Let’s be clear: the crib you choose is a question of aesthetics, because of tighter regulations enacted in 2010. That’s when drop-side rail cribs were banned, so any new crib you buy today will conform to those safety standards. Plus, whatever crib you get, per the Consumer Product Safety Commission, will have wood slats that are much more solid than in older iterations. Crib hardware also has anti-loosening devices to keep it from getting loose or falling off. “A firm mattress should be the only thing in the crib. A baby can’t appreciate a fancy crib. The vast majority of people buy new cribs and they’re all kind of the same because they have to follow regulations,” concurs Dr. Sumit Bhargava, a pediatric pulmonary and sleep medicine doctor at Stanford Children’s Health.
Now, you can go the Kanye West route and spring for an egregiously clear crib, like this one. Or, you can save your pennies and pick something that’s safe, easy to assemble, and easy on the eyes, with an adjustable mattress that you can lower as your baby grows up and can stand up in the crib. Every product on Fatherly is independently selected by our editors, writers, and experts. If you click a link on our site and buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
