Best cribs
A crib is one of the most useful and long-lasting products you'll buy for your baby’s nursery. We analyzed reviews in the BabyCenter Community and used our editors’ research and experience to discover parents' most-recommended cribs. Read on for the best mini crib, the best convertible crib, and more.
Best crib overall
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
The stylish Babyletto Hudson is an eco-friendly convertible crib that transforms from a crib to a toddler bed to a daybed, so you can use it for years. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine, it has an appealingly modern design and comes in several color options. It also coordinates with the Hudson dresser, bookcase, and nightstand if you like a cohesive look. This crib is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it's been tested for more than 10,000 chemicals and passes stringent standards.
Heads up
Some parents say that the finish chips easily.
Parents say
"I have the Hudson crib and I love it! I've used it with both kids and plan to use it for my third baby as well. It's important to me that the paint is nontoxic and has minimal smell, and this one fits the bill."
Specs
- Standard-size crib
- Toddler bed conversion kit included
- Adjustable mattress height
- 53.63 x 29.63 x 34.88 inches
Best convertible crib
Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Budget friendly and stylish, the Graco Benton has a classic design and comes in six different colors. With three adjustable mattress heights, this crib will grow with your baby. And once your little one isn't so little, the side comes off to create a toddler bed or a daybed. You can also use a conversion kit (sold separately) to form a full-size bed. The Benton is JPMA certified and is made from pine wood and composites.
Heads up
Some parents say that a few pieces were missing when this crib arrived.
Specs
- Standard-size crib
- Bed conversion kit sold separately
- Adjustable mattress height
- 40.5 x 29.8 x 56.7 inches
Best luxury crib
west elm x pbk Modern 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Parents like the sturdy quality and sleek design of this modern crib. It's free of toxic finishes, and is crafted from solid poplar and ash wood in a fair trade certified facility. This crib converts to a toddler bed and then a full-sized bed once your little one has outgrown the crib (the conversion kits are sold separately). This crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning it's been tested for more than 10,000 chemicals and passes stringent standards.Heads upIt’s highly recommended to purchase conversions kits when you purchase the crib. Otherwise, you run the risk of not finding the kit when you need it.Specs
- Standard-size crib
- Toddler and full sized bed conversion kids sold separately
- Adjustable mattress height
- 31 x 43.5 x 55.5 inches
Best vintage-style crib
Little Seeds Monarch Hill Ivy Metal Crib
This beauty looks like it's been plucked out of the Victorian era – but it lacks the potential safety hazards of a vintage crib. It's available in four colors and made from sturdy, powder-coated metal coated in a nontoxic finish. You can buy a coordinating changing table as well for the complete vintage look.
Heads up
This crib doesn't convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed like some others on this list. It also only holds up to 30 pounds safely, so you'll have to keep an eye on your little one's weight and move your child to a big-kid bed when the time comes.
Specs
- Standard-size crib
- Adjustable mattress height
- 40.63 x 54.5 x 29.45 inches
Best mini crib
Dream on Me Violet Mini Crib
With its compact footprint, this mini crib is a good solution for small nurseries or for parents who want to share a room with their baby. It's built with solid pine, and you can choose from six finishes. When your child outgrows the crib, the Violet can become a small toddler bed or a twin-size bed (bed rails sold separately).
Heads up
The Violet Mini Crib comes with a 1-inch mattress pad, but you'll want to buy a comfier mattress for long-term use. You'll need a mattress and sheets that are sized to fit a portable or mini crib.
Specs
- Small-size crib
- Bed conversion kit sold separately
- Adjustable mattress height
- 42 x 25 x 36 inches
Best crib with changing table
Graco Remi 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer
If you're looking for a full nursery in one piece of furniture, you've found it! The Graco Remi 4-in-1 comes with a built-in changing table and storage for your baby's things. With three adjustable mattress heights and the ability to change from crib to toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed (bed rails sold separately), this crib will definitely grow with your little one. Parents with small spaces like this crib because it removes the need for a large dresser and changing table.
Heads up
Some parents say their crib arrived with broken parts.
Specs
- Standard-size crib
- Bed rails sold separately
- Adjustable mattress height
- 29.53 x 71.65 x 18.75 inches
What is a baby crib?
A crib is a safe place for your child to sleep from babyhood until the age of 2 or 3.
Even if your baby starts out in a bassinet or uses a travel crib or play yard, you'll probably want to move your baby to a crib at some point. Many parents do this when their babies are sleeping longer stretches at night, between 4 and 6 months old. (The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby sleep in your room, but not in your bed, at night for at least the first six months and ideally for the first year to reduce the risk of SIDS.)
Most babies sleep in a crib until it's time to move to a real bed. Many cribs are designed to convert to a toddler bed, a daybed, or even the headboard and footboard for a full-size bed. A convertible crib can be a good option, but make sure that the crib makeover is relatively easy to perform (check online reviews from parents) and that you like the look of the new furniture.
Cribs are getting cooler all the time, with tons of options (brilliant colors, clear acrylic sides, innovative wood treatments) at all different price points. Whether you want to spend $100 or $1,000, you can find a crib that's both stylish and safe.
What to look for in a crib
Babies often spend more time in the crib than anywhere else, so while comfort is important, safety is essential. Here are some tips for choosing a safe crib:
- Don't use a vintage or secondhand crib that's more than a few years old. Crib safety standards have changed a lot over the years, and an old crib could have lead paint, slats that are too far apart, or a dangerous drop side. A used crib could be damaged or structurally unsound.
- Look for a crib that lets you move the mattress down as your baby gets more active and learns to sit and stand. Otherwise your baby could fall out of the crib.
- Give your crib a good shake in the store or after you put it together at home. If it wobbles or rattles, it may have been put together improperly.
- The crib interior should snugly accommodate a standard crib mattress – at least 51 1/4 inches long by 27 1/4 inches wide. Make sure that there's no more than 1 inch of space between the sides of the mattress and the crib frame.
- Check the product recalls from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to make sure the crib you like hasn't been recalled.
Don't use crib bumpers, quilts, loose blankets, or pillows in your baby's crib – and learn more about safe sleep practices and reducing your baby's risk of SIDS.
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