Best Baby Cribs
Up in tha Crib
Most parents keep their munchkin in a crib well into the second year (2 years old, or even 3) before transitioning to a toddler bed. The majority of cribs on the market are regular, non-morphing cribs, while others can transition from a baby crib to a “railed” toddler crib to a regular bed, which means you can use it well into your little one’s childhood. Be sure to check out our crib mattresses as well.
Without getting too bogged down in furniture, I’ll mention a few of the best baby crib crowd favorites in the “regular” and then the mini-crib categories:
Standard Baby Cribs
DaVinci 4-in-1 Crib ~$199
A very well-liked, sturdy convertible crib with several nice color options. This pick has more of a classic aesthetic. Note that the conversion kits are technically sold separately — if you want the whole toddler kit and caboodle, make sure to get the crib/conversion kit bundle ($229).
IKEA Gulliver Crib ~$219
This crib is safe and simple. It also comes with a conversion kit so you can keep using it into toddlerhood. Parents love the IKEA Gulliver for its value and simplicity.
DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib ~$219
If you’re looking for more of a vintage-looking piece, the DaVinci Jenny Crib is another super popular nursery pick.
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib ~$499
For those more keen to a modern aesthetic, the Babyletto Hudson is a well-made crib with a clean-cut look. (You can also check out Stokke’s Sleepi crib, but the price is even higher — $849 😱.)
West Elm Mid-Century Convertible Crib ~$699
A pretty, high-quality (and durable) crib with a vintage look. It can convert to a toddler bed later on (with separate conversion kit), and is made from sustainably-sourced wood.
Oeuf Sparrow Crib ~$960
For those looking for a sleek design from an eco-conscious company (and a heavy price tag, LOL):
Best Baby Mini Cribs
You might also opt for a mini crib. The idea is that “regular-sized” cribs are way bigger than they need to be, and most kids transition to a “big kid bed” by the time they outgrow the mini-crib.
Many parents love mini-cribs because they’re small enough to use as an in-room bassinet (they’re almost the exact same size as a pack ‘n play, in terms of the footprint), but sturdy enough to move into the baby’s room and use as a full-time crib until around 1-2 years (depending on your child’s height and climbing tendencies, hah), when most children tend to transition to a toddler bed.
In the economy department, there are two solid options, both of which can also convert to a twin (with a simple headboard) down the road:
Delta Emery Convertible Mini Crib ~$179
DaVinci Kalani Convertible Mini Crib ~$199
If you’re looking for something a little more sleek, or with wheels, you have two (pricier) options that both fold up for convenient storage — a very nice feature if you are tight on space:
Babyletto Origami Mini Crib ~$299
Easy to assemble and easy to fold, the Babyletto is a great space-saving option. Comes in a variety of cute colors.
Bloom Alma Mini Crib ~$529
This mini crib takes about 5 minutes to assemble, no tool required. Some parents report chipped paint after 1+ years, but many families use this happily through multiple children and get years of great use from it. *Note that this comes with a mattress, so that’s nice.
Lastly…
Stokke Sleepi Mini Crib ~$549
If you like a unique look, the Sleepi Mini Crib is a fun choice from the renowned Norwegian company Stokke — all of its products are top notch in terms of quality. And given that the Sleepi Mini can convert from bedside bassinet, to a crib, to a toddler bed, to a kid-sized bed suited for children up to 10 (*with optional extension kits, sold separately), you’re definitely going to want that stellar craftsmanship! One last thing to note on this one — the Stokke comes with an oval mini mattress, but buying sheets can be $$$ with it.
*A safety note: in 2011, the CPSC instituted a whole new set of crib regulations to address safety hazards. Of note, it banned drop-sided cribs, set new standards for sturdiness and slat gaps, and mandated that every crib manufactured in the US pass rigorous tests designed to simulate everyday use.
If you are considering using a hand-me-down crib, make sure to check the quality of the hardware and wood (and/or the year of manufacture). If it’s cheap, plasticky stuff, just say no (of course, if you’re buying a new crib, this is all a moot point). The same idea goes for buying a used crib/bassinet/cradle of any kind. In particular, many “vintage” or “antique” products, though beautiful, don’t meet the current safety standards, so just be on the lookout for that.
