Nothing you purchase for your baby’s room is quite as important as their crib. For the first three years of their life, your little one will spend more time inside their crib than anywhere else. That’s why it’s important to buy a crib that is safe, comfortable and suitable for your available space. We searched for the best baby cribs available in 2021. Keep reading to see what we found.
- Features to Consider in Good Baby Cribs
- Top 10 Best Baby Cribs 2023
- 1. Best Overall Baby Crib: Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
- 2. Best Premium Baby Crib: Babyletto Hudson
- 3. Best Travel Crib: Lotus Travel Crib
- 4. Best Value Crib: Dream On Me Synergy 5-in-1 Convertible
- 5. Best Luxury Baby Crib: Evolur Aurora 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
- 6. Best Space Saving Crib: Delta Children Abby Convertible Crib and Changer
- 7. Best Bedside Crib: Mika Mickey Bedside Sleeper
- 8. Best Vintage Baby Crib: DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
- 9. Best Baby Crib With Wheels: Dream on Me Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
- 10. Best Solid Hardwood Crib: Delta Children Bentley S Series 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
- Guide to Buying the Best Baby Crib
- Final Words
Features to Consider in Good Baby Cribs
Choosing the Best Crib for Your Baby
Many new parents make the mistake of buying a crib simply based on looks. Of course, a crib is a piece of furniture and how it looks in your home is important, but it’s also important to make sure any crib you bring into your home fits your specific needs. With lots of new features having been added to cribs in the past few years, picking the right crib now will make your life much easier going forward. To help you decide the best crib for you and your baby, here are the factors we looked at and you should keep in mind when deciding what to go for.
Comfortable for Parents as Well as the Baby
You will want to reach your newborn easily at first. So make sure you consider a crib that is high enough so you are not constantly bending over too much. It is important to find a baby crib that accommodates you.
Cribs That Grow With Your Baby
You may want to consider an adjustable crib. It will not be long before your child is a toddler and standing and climbing on the rails. As a result, you could adjust the crib lower as the child grows so they can climb in and out of it themselves.
Safety Features
Safety is extremely important for newborns. Just about anything can be a hazard. So do your best to find a safe and practical baby crib. Old crib designs like drop-down sides have been banned in modern times because they were deemed unsafe.
What worked for your parents or grandparents likely isn’t suitable in the 21st century. So you need to do a series of safety checks with any new crib:
- The slats must be strong enough.
- The frame shouldn’t flex drastically.
- The mattress should never tilt.
- Corners of the crib need to be square.
- The fabrics, materials, and paint used to build the crib must be non-toxic and safety approved.
Furthermore, you should avoid these accessories as they also pose a risk of suffocation in a crib: pillows, crib bumpers, heavy blankets, and sleep positioners.
Also, before buying a crib, do a quick search to check if they haven’t been recalled for safety issues since we compiled this list.
Crib Design: The design of a good baby crib is a combination of aesthetics and functionality. While style is important, you should also consider the functionality of the unit. Is it safe? Does the size fit in your crowded apartment or condo? What other features would you like with the crib?
Size of the Crib: Cribs come in a variety of sizes to fit people’s needs. There are more compact, portable cribs for people that live in small apartments or duplexes. The crib should not make a room feel cramped because there is no need. The market has a variety of crib sizes based on how big you can afford to go.
Lifespan of the Baby Crib: Cribs are produced for a number of reasons. Some are strictly intended for newborns until they are one year old. On the other hand, some have a longer lifespan and can still function effectively as your baby transitions into a toddler. If you are on a tight budget it makes sense to consider a crib that can last for years.
Top 10 Best Baby Cribs 2023
1. Best Overall Baby Crib: Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Editor’s Rating:
This convertible crib is a great long term investment. Unfortunately, you do need to buy a conversion kit (sold separately) in order to transition the crib into a full-size bed and mattress. It is also built with premium safety standards and certification.
Health and Safety
The Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is certified by JPMA, CPSC, and ASTM guidelines. It is also available in five non-toxic finishes (White, Espresso, Pebble Gray, Driftwood, and Whitewash).
Usage, Capacity and Timelines
It is a terrific long-term investment. The crib has the potential to transition from a crib to a daybed. Then, conversion sets can make it form into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. It is possible to use the product for years. At the very least, it will last 1-3 years.
Adjustable Settings
The crib has three adjustable mattresses. The crib can support other mattresses designed for babies or toddlers, such as baby foam mattresses.
Maintenance
The Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is not too heavy. One person can move it around a room for cleaning. Like the other cribs on the list it wipes up fairly well.
Specs
Dimensions: 56.7” x 29.9” x 42”, Weight: 41 lbs.
Pros
- The best overall crib we reviewed
- A convertible crib can last for years
- Adjustable mattress height with three settings
- Sold in different colors to match the room
- Meets a variety of important safety standards
Cons
- Conversion kit sold separately to build into a full-size bed
- No wheels for quick transport
Editor’s Rating:
The Babyletto Hudson is a beautiful yet simple design that works with a wide range of decor. The smooth lines are modern but it has a throwback quality to antique designs. In addition to the sleek design, the Babyletto Hudson has all the important safety features. The conversion kit makes the crib usable for years.
Health and Safety
The model is dedicated to creating a safe environment for your child. The product and its materials were screened for over 10,000 potentially harmful chemicals. As a result, it has received GREENGUARD Gold Certification. It is one of the safest cribs available for 2021. Even the surfaces of the finish are non-toxic. Additionally, there are slats available for the Babyletto Hudson that can withstand 135 pounds. The crib also meets ASTM (International) & CPSC (US) safety standards.
Usage, Capacity and Timelines
You can convert the Babyletto Hudson into a children’s bed when your son or daughter outgrows the crib. The transition should occur when the toddler is mature enough to climb the walls or has reached a height of 35 inches.
Adjustable Settings
Parents can place the mattress at one of four different height adjustments in order to support growth appropriately until the child reaches 35 inches. It is a great customizable feature!
Maintenance
The baby crib is not very heavy, so one person can manage to move it around. This is useful for cleaning and maintenance purposes. The crib is safe to clean with a moist cloth since there are no toxic materials used in its production.
Specs
Dimensions: 54” x 29.8” x 35”, Weight: 56.5 lbs.
Pros
- Designed for long-term use
- Great aesthetics and style
- No health risks to worry about
- Practical for short parents (e.g. 5’2”)
- Square design makes it easier to fit two into a room for twins
Cons
- Expensive crib
- Some customers complain of holes not lining up during assembly
3. Best Travel Crib: Lotus Travel Crib
Editor’s Rating:
For parents who love to travel, you can’t beat the convenience and portability of the Lotus Travel Crib. Even though this crib provides plenty of space for sleep and play, it fits into a compact backpack carrying case when not in use. We especially liked the quiet zipper door on the side, making getting your baby in and out much easier on your back, it’s also perfect for playtime. Many parents we talked to said they were far more likely to go on overnight trips thanks to this crib.
Health and Safety
The Lotus Travel Crib is GREENGUARD certified. This means it has undergone extensive testing to be sure it is free of any toxic chemicals or emissions.
Usage, Capacity and Timelines
Featuring sturdy mesh construction and a thick mattress, the Lotus Travel Crib has plenty of room for babies under three years old.
Adjustable Settings
There are no adjustable settings on the Lotus Travel Crib, but it does unpack and set up in about 15 seconds.
Maintenance
When not in use, both the crib and the travel backpack should be kept in a cool, dry place to prevent mold.
Specs
Dimensions: 46” x 31” x 25.5”, Weight: 13 lbs.
Pros
- Best Crib for Airport Travel
- At only 13 pounds when packed, this was the lightest travel crib we reviewed
- Super quick to set up and stow away
- Convenient travel backpack
Cons
- Because of the unconventional size, many replacement mattresses will not fit correctly and could even become a safety hazard
4. Best Value Crib: Dream On Me Synergy 5-in-1 Convertible
Editor’s Rating:
With a no-frills approach, this convertible crib from Dream On Me is a safe and comfortable option that will last for years. Available in a wide variety of colors means you can get it in a color to suit your baby space. We were impressed by how much you get for a low price with this crib. In addition to a mattress support system with adjustable levels, this crib converts to a toddler bed and a day bed and ultimately a full-sized adult bed. Many parents we talked to had no idea you could buy a crib so inexpensively, let alone one with this many options and features!
Health and Safety
In order to ensure that this crib is safe, we recommend pairing it with a Dream On Me standard crib mattress. Some parents we talked to claimed that other brands left too much space around the edges.
Usage, Capacity and Timelines
This crib transforms into a toddler bed and then a full-sized bed when your child is old enough, making this crib even better value.
Adjustable Settings
In order to keep up with your child as they grow, the Dream On Me Synergy 5-in-1 Convertible Crib can be configured as a crib, toddler bed, day bed, and full-sized bed.
Maintenance
The simple and light design of this crib makes it very easy to clean.
Specs
Dimensions: 53” x 29” x 39”, Weight: 35 lbs.
Pros
- Great crib for parents with finite space needs
- Transforms to adjust to your child as they grow
- The changing table becomes a nightstand for the toddler bed and the daybed
Cons
- Only guaranteed to fit Dream On Me brand mattresses
5. Best Luxury Baby Crib: Evolur Aurora 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
Editor’s Rating:
Featured on the Ellen Degeneres show, the Evolur Aurora 5-in-1 Convertible Crib not only looks amazing, but it grows with your child better than any other crib we reviewed. Beginning as a standard crib, the Aurora transitions into a toddler bed, day bed and eventually a full-sized bed that can last your child well into their teenage years. This crib does cost more than most of the other models we reviewed, but we believe the quality of design and the different configuration options still make this crib great value.
Health and Safety
Evolur cribs have been certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission that it meets or exceed all safety standards.
Usage, Capacity and Timelines
Designed to grow with your baby, the crib accomodates five stages of growth. Because the final stage is a full-sized bed frame, they will be able to sleep on the Evolur Aurora until adulthood.
Adjustable Settings
The Evolur Aurora 5-in-1 Convertible Crib has 5 different configuration options. It can be used as a crib, toddler bed, day bed and full-sized bed with or without a footboard.
Maintenance
The Evolur Aurora 5-in-1 Convertible Crib is on the heavy side so you may need help moving it around when it comes time to clean the nursery. However, it is simple to clean.
Specs
Dimensions: 54.50″ x 32.25″ x 54.50″, Weight: 115 lbs.
Pros
- Kiln-dried hardwood is beautiful and built to last
- Comes with all the tools needed for assembly
- Transitions to accommodate all stages of your child’s life, eventually becoming a full-sized bed frame
Cons
- More expensive than most other cribs we reviewed
6. Best Space Saving Crib: Delta Children Abby Convertible Crib and Changer
Editor’s Rating:
Changing time is a breeze with this two-in-one crib and changing table from Delta Children. Combining an elegant style with lots of functionality, this crib is an ideal choice for any parents who have limited space to work with when furnishing their baby’s nursery. We were also impressed by the way this crib seamlessly transforms into a toddler bed as well as a full-sized bed. With two drawers, the changing table becomes a nightstand as your child grows. This crib feels very sturdy and showcases Delta Children’s commitment to your child’s safety.
Health and Safety
This crib has been tested for defects and vulnerability to over 4 times the federal guidelines for crib impact testing. This means you can be sure that cribs from Delta Children are safe for your baby. This crib exceeds all government and ASTM safety standards.
Usage, Capacity and Timelines
Because this crib transforms into a full-sized bed, your child can sleep on it for many years to come.
Adjustable Settings
The Delta Children Abby Convertible Crib and Changer has 4 different configurations depending on the age and size of your child. Starting as a crib, this model can also be configured as a toddler bed, day bed, or full-size bed frame.
Maintenance
While the crib is easy to wipe down with a cloth and warm water. We especially liked the removable pad on the changing table which made it easy to clean.
Specs
Dimensions: 60” x 35.5” x 9”, Weight: 85 lbs.
Pros
- Great crib for parents with finite space
- Transforms to adjust to your child as they grow
- The changing table becomes a nightstand for the toddler bed and the daybed.
Cons
- Can’t use crib without the attached changing table
7. Best Bedside Crib: Mika Mickey Bedside Sleeper
Editor’s Rating:
Perfect for sleeping close to your baby without keeping them in the bed with you, the Mika Mickey Bedside Sleeper crib is a lifesaver for breastfeeding moms. This bedside crib can be used as a regular portable crib, but it can also convert into a 3 sided crib that uses the side of your bed as the 4th wall. We liked how easily it adjusts to fit many different bed heights and how the wheels made this crib easier to move.
Health and Safety
The breathable mesh on the side of the Mika Mickey Bedside Sleeper is secure without being a suffocation hazard. The wheels securely lock in place. This crib is only appropriate for babies who weigh less than 33 pounds or until they can move themselves into an upright position.
Usage, Capacity, and Age Range
The Mika Mickey Bedside Sleeper is intended for babies younger than 5 months. In order to work in bedside mode, there must be enough space underneath the bed for the wheels to go.
Adjustable Settings
There are seven different height settings to fit any adult bed with a height of 13” to 21”.
Maintenance
There are no tools needed to assemble this crib. The mesh material is easy to clean with warm water and mild soap.
Specs
Dimensions: 37.5 x 24.5 x 6.3 ”, Weight: 24.1 lbs.
Pros
- Perfect bedside crib for breastfeeding moms
- Adjusts to fit most beds
- Works as a portable crib as well as a bedside cri
Cons
- Does not work with beds that do not have room underneath for the stabilizing wheels
8. Best Vintage Baby Crib: DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
Editor’s Rating:
The DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib functions as a crib, day-bed, and toddler bed. It looks stylish while never compromising on safety. The crib is also available in multiple colors.
Health and Safety: This bed adheres to necessary safety standards such as:
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified
- CPSC
- ASTM
- Lead & Phthalate Safe
- Non-toxic
Usage, Capacity and Age Range
The DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib functions extremely well over the years. It will support newborns until their toddler years.
Adjustable Settings
You can place the mattress at one of four different height settings. It works well to keep the child safe as they start to crawl and eventually climb. The crib is also portable with caster wheels.
Maintenance
It is a mobile unit that only weighs 22 lbs. Parents of all sizes will not have much trouble moving the crib around the house. It is also straightforward to clean and maintain.
Specs
Dimensions: 36.25” x 19.25” x 39.75”, Weight: 22 lbs.
Pros
- Affordable baby crib
- Perfect blend of classic look with modern safety features
- Can change into toddler bed
- Super light making it easy to move
- Available in various colors to match your décor design
Cons
- The mattress is sold separately
- The wheels can’t lock into place
9. Best Baby Crib With Wheels: Dream on Me Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
Editor’s Rating:
Yet another design with three different bed mattress adjustments. The Dream on Me Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib is budget-friendly. It is also styled with a classic, throwback appearance. It can match a number of pieces of furniture. The crib is very proficient at generating airflow to your little one. Once your little one grows too big, it converts to a daybed.
Health and Safety
No toxins are on Dream on Me Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib. The pinewood is also sturdy and is built soundly. The wheels can lock when not in use to make sure it doesn’t roll away from you.
Usage, Capacity and Age Range
You can use the baby crib for a few years while your child grows. Though it works as a daybed it is not meant to replace a regular-sized bed so you’ll eventually need to upgrade. Still, you can at least get three years out of this convertible crib.
Adjustable Settings
The Dream on Me Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib is sold with three different sizes of mattresses depending on your preferred height. The wheels are practical and help you easily move the crib from one room to another.
Maintenance
It is very easy to clean and maintain. The wheels make it very convenient. All it takes is a regular wipe down to maintain.
Specs
Dimensions: 54” x.31” x 40”, Weight: 36 lbs.
Pros
- Affordable price tag
- Convertible style with three different options
- Lightweight crib
- Wheels for easy transport
Cons
- Assembly requires more than one person
- The material quality is good yet cheaper in a few aspects
10. Best Solid Hardwood Crib: Delta Children Bentley S Series 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Editor’s Rating:
The Delta Children Bentley S Series 4-in-1 Convertible Crib has a high level of functionality. It converts from a baby crib to a toddler bed. There is also the option to adjust the unit into a daybed or a full-size bed. The toddler guardrail is included, however, the full-size rails are sold separately. The product is built to last with premium wood materials.
Health and Safety
The crib is certified by JPMA. It also meets the safety standards of CPSC and ASTM. Furthermore, the unit has been tested for lead and other toxic elements in order to meet or exceed government expectations.
Usage, Capacity and Age Range
The Delta Children Bentley S Series 4-in-1 Convertible Crib can grow with your baby. It converts to a number of different bed styles. Additionally, the 3-position mattress supports multiple height adjustments. The mattress can put the child in an upright sitting position or have them laying down.
Adjustable Settings
The crib adjusts into three different mattress positions. The height adjustment is standard on the best cribs in 2021 because they transition to change as your baby grows and starts to stand or climb.
Maintenance
The Delta Children Bentley S Series 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is pretty straightforward to clean. However, it is fairly heavy at nearly 70 lbs. If you need something more compact we suggest looking elsewhere.
Specs
Dimensions: 54.25” x 34.25” x 42.25”, Weight: 68.4 lbs.
Pros
- Multi-use crib for babies and toddlers
- Meets all safety standards and guidelines
- Adjustable to three different sizes
- Very stylish looking design and premium wood
Cons
- Bulky and heavy compared to other cribs
- Some conversions require purchase of parts sold separately
Guide to Buying the Best Baby Crib
Now that we have presented our 10 favorites, let’s dive into a few more details about what you need to know to discover the perfect crib your newborn:
Types of Baby Beds
Parents want the best for their children. When you first start out a lot of the focus is on getting baby essentials like a crib, a bottle or a stroller. It can get overwhelming for first time parents new to the experience.
We want to make your life easier! If you are deciding between a couple of different products on our list that is a good thing. Let’s study the different types of baby beds in more detail:
Cribs
Cribs are permanent pieces like furniture. They are generally not designed to be portable like a travel crib or bassinet. Cribs are traditionally very safe because they are the most stable and durable. Cribs can accommodate newborns up to the age of five.
Bassinets
Bassinets are a type of bedding which are much smaller than cribs. This makes bassinets more mobile. They work well for small apartments and homes as you can easily move them from one room to another. Some models even fold for extra storage or travel purposes.
Travel Cribs
The name says it all. Travel cribs are intended for the busy mom or dad. If you are on the road a lot travel cribs are ideal because they are so lightweight and portable. The material of the travel system is not quite as premium as a traditional crib but that is to avoid excess weight.
Multifunctional Baby Cribs
Some cribs almost act like a complete baby station. It is possible to have a multifunctional crib with built-in drawers and a changing area. The crib are built for a variety of tasks involving a baby yet are bulky and take up a fair amount of space. They work best in a dedicated nursery.
Convertible Cribs
Convertible cribs are also multipurpose. They are budget-friendly cribs because they can convert from a traditional crib to something more suitable for a toddler. Conversion sets are usually sold separately so you may have to purchase one intended for a newborn, and one intended for a toddler later.
Portable Cribs
Portable cribs do not always make them good for travel, but more so for storage. Young parents are often restricted with space and either living with family or in a cramped space. A portable crib will fold to free up space when not in use. You can also set the unit up in any room of the house depending on where you are.
When Do You Need a Baby Crib?
A crib isn’t a necessity from the beginning. You may prefer letting your newborn baby sleep in a bassinet or co-sleeper. However, around the age of four or five months, your child will probably want something more exclusive. Standard cribs are your best option. Why?
- It is difficult for a baby to fall out of a full size crib.
- There’s enough space to make a growing baby feel comfortable.
- Cribs are designed to be safe and remove any potential for suffocation.
- It is easy to position a baby monitor above the crib to keep an eye on baby while he or she sleeps.
The arrangement will serve you well for a few years. Depending on these factors, you’ll eventually move your child into his or her own bed. New parents can make this determination when:
- When the child reaches the age of five.
- The weight of the child goes above the recommended support weight of the crib (even if before age five).
- Determine that the baby crib is no longer practical for a toddler.
- Becomes a safety hazard as the toddler starts to climb and grab onto the sides.
Think About How Long You’ll Use the One You Pick
There is no need to spend a fortune on a crib, especially one that is only designed to last for a year if you can’t afford it. Convertible cribs, bassinets, and travel systems work really well because they are multipurpose. You may find out that a standard crib is not the most practical for your situation.
Safety Guidelines for a Baby Crib
Safety is the most important aspect of a baby bed along with comfortability. Let’s examine safety guidelines in more detail:
Slats
You know your baby will become curious and explore the bed. Consequently, make sure the bed slats do not pose a risk. If the slat cannot support the weight (80 lbs. is the usual standard) then they could potentially collapse. Furthermore, the slats must be close together so a little one can’t wedge their feet or their head between them.
Hazardous Materials
Your baby may want to lick or suck on parts of the crib. It is why you need to find out what was used during manufacturing. Are the materials considered safe for a newborn? There are numerous health risks associated with certain types of materials and manufacturing processes.
Recalls
Global standards are quite strict about baby bed safety, which is a very good thing. As a result, you will notice a fair share of baby products that get recalled. Before you make a final purchase decision make sure the product isn’t being flagged for any safety issues.
Drop-Side Cribs
Drop-side cribs are among the baby products that have been recalled. However, that doesn’t mean that some are still not sold privately owner to owner, or at discount thrift stores. If you see one avoid it! They are no longer considered safe for babies.
What About Used Cribs?
There are many reasons you may want to consider a used crib. A limited budget combined with more affordable prices make used cribs attractive buys. Of course there is always the honor of receiving an existing crib in the family that once was used by you or another family member.
However, you still need to make sure the crib is safe. As previously mentioned, some styles flagged for recall like drop-side cribs still exist and are sold privately. There are other outdated features on old cribs that new ones have fixed.
So while a hand-me-down or used crib may make sense for your wallet that doesn’t mean it is appropriate for your child.
Therefore, try to put sentiment and “good value” aside when shopping for a new or used baby crib. Old cribs could potentially:
- No longer be practical as crib has been been recalled.
- The crib could have been installed wrong by the original owner and have additional safety flaws.
- It is difficult to inspect what parts are worn and torn and could break at any moment. Parts could also be missing that had an important purpose.
- Used cribs are not sold with a warranty. If anything breaks down you may have trouble finding replacement parts which means you have to quickly find a replacement crib.
We don’t want you to be paranoid, but these are realistic threats to your baby’s safety. If you have done a close inspection and didn’t notice any flaws, there is a chance to get away with buying a used crib. Not every used crib on the market is flawed or a safety risk. Just make sure you are informed beforehand of potential dangers.
Similar Design, Different Price – Why?
You may wonder why certain beds are much pricier than others, even though they look exactly the same. It all comes down to quality.
All types of wood do not perform the same. The pricier version is probably made of solid wood and a durable type such as oak. Solid woods last for years yet cost more to produce, hence the markup in price. Meanwhile, pine is readily available and affordable yet not nearly as sturdy.
It doesn’t mean you need to purchase an expensive crib. The problem with pricier cribs is that they usually have shorter lifespans than cheaper cribs, like convertible styles. So you need to find a crib that works for both a budget and long-term objectives.
Final Words
The best baby cribs featured on our list are all guaranteed to provide comfort, safety, peace of mind, and long-term use. It will guarantee that your baby receives the best night’s sleep possible and also keeps the parents less stressed.