Toddler boy in a white baby crib on a yellow background

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

A baby crib is such an exciting purchase. It’s the centerpiece of your nursery, and the place for naps and nighttime sleep — well, hopefully!

But shopping for a crib can be a little daunting. There are so many options and features to choose from — not to mention it’s also one of the more expensive items on your nursery-building shopping list. Plus, if you play your cards right, you might even continue to use it throughout your baby’s childhood years.

The crib you decide on depends on a number of factors. We cover everything from what to look for in a crib, how much they cost, and some important safety considerations, to our picks for the best on the market.

The cribs that are sold in the United States must meet certain safety standards. It is usually a good idea to buy new rather than use a family heirloom.

Guidelines are set and regularly revised by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If you’re ever wondering what the most up-to-date standards are, it’s a good idea to search their website for the latest information.

General features that make a crib safe:

  • Interior dimensions of a full-sized crib (the part that’s inside around the mattress) should be 28 ± 5/8 inches (width) by 52 3/8 ± 5/8 inches (length). While this varies slightly crib to crib, the important part is that the mattress that comes with the crib is a snug fit — no more than two fingers between mattress and crib. It should take effort to make the bed!
  • Crib slats that are no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart. For reference, this is about the width of a soda can — any wider and your baby’s body may easily slip through.
  • Corner posts that are no more than 1/16th inches high — any higher and your baby’s clothing could get caught if they try to climb out.
  • “There are no cutouts on the footboards and headboards. This is so your baby can’t get trapped.”
  • While once very popular, those drop-side cribs are no longer manufactured and not recommended by the CPSC. So, if you come across one, it’s likely a good idea to pass on it.
  • Strong wood is the best for wooden slats.
  • Hardware should be made with anti-loosening devices so that it stays secure over time.

We looked at the following cribs on their quality, features, affordability, and style.

We weighed customer reviews from people who have used these cribs, and shared the good, the bad, and the ugly.

“cribs range in price, sometimes wildly. It doesn’t mean that a crib is any safer for your baby than a bassinet.”

The dimensions are in inches.

Price guide

  • $ = $100–$200
  • $$ = $200–$300
  • $$$ = $300–$400
  • $$$$ = over $400

Best basic crib that grows

Graco Benton 4-in-1

  • Price: $
  • Dimensions: 56.7 L (length) x 29.8 D (depth) x 42 H (height)
  • Weight limit: 50 pounds
  • Color options: driftwood, espresso, grey, pebble grey, white

Key features: The Benton crib by Graco is made from quality pine wood and approved composite materials. This popular option features three height settings and converts from a basic crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed.

Reviewers say this crib is attractive and sturdy. It comes in a variety of finishes that will compliment any nursery decor.

Considerations: A few reviewers mention that their crib shipped with missing pieces. Others say that the paint tends to chip over time and that, overall, the materials seem a bit on the cheap side. Some folks complain that the holes aren’t drilled perfectly, making assembly difficult.

Shop now at Amazon

Best convertible crib

Delta Children Emery Deluxe 6-in-1

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 55.5 L x 30.25 D x 43.5 H
  • Weight limit: 50 pounds
  • Color options: bianca white, dark chocolate, grey

Key features: Many cribs you’ll see on the market convert to toddler beds or even full-size beds. The Delta Emery is an overachiever in this area, converting from a crib to a toddler bed, daybed, sofa, full-size bed with headboard, and full-size bed with a headboard and footboard.

In other words — you have options as your child grows. And for the price, it’s a great value.

Considerations: Several reviewers mention that the slats rattle when kicked or otherwise moved, which may wake babies during sleep. Others say assembly takes quite some time. A number of shorter women say this crib is tall (over 43 inches), which makes it difficult to place baby down when the mattress is in the lower settings.

Shop now at Amazon

Best crib for storage

Graco Remi 5-in-1

  • Price: $$$$
  • Dimensions: 71.77 L X 29.53 D x 35.94 H
  • Weight limit: 50 pounds
  • Color options: espresso, grey, white, white and pebble grey

Key features: The Graco Remi comes with a large drawer underneath the mattress to store your baby’s clothing or other belongings. The attached changing table comes with a waterproof changing pad and two drawers to hold diapers, wipes, creams, and more.

There are several color options to choose from, including espresso, gray, white, and a pebble gray and white.

Considerations: Some reviewers say the changing area on this crib is pretty small compared with a traditional changing table. Others say it took them hours to assemble. A few people note that they felt the wood and quality wasn’t as good as they were expecting for the price.

Pros

  • The drawer, changing table, and additional storage are included.
  • converts to a toddler bed, a full-size bed, and a daybed.
  • It is made with sustainable wood.

Cons

  • The conversion kit is sold separately.
  • It takes up more space than a traditional crib.
Shop now at Amazon

Best multipurpose crib

Storkcraft Steveston 4-in-1

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 72.3 L x 28.9 D x 42.1 H
  • Weight limit: 50 pounds
  • Color options: grey, espresso, white

Key features: This crib not only converts to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed, but it also includes an attached changing table with open shelving.

The pine construction comes in white and espresso finishes. As your baby grows, the mattress height changes. Reviewers say the crib is a good value and easy to assemble.

Considerations: This crib is on the taller end, so it may be difficult to use if you’re on the shorter side. And be sure to measure your space, since the changing table doesn’t detach and the piece is 72 inches long.

Reviewers say that the paint chips off with time and that the crib smells strong out of the box. Several people say their cribs were damaged.

Shop now at Amazon

Best crib for small spaces

Delta Folding Mini Crib

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 39 L x 25 D x 37.25 H
  • Weight limit: 35 pounds
  • Color options: cherry, grey, white, natural

Key features: Don’t have much space? There’s a crib for that. The Delta Folding Mini Crib is just 39 inches wide and folds flat for easy stow-away, making it an excellent option at a grandparent or sitter’s house. It’s also a good choice if you live in a small apartment or if you plan to have your baby sleep in your bedroom.

This crib has two adjustable height settings, wheels for mobility, and comes with a crib mattress. Available finish options include gray, white, dark chocolate, dark cherry, or natural.

Considerations: Parents say this crib tends to have a heavy chemical smell, at least in the early days. So it’s a good idea to let it air out before using it with baby. Others say this crib is good with newborns and smaller infants, but that larger babies may find it too small and get their limbs caught in the slats.

Shop now at Amazon

Best eco-friendly crib

DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 54.4 L x 35 D x 41.9 H
  • Weight limit: 50 pounds
  • Color options: cherry, chestnut, ebony, espresso, grey, honey and oak, white

Key features: DaVinci cribs offer GreenGuard Gold certification, so they’ve been screened for 10,000 chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute indoor air. The Kalani 4-in-1 converts to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed, and offers four different mattress height settings.

Its finish is created through a multi-step painting process that is free from lead and phthalates. Another important feature? New Zealand pinewood is a more sustainable choice than other materials.

Considerations: Reviewers share that the wood of this crib is quite soft and prone to marks and scratches. A few explain that not all standard mattresses fit well in DaVinci cribs, so you may need to go with a DaVinci mattress to be safe. Oh, and you’ll need to purchase the conversion set separately with this crib if you want to use it beyond infancy.

Shop now at Amazon

Best crib for short moms

Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1

  • Price: $$$$
  • Dimensions: 54 L x 29.8 D x 35 H
  • Weight limit: 50 pounds
  • Color options: washed natural, black, espresso, white, white/washed natural, grey, grey/white, espresso/white

Key features: Standing at 35 inches tall, the Babyletto crib is shorter than many standard models and also offers some major style. This crib is also GreenGuard Gold certified with construction of sustainable New Zealand pine.

It can be used as a crib, toddler bed, and a day bed.

Considerations: Over 80 percent of customers rate this crib at 5 stars. Those who do report drawbacks say it’s expensive for what it is (comparing it to Ikea furniture), that it’s difficult to assemble (thanks to improperly drilled holes), and that the company’s customer service could be much better.

Shop now at Babyletto

Best vintage-style crib

DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 54.8 L x 30.4 D x 41.4 H
  • Weight limit: 50 pounds
  • Color options: blushed pink, ebony, emerald, fog grey, lagoon, natural, navy, white

Key features: While you may not want to use your actual grandmother’s crib, you can get a similar vintage style at a decent price with the DaVinci Jenny Lind crib. It features pretty turned spindle posts and wheels for portability.

The crib comes in many fun colors, including blush pink, emerald green, lagoon blue, slate gray, white, and fog gray. You will also enjoy the GreenGuard Gold certification from DaVinci.

Considerations: Reviewers love the style of this crib, but several mention it’s not the most sturdy or durable. Some people say the wood is very lightweight and prone to breaking when their children kick around. Several reviewers say they like the casters but would prefer if they were locking casters.

Shop now at Amazon

Most stylish crib

Million Dollar Baby Winston 4-in-1

  • Price: $$$$
  • Dimensions: 54.88 L x 30.5 D x 45.5 H
  • Weight limit: 50 pounds
  • Color options: vintage iron, vintage silver

Key features: This crib truly does look like a million bucks. Made from steel with a power-coated finish, it comes in vintage gold, vintage iron, and washed white finishes.

It also converts to a toddler bed, a full-size bed, and a daybed, all of which will make for a stylish teen years. The company says that the cribs are finished by hand.

Considerations: There aren’t many reviews of this crib and the ones that are out there are favorable. People like the sophisticated design and say it will transition well as their kids get older. A few people mention tiny dents and nicks in the paint. You’ll also need to purchase a separate conversion kit to use this crib as a bed.

Shop now at Amazon

Best splurge crib

Stokke Sleepi Adjustable Crib

  • Price: $$$$
  • Dimensions: 50 L x 29 D x 33.5 H
  • Weight limit: 176 pounds
  • Color options: white, hazy grey

Key features: With a sleek oval design, the Stokke Sleepi crib is sure to be a central design piece in your nursery. And it’s not all looks — this crib boasts some impressive features, like lockable wheels for mobility, a removable side for toddler bed conversion, and a height adjustable mattress.

The crib is helpful for shorter parents. It is made from beech wood and comes in four different finishes.

Considerations: Keep in mind that the mattress shape is unique, so you won’t be able to use standard crib sheets with this crib. A few reviewers say that the crib is beautiful, but that it isn’t the most sturdy. Several people mention that the customer service is lacking with the company.

Shop now at Amazon

Best budget-friendly crib

Delta Union 4-in-1

  • Price: $
  • Dimensions: 53.5 L x 30.5 D x 33.5 H
  • Weight limit: 45 pounds
  • Color options: ebony, espresso, grey, lagoon, natural, white

Key features: The Union 4-in-1 crib is a good option if you’re really just looking for a safe, reliable crib. It has a simple, minimalistic design and will likely blend well with a variety of decor choices. It has four mattress level settings and converts to a daybed.

It is a lower price than most other cribs in this list, but it is still made from sustainable New Zealand pine and has a nontoxic finish in multiple colors.

Considerations: This no-frills crib is sturdy and will get the job done. It’s just over $100, but unlike other cribs, you likely won’t use it much beyond your little one’s first or second birthday. Also, a few people mention that the colors depicted don’t exactly match the product they received.

Shop now at Amazon

Best travel crib

Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 42 L x 32 D x 25 H
  • Weight limit: no weight limit, discontinue when child can crawl out of the crib, intended for children up to three years old unless they can climb out before then
  • Color options: grey

Key features: If you’re on the go and need a quick crib setup, the Lotus Travel Crib is a nice choice. It’s compact and lightweight (13 pounds), making it easy (well, easier) for airport travel. It also reportedly sets up in just 15 seconds.

The quiet door on the side is one of the neatest features. This allows you to sleep with your baby, which is important when you are in a foreign place. The crib is made with mesh for better air flow.

Considerations: Reviewers say this travel crib does set up quickly, but that putting it away in the travel bag takes time and skill. A few people say it’s overpriced and may not be much better than similar products, like Graco’s Pack ‘n Play, which costs half as much.

Shop now at Amazon

“The price of most cribs is between $100 and $3,000. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a crib that will last for a long time.”

It would be helpful to make a list of the things you want in a crib, the functions you need to address, and any extras that you would like.

Look for

  • Certifications from safety groups like the CPSC, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
  • Storage and multipurpose features if you’d like an extra drawer or two on hand for all those sheets, burp cloths, and other linens.
  • Convertible options. Many cribs convert to toddler beds, daybeds, and more, but you may want to choose a basic crib that doesn’t convert if you know you want to purchase a different big-kid bed down the line.
  • Colors and finishes. You’ll see a lot of white, espresso, black, and natural wood cribs, but fun colors, too. It’s likely safer to buy a crib with a certain finish than to paint it yourself.
  • Matching furniture. Several companies make matching dressers, changing tables, nightstands, or bookcases that go with their cribs.

Accidents happen. The CPSC shares that between 2006 and 2019, there were 1,108 crib-related incidents and 73 crib-related deaths. Most of these cases had to do with things like falls from cribs, drop-side accidents, wood issues (breaks in slats), mattress support issues, and entrapment.

Some unsafe sleeping habits could be to blame for SIDS. That is why it is important to consider the following.

  • Buy a new crib. While tempting, it’s likely not the best idea to use a vintage crib or borrow one from a friend unless they purchased it very recently. If you do choose to go this route, be sure to look up any recalls.
  • Use a firm mattress that fits tightly into the crib frame. This ensures there are no gaps between the mattress and crib that would allow your baby to get trapped.
  • Survey your crib for any loose or broken screws or other hardware pieces essential for proper support. Same goes for broken or missing wood slats. Repair or replace as necessary.
  • Remove any stuffed animals, blankets, bumpers, pillows, or other objects from your baby’s crib that might pose a suffocation hazard. A tight-fitting crib sheet is all you need.
  • Put your baby on their back to sleep.

When should a baby start sleeping in a crib?

Your baby can start sleeping in a crib from birth. While some parents choose to have their child sleep in a bassinet or other sleeping device, cribs provide a firm, flat surface that may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) along with other precautions like ensuring nothing else is in the bed with them and the infant is sleeping on their back.

Sleeping in a crib doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping in a separate room. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends having your baby sleep in your room (crib, bassinet, or otherwise) for the first 6 to 12 months of life.

When should a baby move out of a crib?

Moving your baby to a toddler bed or big kid bed is a big step. There’s no right time for every family and kid. Fortunately, many cribs convert to toddler beds and make this transition a bit easier.

“If your child is starting to climb out of the crib and become a fall risk, you might consider moving them out. The manufacturer’s height limit could be used as a cue to switch. This is around 35 inches for most cribs, but you should check the manual for sure.”

How do you keep a crib safe for your baby?

While those plush bumpers may be cute, keeping your crib safe means keeping it pretty basic. All your child needs for a safe sleep environment is a tight-fitting crib sheet atop a firm crib mattress. You’ll want to skip the extras — pillows, stuffed animals, quilts, blankets, etc. — until your child is older.

Where you position the crib is important, too. Avoid placing it near windows, corded blinds, outlets, or any other safety hazards. Always place your baby on their back to sleep.

What is the best type of mattress for a crib?

Experts recommend a firm mattress.

There are also breathable crib mattresses, double-sided crib mattresses, and all other sorts of options you may encounter. While added bells and whistles can be nice, the best mattress fits your crib well with no gaps and is firm so your child won’t sink into it.

Thinking of using an older crib mattress? Note that a 2002 study made a connection between used crib mattresses and SIDS, particularly when the used mattress came from another household.

If you want to make sure your crib is free of damage, you should buy it a few months before your baby arrives. If you have a concern about off-gassing or odor, setting up your crib in advance is a good idea.

Plus, putting up the crib makes this whole baby thing a lot more real.

After you have made a purchase, be sure to have fun imagining your little one sleeping in their new crib.