How Baby Cribs are Tested for Safety: What Parents Need to Know

Written by:

Natalie W

When it comes to baby products, few items are as essential—or as closely scrutinized for safety—as the crib. As the primary place where your baby will sleep for the first years of life, a crib must meet stringent safety standards to ensure it provides a secure environment. But how exactly are baby cribs tested, and what are manufacturers looking for during these tests?

Let’s take a look behind the scenes at how baby cribs are tested and what factors go into determining their safety.

Why Crib Testing Is So Important

Cribs are one of the few baby products regulated by federal law in many countries due to their daily use and potential hazards if poorly designed. A faulty crib can lead to injuries from falls, suffocation, entrapment, or even strangulation. That’s why governing bodies like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and international safety organizations require cribs to pass rigorous testing before they reach the market.


What Are Baby Cribs Tested For?

  1. Structural Integrity

    • Drop Tests: The crib is repeatedly dropped with weight inside to simulate years of wear and tear. This checks for broken slats, loose joints, or collapsing parts.

    • Slat Strength Test: The vertical bars (slats) are tested to ensure they don’t break or bend under pressure. Slats must also be spaced closely enough (typically no more than 2 3/8 inches apart) to prevent a baby's head from becoming trapped.

  2. Stability and Tip-Over Resistance

    • Cribs are pushed and pulled from various angles to ensure they won’t tip over easily if a baby climbs or pushes against the sides.

  3. Mattress Fit and Support

    • The mattress support system must hold firm under the baby’s weight. The crib mattress itself must fit snugly with no gaps greater than two fingers wide to prevent entrapment or suffocation.

  4. Entrapment and Head Entrapment

    • Test probes mimic a baby’s head and limbs to ensure there are no openings or gaps where a baby could get stuck.

  5. Corner Post Height

    • Corner posts must be low or covered to prevent clothing from catching, which can pose a strangulation risk.

  6. Toxic Materials and Finishes

    • Cribs are tested for lead, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals in paint, wood, and plastic components. Only non-toxic, baby-safe finishes are permitted.

  7. Hardware Durability

    • Screws, bolts, and locking mechanisms are tested for durability and ease of use. Improper assembly is a common cause of crib failures, so instructions and components must be straightforward and secure.

  8. Teething Rail Safety

    • If a crib has a teething rail (the protective plastic guard on the top edge), it must not contain harmful chemicals and must be securely attached.


Who Does the Testing?

In the U.S., manufacturers must comply with ASTM F1169 (the Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Full-Size Baby Cribs) and 16 CFR Part 1219 (a federal safety regulation). Independent laboratories accredited by the CPSC often conduct the actual testing. In Europe, cribs must meet EN 716 standards. Each region may have slight variations, but the overarching goal is the same: keeping babies safe.

What Safety Information Should Parents Look For?

  • Certification Labels: Look for labels that indicate the crib meets ASTM, CPSC, or EN standards. Babyletto’s furniture meets voluntary ASTM standards and CPSC regulations, along with our own rigorous quality control procedures.

  • Recall Check: Always check whether the crib has been subject to a recall before buying (especially secondhand).

  • Avoid Drop-Side Cribs: These are banned in many places due to safety hazards.

  • Read Assembly Instructions Carefully: Even the safest crib can be dangerous if not put together properly.


Baby cribs undergo extensive testing to meet strict safety standards—ensuring your child has a secure place to sleep. As a parent, your job is to choose a crib that complies with current regulations, assemble it correctly, and regularly check it for wear or damage. That way, both you and your baby can rest a little easier. Check out the Babyletto cribs featured on Parents list of the Best Baby Cribs of 2023, or reach out to our team for help finding the best crib for you.

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