Everything New Parents Should Know About Baby Cribs

Bringing your newborn home is such a special and happy time, but it also means you’ll have some important choices to make. One of the biggest challenges is selecting the right baby crib. After all, a crib is much more than just another piece of nursery furniture. As Amber Ginn, a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), explains, “A crib is a haven for your baby’s sleep and rest during those crucial early months and years.”

Cribs provide the gold standard for safe sleep because they meet strict safety regulations, offering a firm, flat surface, avoiding pillows, bumpers, or loose bedding, and ensuring plenty of space for your growing baby. “Choosing a crib is also a visible commitment to safety, and for many parents, it feels like a milestone—it’s a way of saying, ‘We’re ready,’” Ginn adds.

Although cribs prioritize safety, the wide variety of styles, safety standards, and features can make the decision feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about baby cribs to make confident choices and create a cozy, secure sleeping space for your little one.

Why cribs are more than just a bed

A crib is more than just a place for your baby to sleep in a bed; it’s a safe zone for rest and play.

Denise Iacona Stern, the founder and CEO of Let Mommy Sleep, a leading U.S. franchise providing overnight newborn and postpartum care and evidence-based education for new parents, explains, “Just about every parent has checked the baby monitor expecting to see a sleeping infant, only to find their baby scooting around or chatting with the animals on their mobile. The crib is a place where babies can confidently practice all their new skills!”

In addition to fostering development, cribs offer essential safety benefits, especially in homes with more than one child. “For example, if you have a baby and a potty-training toddler, you can quickly place the baby in the crib while helping the toddler,” Stern says.

Finally, cribs can give parents a much-needed break. Stern adds, “If your baby isn’t hungry or in need of medical attention, and you feel overwhelmed by crying, it’s okay to put your baby in the crib and step away until you’re calm.”

Types of baby cribs explained

Parents will likely encounter four main types of baby cribs. According to Dr. Ilan Shapiro, paediatrician and chief health correspondent at AltaMed Health Services in Los Angeles, these include traditional cribs, convertible cribs, mini cribs, and travel cribs.

“Each offers unique features to suit different spaces and needs,” Shapiro explains.

Traditional cribs

Traditional cribs are standard-sized beds designed for infants, providing a safe and dedicated space for your baby to sleep. As Shapiro explains, “They’re often chosen for their simplicity and durability, offering a stable sleep environment that fits seamlessly into any nursery.”

Most modern cribs now have fixed sides to meet current safety standards. Due to safety concerns, drop-side cribs are no longer allowed in the United States.

Shapiro adds, “These cribs usually feature slatted sides, which improve visibility and airflow, and they’re compatible with standard crib mattresses. Many models also offer adjustable mattress heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows and becomes more active.”

Convertible cribs

“These cribs offer excellent value over time,” he says. “They usually start as standard cribs, but can later be transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, and sometimes even a full-size bed. This makes them a great choice for parents looking for a long-term solution that adapts as their child gets older.”

Mini cribs

“Mini cribs are scaled-down versions of standard cribs,” Shapiro shares. “They still provide a safe and secure sleep environment, but their smaller size makes them perfect for tight spaces—like apartments, shared bedrooms, or temporary living situations.”

Travel cribs

Travel cribs are all about convenience and mobility. According to Shapiro, these cribs are lightweight, easy to fold, and often come with a carrying case.

They can even double as a play space. “Travel cribs are especially helpful for families who travel often or need a portable sleep option for short visits,” Shapiro adds.

Essential crib safety standards

As our understanding of baby sleep and safety has evolved, so have crib safety standards. According to Stern, “This is a result not only of the data around infant safety but also parent and consumer advocacy. These improvements also extend beyond the crib itself to include accessories like mattresses, blankets, and crib bumper pads, all of which play a crucial role in ensuring safety.”

Since the Safe to Sleep campaign began 30 years ago, experts have gained valuable insights into safe infant sleep practices. Stern emphasizes that the safest place for babies (newborn to one) is their crib, where they lie on their backs on a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet.

She advises against using crib bumpers, wedges or any sleep devices and stresses the importance of properly spaced crib slats to prevent entrapment. She continues, “Additionally, since 2011, all drop-side cribs have been banned from sale, and stricter regulations on toxic chemicals and crib durability have been implemented.”

Creating a safe sleep environment involves more than just the crib itself. Danika Frandsen, BSN, RNC-NIC, NTMNC, a registered nurse and founder of Baby Steps Concierge Nursing, explains: “Studies have shown that babies are at a higher risk of suffocation and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) when they sleep in unsafe environments.”

Frandsen also stresses the importance of crib placement, advising parents to keep the crib away from drafts such as open windows or air vents, and to ensure nothing within the baby’s reach—like cords, lamps, or toys—can pose a hazard. She adds, “The crib should be on a flat surface, and all screws and brackets must be tightly secured to prevent any pieces from coming loose and posing a choking hazard. Also, check that nothing can fall into the crib and onto your baby.”

Additional safety tips

Because your baby’s safety is essential, always check for recalls on any crib you are considering. Thayer recommends consulting the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for up-to-date recall information. “You can also find guidance on safe sleep practices at the American Academy of Pediatrics website,” she adds.

Fransden especially cautions parents when considering second-hand cribs, noting that even cribs just a few years old may no longer meet current safety standards.

“Additionally, the history of a used crib is often unknown, and hidden damage may pose risks,” she explains. “Infants can become trapped between the mattress and the crib if the mattress doesn’t fit snugly. Gaps caused by missing, loose, or broken hardware or slats can trap a baby’s head and neck, leading to strangulation. Babies can also choke on loose screws or other small pieces of hardware that fall into the crib.”

Choosing the right crib for your family and space

When shopping for a mattress, here are some key things that Frandsen says parents should look for:

• Firm, tight-fitting mattress: Make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib with no gaps.

• Safe crib construction: Check that the crib or mattress support has no missing, loose, broken, or improperly installed screws, brackets, or other hardware.

• Proper slat spacing: The distance between crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can) so a baby’s body cannot fit through.

• Intact slats: Ensure there are no missing or cracked slats.

• Low corner posts: Corner posts should be no higher than 1/16th of an inch to prevent a baby’s clothing from catching.

• No headboard or footboard cutouts: Avoid cribs with cutouts that could trap a baby’s head.

Other important crib features to look for

Heidi Holvoet, PhD, a baby and toddler sleep consultant, recommends looking for practical crib features that make life easier for you and your baby. Adjustable mattress height can be especially helpful.

“An adjustable mattress height is one of the most practical features,” Holvoet explains. “You can keep the mattress higher when your baby is small, which makes it easier on your back and more convenient for settling them to sleep. As your baby grows and becomes more mobile, you can lower the mattress to reduce the risk of them climbing out.”

Holvoet also suggests considering how easy the crib is to assemble. She notes, “Ease of assembly might not matter much if the crib will stay in one place, but it becomes important if you’ll need to take it apart frequently, like for travel or visits to grandparents. In those cases, a foldable travel crib or a compact mini crib can be a great choice for portability and quick setup.” She adds that lockable caster wheels are another helpful feature, making it easy to move the crib around when needed.

How long do babies sleep in cribs?

Ginn explains that most babies start using a crib around four to six months old, once they’ve outgrown their bassinet or bedside sleeper, and usually stay there until about 18 to 24 months.

“Some kids might use a crib for longer,” she says, “But these days, many families switch earlier, especially if their little one is moving around a lot, starting to climb, or if they’re using a floor bed instead. The important thing is that crib use is flexible. It should depend on your child’s safety and sleep habits, not just their age.”

When to Move Baby to Crib in Own Room

Ginn says the typical age range for crib use is six months to two years. However, some babies transition sooner, especially if they’re climbers.

“Some signs that it’s time to consider transitions to a toddler bed include baby starts climbing out of the crib (or attempting to), they hit about 35 inches tall (the AAP’s recommended max height for crib safety), bedtime becomes a fight and they seem frustrated in the crib, and you’re ready to support more independence with a toddler bed or floor bed,” explains Ginn.

However, Ginn says it’s important for parents to remember that a child’s readiness is more important than their age alone when deciding to transition from a crib. “One 15-month-old might be scaling the crib rails, while another is happily sleeping in it at two,” she says.

“Age doesn’t tell you whether a child is emotionally or physically ready—it’s about safety, sleep quality, and whether the crib is still meeting their needs. Following your child’s cues (not just their age) almost always leads to a smoother transition and better sleep overall.”

Tips on how to move baby to their own room

Create the perfect sleep environment

Sarah Bowmar, a certified prenatal and postpartum trainer, says parents can make moving their baby to a separate room easier by creating the ideal sleep environment.

“Make sure the room conditions are consistent every time your baby sleeps there,” Bowmar explains. “Keep the room dark, use a sound machine, and try to match the environment to their usual bedtime routine. Also, ensure the crib or bed is free of soft objects like blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals, as these can pose safety risks.”

Help encourage familiarity

Another way to help your little one feel comfortable in their new room is to make the space familiar and inviting.

“Let your child spend time in their crib or bed while they’re awake and getting used to the new environment,” Bowmar suggests. “For example, while you’re putting away laundry, let your child have some quiet playtime in their room. This way, they can get used to spending time there and start to feel at home.”

Manage sleep disruptions

As your baby adjusts to their new sleep space, Ginn notes that it's normal to expect a bit of regression. Make sure to respond consistently.

“Some babies do great from the very first night, while others need a bit more reassurance,” she explains. “You don’t have to sleep train unless you want to. Often, just offering extra check-ins or a gradual transition can help your baby settle in.”

Creating a safe and comfortable sleep space

Deana Thayer, an infant sleep consultant and parent coach, emphasizes that choosing the right crib is essential for your baby’s safety.

She recommends selecting a crib certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), as this reduces the risk of SIDS and other hazards like entrapment or suffocation. Knowing your baby is safe lets parents relax and focus on caring for their little one instead of worrying about sleep safety,” she explains.

No matter which crib you pick, Thayer reminds parents to always follow the ABCs of safe sleep: A-your baby should sleep Alone; B-always on their Back; and C-in a Crib that meets all current safety standards.

Experts

• Deana Thayer, M.Ed., is an infant sleep consultant and parent coach.
• Dr. Ilan Shapiro is a paediatrician and chief health correspondent at AltaMed Health Services in Los Angeles, CA.
• Amber Ginn is a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).
• Denise Iacona Stern is the founder and CEO of Let Mommy Sleep, a leading U.S. franchise that provides overnight newborn and postpartum care and evidence-based education for new parents.
• Sarah Bowmar is a certified prenatal and postpartum trainer.
• Danika Frandsen, BSN, RNC-NIC, NTMNC, is a registered nurse and founder of Baby Steps Concierge Nursing.
• Heidi Holvoet, PhD, is a baby and toddler sleep consultant.