in search of the safest baby crib for her.

      What I love more about this is that I did not only find the safest baby cribs for 2020 but I learnt so much on specifications I should for in safest baby cribs and the precautions I should take. This only makes life easier for me. Thanks so much Ines.

    3. Hey, I enjoy a lot while reading your article on safest baby cribs. While reading I know that the safest crib is one that has been purchased new, certified by the manufacturer as compliant with CPSC requirements through 3rd party testing and ASTM. We must follow SAFETY PRECAUTIONS While USING A Baby CRIB. Safety plays an important role while using baby Crib.

    4. Hi Ines, I really wanna commend you for sharing with us such a helpful guide in selecting the best baby cribs for babies.
      I could remember using some baby cribs in the past which I really blamed myself for buying them in the first place.
      There are lots of cautions that should be ensured while using a baby crib which some nursing mothers don’t always take into cognizance.

      1. Hi!

        Tnx Carol! The safety of our babies must come first! However, I am aware that moms also want a beautiful baby crib that fits with nursery furniture. That’s why I am glad that the safest baby cribs we have selected are also stylish and appealing.

        Regards, Ines

    5. Hi

      Thank you very much for writing this review of crib, as you often wonder what is the best and safest crib for them to use. You wonder if the young child could damage their fingers, or that the child will find it uncomfortable and not get a  good night sleep. I really appreciate all the time and effort you have use in explaining the benefits of each crib. I think it is not an easy decision to make, as you always have doubts, especially if it is the right size and if you are making the right investment. You talk about most cribs require self-assembly, which can be tricky, as I have put cots together in the past. The amount of frustration this can bring can be large, so which one do you recommend for those who struggle in DIY?

      Thanks

      Antonio.

      1. Baby's Little Place

        Hello Antonio!

        From my experiences, combo cribs are the hardest to assemble. That’s because these models have an attached changing table, which posses one or more drawers. Simply because they have more parts: more parts – more work.

        However, if you follow the provided instruction, there shouldn’t be any problems. But if you are not sure, and you are afraid that the safety of your baby crib is compromised, then it is better to contact the manufacturer directly.

        If you buy the crib on Amazon, you can try with Amazon Home Services, and their experienced workers will put it together.

        Regards, BLP

    Leave a Comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *