When it comes to your baby’s sleep, nothing matters more than a baby crib, a dedicated sleeping space designed for infants under one year old, built to meet strict safety regulations to prevent injury or suffocation. Also known as a cot, it’s not just furniture—it’s the foundation of safe sleep. Many parents assume any crib will do, but outdated designs, loose slats, or soft bedding can turn a nursery into a risk zone. The baby crib you choose needs to pass modern safety checks, not just look pretty.
Related to this are crib safety, the set of practices and standards that ensure a crib doesn’t pose choking, suffocation, or entrapment risks to infants, and infant sleep safety, the broader approach to reducing SIDS and other sleep-related risks through environment, positioning, and equipment choices. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re backed by pediatric guidelines from the AAP and CPSC. For example, the gap between crib slats must be under 2.375 inches to prevent head entrapment. No bumper pads. No pillows. No stuffed animals. Even a thick mattress can be dangerous if it doesn’t fit snugly. And yes, old cribs can be illegal if they don’t meet 2011 federal standards—something many secondhand buyers don’t realize.
Then there’s crib standards, the legally enforced rules in the U.S. and UK that dictate construction, materials, and testing requirements for infant cribs. These include mandatory drop-side bans, stronger hardware, and lead-free finishes. Brands may claim "organic" or "handmade," but without certification from CPSC or EN 716, those labels mean little. Your crib should come with a compliance label. If it doesn’t, walk away.
And let’s not forget nursery furniture, the entire set of items in a baby’s room—including cribs, dressers, nightstands, and changing tables—that must be stable, non-toxic, and free of hazards like sharp edges or tip-over risks. A crib might be perfect, but if your dresser isn’t anchored to the wall, it’s still a danger. Babies roll, reach, and pull up. Everything in the room needs to handle that.
What you’ll find below isn’t a list of the prettiest cribs. It’s a collection of real, practical guides written by parents and pediatric experts who’ve seen the mistakes—and the solutions. From how to test an old crib for legality, to why some "luxury" features actually make sleep less safe, to what to remove from the nursery before your baby even arrives—these posts cut through the noise. No fluff. No marketing. Just what you need to know to keep your little one safe while they sleep.
In America, a baby crib is a staple in nursery furniture, commonly referred to as just a 'crib.' This essential item comes in various styles and sizes, designed to provide safety and comfort to newborns and infants. Understanding the different options available can help parents make informed choices when setting up a nursery. From convertible cribs to portable designs, knowing what to look for can make the process easier and more enjoyable.