Your baby will spend a lot of time in their crib, so it’s important for you to decide what you want out of it.
Do you want a convertible crib you can use as a toddler bed later? Are you worried a crib will never fit in your apartment? Or are you concerned about the impact a crib will have on your limited budget?
There’s a crib for every baby — no matter how limited your circumstances may seem — and we’ve made it our goal to help you find the perfect one.
We’ll answer all your crib questions to help you understand your options and share our top 11 picks for the best cribs of every kind.
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Converts into toddler & child bed
- Meets ASTM International safety standards
- Easy to follow directions
- 3 different mattress positions
- JPMA certified
- Easy to carry around
- Beautiful, with nice color selections
- Meets safety standards
- Heavy-duty crib
- Lock wheels for added safety
- Meet CPSC & ASTM safety standards
- Easy to carry
- Big enough to hold a toddler
- Zippered side door
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable
- Very portable
- Removable bassinet
- 20% smaller than traditional playards
- Compact fold
- Super affordable
- Easy to assemble
- Lasts for years
- Convertible crib
- Complete bedroom solution
- 3 different mattress heights
- Affordable
- Can easily be stored
- Built to last
Review Methodology: At Mom Loves Best, we understand the importance of finding the perfect crib for your baby, and we’re here to help. Our team of experts has conducted an in-depth analysis and hands-on assessment of various cribs, comparing them based on key decision-making factors such as safety, durability, design, and functionality. We evaluate products from a user’s perspective and use quantitative measurements to rank each crib’s performance. Through our research and experience, we’ve identified the top cribs that stand out from their competitors, providing you with first-hand evidence and insights. Our comprehensive review covers essential criteria such as material quality, ease of assembly, mattress support, and convertible features, to ensure you make the best choice for your little one’s comfort and safety. Trust Mom Loves Best to guide you through the process of selecting the ideal crib for your family.
The Best Baby Cribs of 2024
Here are 11 great cribs to consider.
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
Best Convertible Crib
A crib should be a safe space for your baby. With this eco-friendly crib from Bablyetto, you can rest assured your nursery is good for your baby and the environment.
Each crib is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is Greenguard Gold certified. This means it has passed rigorous testing, including a screen for over 10,000 chemicals, as a product that contributes to a safe environment for children and parents.
Because this is a 3-in-1 crib, you’ll be able to use it as your child grows. The included transition kit turns this crib into a toddler bed and a big kid bed. This saves you money and helps protect the environment from unnecessary waste.
We love the stylish modern design with its simple charm. It also has four mattress support settings, though it’s important to note that a crib mattress is not included with the crib.
Pros
- Greenguard Gold certified and made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood.
- Converts into a toddler and child-sized bed as your little one grows.
- The four mattress settings allow you to find the perfect height.
- Meets ASTM international and U.S. CPSC safety standards.
Cons
- On the pricey side.
Our Ratings
User Experience
Delta Children Canton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Most Beautiful Crib
This multi-purpose crib fits a variety of your baby’s needs. In addition to being a crib, you can use it as a toddler bed, a day bed, and even a full-sized bed complete with a headboard and footboard. You won’t have to spend extra money to buy another bed for your child because this one will last.
The crib portion comes with three different mattress positions you can use to ensure your comfort and your baby’s safety.
It’s carefully made with a non-toxic finish, so you won’t have to worry about your baby ingesting lead or other harmful chemicals. It doesn’t have a drop-side either, so you don’t have to worry about any harm coming to little fingers.
It comes in five color choices, so you’ll be able to find one to complement the nursery colors you’ve selected.
During hotter months, your baby will get plenty of circulation in this crib because there are slats on each side. And most moms love the modern sleigh style design.
Overall, this is a good, sturdy choice if you’re looking for a solid crib for your baby.
Pros
- The directions are easy to follow.
- Having three mattress positions is a nice perk.
- It’s a beautiful, stylish crib.
- JPMA certified to meet all required safety standards.
Cons
- You may need help assembling this because the wooden pieces are pretty heavy.
- It’s initially pricier than some other cribs, but you’ll regain that money by not buying a toddler bed later.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
BabyBjorn Travel Light Crib
Most Portable Crib
If you want a portable crib you can move from room to room with ease, the BabyBjorn Travel Light may just be the best crib for you. At just 13 pounds, it’s easy to move around your house. Because it’s so simple to set up and pack away, it’s also good for traveling or taking to your daycare provider’s house.
It comes with a thin mattress, and the mesh sides allow for air circulation, and you’ll be able to check on your child without having to peek over the top.
With its seven different color options, this is one stylish-looking crib with a modern flair. Your baby will get a lot of use out of this, both as a crib and a play yard. At two feet in height, your baby will be able to use it as they grow into toddlerhood.
Unlike some other portable cribs meant for travel, this one feels durable and doesn’t seem to sag from your baby’s weight after extended use.
Pros
- It’s easy to carry around, both inside and outside your house.
- It’s beautiful and has nice color selections.
- JPMA Certified to meet safety standards.
Cons
- Pretty expensive for a portable crib.
- It might be hard for shorter moms to reach their babies.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Dream On Me 2-in-1 Folding Crib
Best Folding Crib
This crib folds totally flat, so you never have to worry about finding a place to store it. It only takes a couple of minutes to fold it completely. Once folded, it fits in any closet and sits flush against the wall. It’s a good option for traveling — your baby will always have a place to sleep when you stay overnight in hotels.
It comes with wheels so you can roll it around, but they lock, so you don’t have to worry about your baby getting into mischief when they’re old enough to push off from the wall.
You can also turn this into a playpen easily — and you only need one hand to do it.
It’s made out of birch, which is an excellent hardwood that doesn’t scratch easily. It comes with a one-inch crib mattress pad and every tool you’ll need to put the crib together. Unlike some other models, this one is simple to assemble.
However, this crib is on the bigger side at 54 x 31 x 46 inches — which can be an advantage if you’re looking for something that can grow with your child or a disadvantage if you want to save space.
Pros
- Shorter moms will be able to reach their babies in this crib.
- This is a heavy-duty crib that will hold up to a lot of use.
- The wheels lock for added safety.
- Meets CPSC and ASTM safety standards.
Cons
- It only has two mattress height settings.
- May need more space as it’s a full-sized crib.
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Lotus Travel and Portable Playard
Best Crib for Travel
When you’re hitting the road and need something that won’t be a problem to lug around and set up, this may be the best crib for you as it doubles as a playpen.
It only takes a few seconds to set up, and it folds into a carrying case you can cart around like a duffel bag or a backpack. It only weighs 13 pounds, so you don’t have to be super strong to carry it.
The side zips up, which gives you a way to reach your baby if bending over that far isn’t an option for you. And when your baby grows into the toddler phase, they’ll be able to zip themselves in and out of the playpen.
The mesh crib sides allow your baby to breathe freely while sleeping. Plus, you’ll be able to see through the mesh and keep close watch over your baby whether you’re camping or in a hotel room.
This crib has no potentially harmful flame retardants, and you don’t have to worry about other unwanted chemicals like PVC, phthalates, and lead.
Pros
- It’s lightweight and easy to carry.
- At 25 inches deep, this is also big enough to hold a toddler.
- The zippered side door is a feature toddlers will like.
Cons
- It’s pretty expensive for a travel crib.
- Wrestling this back into its carrying bag can be tricky.
Our Ratings
User Experience
DaVinci Alpha Mini Rocking Crib
Best Baby Crib for Small Spaces
This crib has four mattress support positions, which means you’ll always find one that works for both you and your baby. The lowest setting is 25 inches from the top rail.
It comes with wheels, but you don’t have to use them as they’re easy to snap in and out.
The crib is made of New Zealand pine, using a non-toxic painting process, and it doesn’t contain lead or phthalate.
This mini crib comes with a one-inch waterproof pad. When you take off the wheels, you have the option of using it as a rocking crib, but you have to rock it manually.
The assembly for this one isn’t tough. Even people who are not mechanically inclined should be able to figure it out. The final product measures 40 x 28 x 34 inches.
If you have a small space, this mini crib should work just fine, and even if you assemble it in another room, it will fit through standard-sized doorways.
Pros
- Easy to assemble.
- It’s affordable.
- Easy to move from room to room.
Cons
- Lightweight, so you may want to anchor it to the wall.
- The wood scratches easily if your baby chews on it when teething.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Graco Travel Lite Crib
Best Crib for Newborns
When you bring your baby home from the hospital, you’ll feel like you never want to let them out of your sight. But this can be difficult when you’re trying to get things done during nap time. This crib is an excellent solution to that problem.
You can set it up in your living room, and it won’t hog all the space because it’s smaller than a standard playpen and crib combination. The wheels make it easy to drag into any room you like, so you never have to let your baby out of your view.
Because it weighs less than 20 pounds, you’ll be able to take it with you if you’re traveling or visiting a grandparent’s house. It’s simple to convert into a playpen as your baby grows and has a canopy with soft toys attached.
The crib portion should only be used for babies weighing 15 pounds or less. Once they’re able to get into the crawling position, you should stop using the crib part.
Pros
- You can always keep your sleeping baby in your line of sight.
- Your toddler will enjoy the pack ‘n play long after they’ve outgrown the crib.
- It’s very affordable.
Cons
- Babies don’t fit in the crib part of this unit for very long.
- The wheels don’t lock.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Dream On Me 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
Best Budget Crib
This option is cheap enough that you won’t feel much sting in your wallet when you buy it. The price is even more of a bargain because it’s a 4-in-1 convertible crib. When your baby outgrows it, you can reconfigure this into a toddler bed. Once they outgrow that, you can change it into a twin-size bed or daybed.
It’s made of solid pine and composite and comes in seven different color choices, so you’ll be able to find one to match your nursery decor.
The mattress adjusts to three different positions, so you’ll find a comfortable setting no matter what stage your baby is in. With a maximum recommended height of 36 inches and 40 pounds, this will last your baby well into their toddler years.
If you aren’t great at putting things together, you’ll love this crib’s easy assembly. You won’t be scratching your head wondering where all the parts go with this one.
Pros
- It’s super affordable.
- Easy to assemble.
- It will last for years.
Cons
- It doesn’t have wheels.
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Stork Craft Tuscany 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Best Crib for Short Moms
This crib has three adjustable mattress positions. You can use the highest setting until your baby can pull up into the crawling position. Then, as they get bigger, you can use the lower settings. By then, your baby will be capable of reaching up to you, so your height won’t be as much of an issue.
After your baby outgrows their crib, it can convert to a toddler bed. After that, it can be changed into a daybed and, later, a full-size bed.
It’s made of solid wood that meets all the safety requirements for U.S. cribs, and the classic sleigh design incorporates clean lines that’ll look good in any nursery.
If you want all your baby’s nursery furniture to have a complementary look, this company also makes matching pieces like a changing table, dresser, and nursery glider.
Pros
- It’s affordable, considering it’s a convertible crib.
- Comes in five colors.
- It has three mattress heights.
Cons
- Assembly instructions lack detail.
- The wood is easy to mark up.
Our Ratings
User Experience
Delta Children Crib
Best Baby Crib for Co-Sleeping
This mini crib’s lower height lets you easily see your baby from your bed. With a simple glance, you’ll be able to confirm they’re still breathing and check whether they’re sleeping or awake.
Plus, it’s small enough that you should be able to find space to put it right next to your bed.
As a bonus, you can wheel it to other rooms during the day so your baby will always be in reach. The lightweight design makes it easy to transport within the house. And if you need more space, you can easily fold it flat and store it in a closet.
Because it’s so lightweight and folds so well, this is a good crib for travel purposes as well.
It comes in five colors and has slats around each side, including the ends, so nothing will block your view of your baby.
To ensure it remains safe as your child grows, you can lower the mattress height since it has two different positions.
Pros
- It’s affordable.
- This can easily be stored when not in use.
- It sits low enough that you can see your baby even when you’re lying in bed.
Cons
- Assembly is difficult for some parents.
- Not as durable as some other options.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
DaVinci Emily 2-in-1 Crib
Best Crib For Twins
This mini crib is a perfect alternative to a full-sized version. For moms of twins, it can be a great space saver. You’ll be able to fit two into one nursery so your babes can be together like they were in the womb.
It also sits lower than many other cribs, which is great for moms recovering from C-sections or who have bad backs. You won’t have to lift your baby as high as moms using traditional size cribs will, and since there are two different mattress positions, you can adjust the height as your baby grows.
When your babies outgrow the crib, you can convert it into a twin bed, which will save you money in the long run.
Moms who are worried about wood finishes should be relieved to know that this is made of New Zealand pine and uses a non-toxic painting process. That means there won’t be any lead concerns if your baby decides to use the top of the crib as a chew toy once they start teething. It’s also phthalate-free.
Pros
- This option is a space saver.
- You save money because it converts to a twin bed.
- It has adjustable mattress positions.
Cons
- Some parents say the crib isn’t easy to assemble.
- If you expect to have a tall child, this may not be long enough for you.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Types of Baby Cribs
Baby cribs come with many features and in all shapes and sizes.
Here are some you’ll encounter as you search for that dream crib for your baby’s nursery.
Standard Cribs
Most people will choose a typical rectangular crib. They’ve been popular for decades because their shape and size fit nicely against a wall in a bedroom, just like a standard bed would. It’s easy to find a wide variety of crib sheets to fit these standard-sized cribs.
Convertible Cribs
Convertible cribs can transfer into a toddler bed (and sometimes a day bed or twin bed) when your child outgrows the crib stage. These can be a money saver because they’ll get you through years of your baby’s life, compared to the first two to three years a standard crib will be used for.
It helps if you’re the handy sort because sometimes the conversion assembly can be a little puzzling.
Round Cribs
These are becoming more popular, especially with moms who are looking for something completely different from the standard crib.
While these will please people who want a unique look, they can be hard to buy sheets for because of their odd shape.
Combo Cribs
These are affordable lifesavers for moms worried about their budget if they need to buy a crib, changing table, and dresser. Combo cribs are multi-functional and only require you to buy one piece of furniture.
These are also a good choice for parents who have a small house or apartment and don’t have space for several new pieces of furniture.
Portable Cribs
If you’re always on the road and want to take your baby with you, you’ll want a portable travel crib.
These aren’t as heavy-duty as the real thing, so they’ll be easy to lug around from hotel to hotel. But they won’t hold up or last as long as stationary cribs will either.
Although they’re often cheaper than stationary cribs, don’t be tempted to think you can get by with using a portable crib as a permanent crib to save some money — they don’t have the durability you’ll need.
Folding Cribs
If you have a tiny place or you want to keep an eye on your baby in different rooms in your house, you may want a folding crib. These can be stored in the closet when not in use, and they often come with wheels on each leg so you can wheel them around to different rooms.
While all these types of cribs for babies have their positives and negatives, which kind you choose is a personal matter. Don’t be talked into a crib selection by a well-meaning friend or relative. They’ll tend to steer you toward what they like rather than what’s right for your circumstances.
Mini Cribs
Mini cribs are also great space savers. These tiny versions of regular cribs fit better in smaller spaces while still being as solid as a regular crib. The downside to these cute alternatives is that your child won’t fit in one for nearly as long as they will fit in a full-sized crib. They also don’t fit standard crib sheets.
How to Choose a Crib for Baby
Buying a crib is a significant investment, so you’ll want to make sure you’re making the right decision.
Here are some features you should consider to help you find the best baby crib for your needs.
Materials
Some cribs are more environmentally friendly than others, which can be attractive to parents who want to ensure they aren’t harming the environment or their child with their choice of materials.
If you feel strongly about the environment, look for a crib without harmful wood finishes and look for companies that pledge to plant a tree when you buy a crib.
Adjustable Crib Mattress Level
After giving birth, your back may be sore for a few weeks. So you’ll want a crib that allows you to adjust the crib mattress height so you won’t have to lean over and down to reach your baby.
But as your child grows and learns to stand up, you’ll want a crib that lets you lower the mattress support again, or you could have a mini prison break on your hands.
Wheels
These can make cribs easier to move, which is nice if you like to rearrange the furniture in your house frequently. But they can also give your child the means to scoot their crib all over their nursery as they get older.
If you have wooden floors that will make that easy, you should make sure the wheels have locks.
Size
To make sure you don’t take up half your nursery space with the giant crib you’ve been drooling over, use a tape measure to figure out what will realistically fit in your baby’s room.
You don’t want to put your crib together and realize it’s way too big.
Baby Crib FAQs
Do Babies Really Need a Crib?
We sincerely recommend you buy your baby a crib because it’s their safest option to sleep in. Cribs that have been rigorously tested for safety, like all the cribs we’ve talked about, ensure that your baby won’t fall to the ground in their sleep.
Cribs are also great for keeping babies from wandering around when they should be counting sheep.
Is It Ok to Use an Old Crib?
That depends on how old the crib is and which crib it is.
You can look online to find that some crib models from decades ago were tested using outdated equipment or safety procedures. Beware of old wooden cribs that look like they might splinter, too.
How Much Should a Good Crib Cost?
A good crib will usually cost you somewhere between $150-$250. Cribs slightly below and above this price range can be great quality, too.
Beware of cribs below $115 because the company that made them might have sacrificed quality so they could sell at a cheaper price. Cribs upwards of $350 are usually not worth the money unless you want something fancy.
How Often Should You Replace a Crib?
The quality of the crib will determine the answer to that. High-quality cribs have the potential to last for decades, but not all cribs will. Also, keep in mind that a crib mattress is meant to be changed out every five years.
Is a Moses Basket or Crib Better?
The quality of the crib will determine the answer to that. High-quality cribs have the potential to last for decades, but not all cribs will. Also, keep in mind that a crib mattress is meant to be changed out every five years.
What Is the Safest Crib to Buy?
We recommend the Baby Trend Twin Nursery Center as one of the safest cribs to buy. Not only has this bassinet for twins been tested for safety in a lab using rigorous protocols, but it also comes with numerous other features.
This nursery center does it all, and you can feel safe with your children in a crib that’s been highly rated and reviewed by professionals.
