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How to choose a safe crib (2026): standards, used cribs and setup

Short answer: buy a crib that meets the 2011 federal crib standard (any new crib sold in the US must), with fixed sides, slats no more than 2⅜ inches apart, no cutouts or tall corner posts, all its hardware and instructions, and no recall. Avoid drop-side, antique and pre-2011 cribs.

By PickedBaby Editorial TeamLast updated

Recalls checked November 10, 2026 on CPSC. We searched CPSC recalls with “crib” in the title announced since November 1, 2025. They were crib mattresses and banned crib bumpers, not crib frames. Older crib recalls remain on CPSC.gov, so search your model number. Our recall-check policy.

How this page was made: this is a research-based guide built from official safety guidance (AAP/HealthyChildren.org, CPSC, NHTSA, FDA), federal safety standards and recall records, linked at the bottom of the page. We haven’t tested these products ourselves, and we don’t give scores. Our methodology.

Not medical advice. This page explains product safety guidance. For questions about your child’s health, feeding or development, ask your pediatrician.

Quick answer

Short answer: buy a crib that meets the 2011 federal crib standard (any new crib sold in the US must), with fixed sides, slats no more than 2⅜ inches apart, no cutouts or tall corner posts, all its hardware and instructions, and no recall.

Last updated Recalls checked 2026-11-10

Cribs have had one of the strictest federal standards in the nursery since June 28, 2011, when CPSC’s[9][10] rules banned drop-side cribs and required stronger slats, mattress supports and hardware. The rules cover used cribs sold or resold too. Here is what to check, especially if your crib is a hand-me-down.

What does the federal crib standard cover?

Full-size cribs must meet 16 CFR part 1219 and smaller (non-full-size and mini) cribs 16 CFR part 1220. The full-size rule applies to the manufacture, sale and resale of new and used cribs from June 28, 2011, and to child care centers and hotels from December 28, 2012. The AAP[1][2][3] says the 2011 rules banned drop-side cribs and required stronger slats and mattress supports, better hardware and more rigorous testing. A full-size crib has an interior of about 28 × 52⅜ inches.

Crib checklist (AAP; 16 CFR 1219; checked November 10, 2026)
CheckWhy
Made on or after June 28, 2011 (date label)Built to the current federal standard
Four fixed sides, no drop railDrop-sides were banned; the AAP says they are not safe
Slats no more than 2⅜ in. apartSo a baby’s head can’t get caught (AAP)
No cutouts; corner posts no taller than 1/16 in.Body parts or clothing can catch (AAP)
Sides at least 26 in. above the mattress support at its lowestMakes climbing out harder (AAP)
All hardware tight, nothing broken, instructions presentThe AAP says not to use a crib that’s missing hardware, broken or has no instructions
No recall for the modelSearch CPSC[9][10].gov or SaferProducts.gov

Is a used or antique crib safe?

The AAP[1][2][3] says antique cribs rarely meet the 2⅜-inch slat rule and may have old lead-based paint, and that older cribs don’t meet current US standards. If a used crib was made before June 28, 2011, has a drop side, is missing parts or has no label, don’t use it; the AAP says unsafe cribs should be taken apart and thrown away. If it passes, check that every screw and bolt is tight and search the model on CPSC[9][10].

Where should the crib go and how should it be set up?

Keep the crib in your room for at least the first 6 months (AAP[1][2][3]). Put it away from windows and blind or curtain cords, at least an arm’s reach from dressers or tables, and don’t hang picture frames or mirrors over it (AAP). Use a firm mattress made for that crib with a fitted sheet only; see how to choose a crib mattress. Lower the mattress by the time your baby can sit or stand, and take down mobiles once your baby can sit up (AAP). Anchor nearby furniture; see furniture and TV anchors.

When should my child move out of the crib?

The AAP[1][2][3] says that once children are about 3 feet tall they should start sleeping in a bed, and suggests starting with the mattress on the floor if you’re worried about falls. See when to move to a toddler bed.

Who should skip this, and what to skip

Skip a crib for now if you plan to use a compliant play yard or bassinet in your room for the first months; you can buy the crib later.

  • Drop-side cribs: Banned since June 28, 2011; the AAP[1][2][3] says drop-sides were linked to 32 infant suffocation and strangulation deaths since 2000.
  • Antique and vintage cribs: The AAP[1][2][3] says they rarely meet the slat-spacing standard and may have lead paint.
  • Crib bumpers, including braided bumpers: Padded bumpers are banned (16 CFR 1309); CPSC[9][10] recalled SARO braided bumpers in January 2026 and Little Pea Shop bumpers in December 2025 under the ban. Instead: nothing but a fitted sheet.
  • Crib “bedding sets”: The AAP[1][2][3] says only a fitted sheet belongs in the crib in the first year.

Everything we tell parents to skip

The free or budget option

Any new full-size crib sold in the US must meet 16 CFR 1219, so a basic crib is held to the same rules as a designer one. A play yard that meets the CPSC[9][10] standard is a safe lower-cost alternative (AAP[1][2][3]); see bassinet vs crib vs play yard. The AAP says local social services agencies can point you to low-cost or free safe sleep spaces.

Frequently asked questions

How far apart should crib slats be?
No more than 2⅜ inches, per the AAP[1][2][3]. All cribs made to the 2011 federal standard meet this.
Are convertible cribs safe?
Yes. The AAP[1][2][3] lists convertible cribs among safe sleep spaces when fitted with a flat, firm mattress. Use the conversion kits from the same maker.
Are mini cribs safe?
Mini cribs are covered by the non-full-size crib standard (16 CFR 1220), and the AAP[1][2][3] lists mini-cribs as a safe choice with a flat, firm mattress made for them.
Can I use a crib that was recalled and fixed?
If the maker supplied an official repair (for example a drop-side immobilizer, as the AAP[1][2][3] describes), follow it exactly. Otherwise don’t use a recalled crib.
Is it legal to sell an old drop-side crib?
No. The AAP[1][2][3] notes the 2011 rules also apply to resale, including garage sales, online sales and thrift-store donations.

Sources

Safety guidance, standards and recall records come only from the official pages below, which we opened and read for this page. Retailer pages, if any, are used for price and specs only. This page lists no prices.

  1. AAP (HealthyChildren.org): Suitable Sleeping Sites: Safe at Night & Naptime, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (healthychildren.org)
  2. AAP (HealthyChildren.org): Choosing a Crib, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (healthychildren.org)
  3. AAP (HealthyChildren.org): New Crib Standards: What Parents Need to Know, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (healthychildren.org)
  4. AAP (HealthyChildren.org): How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (healthychildren.org)
  5. AAP (HealthyChildren.org): Baby Products to Avoid: Unsafe Registry Picks & Secondhand Gear, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (healthychildren.org)
  6. eCFR: 16 CFR part 1219, Safety Standard for Full-Size Baby Cribs, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (ecfr.gov)
  7. eCFR: 16 CFR part 1220, Safety Standard for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (ecfr.gov)
  8. eCFR: 16 CFR part 1309, Ban of Crib Bumpers, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (ecfr.gov)
  9. CPSC recall database query (SaferProducts.gov API): “crib” recalls since 2025-11-01, run Nov 10, 2026 (saferproducts.gov)
  10. CPSC: Safe Sleep – Cribs and Infant Products, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (cpsc.gov)
guide

How to choose a crib mattress (2026): firmness, fit and recalls

Short answer: choose a firm mattress that doesn’t indent under your baby, is made for your crib and fits tightly with no gaps, and carries a model number and manufacture date so you can check recalls. Put only a fitted sheet on it. Skip toppers, plush add-on play yard mattresses and anything that claims to prevent SIDS.

guide

Bassinet vs crib vs play yard (2026): which should your baby sleep in?

Short answer: all three are safe for sleep if they meet their CPSC federal standard, have a firm, flat mattress made for that product and nothing else inside. Pick a bassinet if you want something small next to your bed, a crib if you want one bed for years, and a play yard if you need portability or a lower cost.

guide

Are crib bumpers safe? The ban, mesh liners and braided bumpers (2026)

Short answer: no. Padded crib bumpers, vinyl bumper guards and slat covers are banned under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act, and CPSC recalled two brands in the past year for violating the ban. Non-padded mesh liners aren’t banned, but the AAP says they aren’t needed and can come loose. A bare crib with a fitted sheet is the safe setup.

guide

When to move from a crib to a toddler bed: the 35-inch rule (2026)

Short answer: move your child to a bed when they’re about 35 inches (89 cm) tall, or when the crib’s side rail is less than three-quarters of their height (about nipple level), because the most common crib falls happen during climb-outs (AAP). Before then, lower the mattress to its lowest position by the time your baby can stand.

guide

Safe sleep gear for babies (2026): what to buy and what to skip

Short answer: buy one firm, flat sleep space that meets CPSC federal standards (a crib, bassinet or play yard) and a fitted sheet. That is all the AAP and CPSC say belongs in it. Skip inclined sleepers, bumpers, weighted sleep sacks and sleep positioners, and check every sleep product for recalls first.

guide

How to anchor furniture and TVs to prevent tip-overs (2026)

Short answer: anchor every dresser, bookcase, TV and piece of furniture with drawers, doors or shelves to the wall, and mount or strap TVs. The AAP says anti-tip devices cost about $5 to $25 and take minutes; it suggests metal anchors into a stud. A newer dresser that meets the 2023 federal stability rule still needs anchoring.

guide

Window safety: blind cords and window falls (2026)

Short answer: use cordless window coverings in rooms where young children spend time; CPSC says cordless is the only way to eliminate the strangulation hazard. Move cribs, beds and furniture away from windows. For falls, a screen won’t stop a child: use window guards or stops that limit openings to 4 inches or less, with one escape window per room.