While it might seem like a big place to put your tiny newborn, a crib is actually the safest place for her to sleep. And although some parents opt for a cradle, bassinet, or bedside sleeper during the first few months, sticking with a crib can save on both money and worry. Not only are crib safety standards regulated by the federal government, many are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
Finding the best crib for your child means reading reviews, studying product features, and diving into the ins and outs of available configurations and ease of assembly. With the right crib, baby will be sleeping safely and soundly in his or her own space.
We reviewed dozens of cribs to identify the best of the best, based on Amazon reviews, how well they performed in safety tests, cost, and other considerations. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated cribs new parents can purchase to ensure a good night’s sleep for their precious new little one.
We’ve identified Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib as the best crib out there. With a stylish design, great features, and easy assembly, this crib is one that will keep your little one sleeping soundly well into their childhood years.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cribs
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib | 4.6 |
| Runner Up | Baby Mod Olivia 3 in 1 Convertible Crib | 3.7 |
| Best Budget Buy | Graco Lauren Convertible Crib | 3.9 |
| Best Convertible Crib | Graco Charleston 4-in-1 Convertible Crib | 4.0 |
| Best Portable Baby Crib | BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib is our pick for the best baby crib thanks to its sleek and stylish design, and the fact that the conversion rails are included with the crib. It has been GREENGUARD Gold certified and boasts a non-toxic finish for added peace of mind.
Parents appreciated how easy this crib was to assemble, and that it could grow with their child from birth through childhood without the need to purchase any addition parts. Some comments mentioned that the included hardware didn’t blend seamlessly and that warning stickers were difficult to remove. Petite parents loved that this crib had a lower height, which made reaching in and picking up baby more comfortable.
At a cost of $379, it doesn’t come cheap, but it’s also not outrageously priced. The quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and the fact that the toddler conversion kit is included, more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.6 on Amazon with more than 350 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing parents to make the investment.
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib Key Features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- ASTM and CPSC certified for safety
- Choice of 4 mattress heights
Our Runner-Up Pick: Baby Mod Olivia 3 in 1 Convertible Crib
The Baby Mod Olivia 3 in 1 Convertible Crib took the runner-up place on our list of best baby cribs as it does not provide as many conversion options as our top pick, and had fewer reviews. It has still been GREENGUARD Gold Certified — meaning it’s been screened for 360 VOCs and over 10,000 chemicals, so it’s safe for sensitive newborns.
Parents appreciate that there is a choice of four mattress height levels, and that the crib is easy to set up. Some found it heavy to move the boxes for assembly, but this weight also means the crib is sturdy once put together. Several reviews mentioned that the crib held up well through use with multiple children, but that the wood sometimes scratched easily.
With a price of around $240, it’s not overly expensive, and the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 3.7 on Amazon, and while it doesn’t have a ton of Amazon reviews, many popular baby websites found it to be an excellent choice, which we think goes a long way in convincing parents that this crib is another solid choice.
Baby Mod Olivia 3 in 1 Convertible Crib Key Features:
- Free of lead and phthalates, non-toxic finish
- ASTM and CPSC certified for safety
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Best Budget Pick: Graco Lauren Convertible Crib
The Graco Lauren Convertible Crib is a solid choice for parents watching their pennies on nursery furniture, but who don’t want to sacrifice on quality or style. It can be set up in four different ways, to grow with your child from birth right through childhood. The mattress can be adjusted to three different heights, and the crib boasts a sleek and simple design sure to complement any decor style.
Parents appreciate that this crib can be used with children weighing up to 50 pounds, and that it provides such a good value for the money. Many comments noted the sturdiness of the crib’s design, although some found that the assembly instructions were a bit hard to follow.
With a suggested price of $180, this crib is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable option on a budget. It has a rating of 3.9 on Amazon with more than 375 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing parents that this budget-friendly pick is just as good at giving their little one a safe space to sleep as its more expensive counterparts.
Graco Lauren Convertible Crib Key Features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- JPMA certified, compliant with all CPSC and ASTM safety standards
- Stationary side rails
Best Convertible Crib: Graco Charleston 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
The Graco Charleston 4-in-1 Convertible Crib provides outstanding value for the price, as it can be used from birth as a crib, before transitioning into a toddler bed. As your little one continues to grow, it can be used as either a daybed or as a full-sized bed with the purchase of bed rails. It offers a choice of three different height adjustments to help ensure your little one is safe, and the gender neutral design fits seamlessly into any theme or classic room decor.
Many reviews noted that this crib was fairly simple to put together, and that it was easy to adjust the mattress height. Parents appreciated how sturdily built the crib was, but were disappointed that it does not come with the rails for conversion to a toddler/full-size bed.
With price tag around $250, it’s not outrageously priced, and the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and different configurations more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.0 on Amazon with nearly 200 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing parents to make the investment in this long-lasting crib.
Graco Charleston 4-in-1 Convertible Crib Key Features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- Meets all ASTM & CPSC safety standards, JPMA certified
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Best Portable Baby Crib: BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light provides an ideal sleeping solution for use in hotels or at relatives’ homes, and features fully vented sides that help keep baby safe while allowing caregivers to keep an eye on them. Weighing in at a mere 13 pounds, it comes complete with a carrying case to make bringing it along on all your adventures a cinch.
Parents love how easy this crib is to set up and take down, and frequently commented on how comfortable the mattress is. While little ones won’t lose any sleep in this portable crib, many reviewers complained about the high cost of the compatible sheets.
With a price tag of $300, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. Not to mention how truly travel-friendly it is. It has a rating of 4.6 on Amazon with more than 400 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing parents that this portable crib is just as good at its stationary counterparts.
BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light Key Features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- JPMA certified
- Recommended for children from 0-36 months of age
Who Should Buy a Crib
A crib is a must-have item for anyone expecting a child or in the early days of parenthood. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep in their own crib from the time they arrive home. While some families choose to bed share, most experts don’t recommend the practice due to a number of safety concerns. They do suggest that whenever possible, baby’s crib is kept in the same room as mom and dad for the first 6 months in order to help facilitate breastfeeding and reduce the risk of SIDS.
You might think that a crib is a frivolous purchase that your child will only use for the first year of life, but that’s not always the case. In fact, many cribs these days can convert to a toddler bed and full-sized bed to provide a long-lasting sleeping solution that is actually quite affordable.
Important Features to Consider
Not all cribs are created equal. A crib should be easy to assemble, sturdy, and whenever possible grow with your child. Here’s what to consider when evaluating the options in search of the best crib for your new baby:
- Safety certification. When it comes to baby products, look for cribs certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. The organization independently tests child products to ensure adherence to strict safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Because JPMA certification is entirely voluntary on the part of the company, it helps ensure you’re getting an extra level of safety in your crib. And while it might be tempting to purchase a used crib, buying new is the only way to ensure that you’re getting a crib which meets current safety standards.
- Size. One of the most important considerations when it comes selecting a crib for your child is size. Cribs are available in various sizes, shapes, and configurations to suit any nursery style or decor. It’s important, however, to carefully measure the space where you plan to place the crib to ensure that it will fit in the room.
- Materials. Once you’ve decided on the size of your crib, consider the materials used in construction. It’s a simple fact of life that babies and toddlers will chew on the crib railings, so ensure that any materials, paint, or stains are non-toxic. Repainting or restaining might even be an option depending on the quality of the crib’s construction.
- Convertibility. There are many cribs available on the market today that not only convert to a toddler bed, but can also convert to a full- or double-sized bed for use as your child grows older. If getting the most value out of your crib purchase is important to you, look for models that convert for added flexibility.
- Price point. Finally, consider how much you are willing to spend on a crib. Cribs vary in price from $75-$1000 or more. You can frequently find discounts or coupons at local baby stores or mass merchants that can make buying a crib more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are convertible baby cribs?
Convertible baby cribs are cribs that can be used through the various stages of your child’s life. They convert or transition from crib to toddler bed, to full-sized bed. You might have to purchase additional side rails or bed rails in order to convert your child’s crib into a bed.
When should a baby transition from a crib to a toddler bed?
Ideally, you want to keep your baby in their crib for as long as possible — once they are in a toddler bed and can get themselves in and out of bed, you might find you have a more frequent middle-of-the-night visitor. That said, most sleep experts agree that around the age of 3 is an ideal time to move your little one into a big kid bed. At this age they understand rewards and can generally deal with transitions easier than younger kids. There is absolutely no rush to move your child from their crib to a toddler or big kid bed, so ease them into the transition slowly. Keep in mind that cribs will have a maximum weight and height limit, so you’ll obviously need to transition your child before they reach this limit.
Is it safe for a baby to sleep in a crib? Can newborn babies sleep in a crib?
Experts from many child welfare organizations agree that a crib is the safest place for babies to sleep, and it’s absolutely fine for newborn babies to sleep in a crib. In order to create a safe sleep space for baby, ensure there is nothing extra in the crib with them, that the mattress and sheet fit as tight as possible, and that baby isn’t under- or overdressed for sleep. A white noise machine can help your child get and stay asleep, so is worth considering as well.
How tight should a crib mattress fit in a crib?
A crib mattress should fit as tight as possible into the bed of the crib. This helps to ensure that there are no gaps where baby might roll into and suffocate, and helps prevent arms and feet from becoming entrapped.
Other Cribs We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cribs. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best cribs list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for giving your child a safe space to sleep. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Convertible Cribs
Dream On Me, Classic 3 in 1 Convertible Crib
This crib converts into three different configurations and features a stationary side rail made from durable pine wood.
Key Features:
- Dual hooded, safety locking wheels
- Suitable for children weighing up to 50 pounds
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $101
Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Crib
This sturdy crib features a 4-in-1 design that allows it to grow with your child, and has been JPMA certified for added peace of mind.
Key Features:
- Three-position mattress height adjustment
- Suitable for children weighing up to 50 pounds
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $190
DaVinci Kalani 4-In-1 Convertible Crib
Made from 100% sustainable wood, this crib has been finished using a non-toxic multi-step painting process, that is both lead and phthalate safe.
Key Features:
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- Includes a 1-year warranty
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $180
Dream On Me Violet 7 in 1 Convertible Life Style Crib
This convertible crib has been ergonomically designed, and meets or exceeds all applicable ASTM and CPSC standards.
Key Features:
- Four-position mattress height adjustment
- Includes assembly hardware and tools
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $137
Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
This crib provides a choice of 5 different configurations, perfect for use from newborn all through childhood, and is JPMA certified.
Key Features:
- Three-position mattress height adjustment
- Includes a 1-year warranty
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $179
Dream On Me Synergy 5-in-1 Convertible
Boasting a sleek and simple design, this crib is ideal for those who like a minimalist decor without sacrificing on features, as it converts five different ways.
Key Features:
- CPSC and ASTM certified
- Two-position mattress height adjustment
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $98
Babyletto Lolly 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
It comes with a higher price tag than many of the cribs on our list, but the funky and unique style of this crib is worth the splurge to be the statement piece of your child’s nursery.
Key Features:
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- Four-position mattress height adjustment
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $399
Dream On Me Cape Cod 5 in 1 Convertible Crib
This solid crib converts five different ways to provide your family with years of use, and is JPMA certified.
Key Features:
- Three-position mattress height adjustment
- Suitable for children weighing up to 50 pounds
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $160
Storkcraft Rosland 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
This versatile crib features a three-position adjustable mattress support, and is made from high quality pine wood with a non-toxic finish.
Key Features:
- JPMA certified
- Suitable for children weighing up to 50 pounds
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $130
This elegantly-designed crib will look right at home in nearly any nursery, and is made from sustainable pine wood with a non-toxic finish.
Key Features:
- ASTM and CPSC certified
- Four-position mattress height adjustment
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $109
Delta Children Lancaster 3 in 1 Convertible Crib
Boasting a sturdy design, this crib is easy to assemble and features a range of complementary nursery furniture for a cohesive look.
Key Features:
- Three-position mattress height adjustment
- JPMA certified
- Available in a choice of colors
Mini Cribs
DaVinci Emily 2-in-1 Mini Crib
Ideal for those with small spaces, this mini crib provides all the convenience of a full-sized crib, just in a smaller package.
Key Features:
- Lower profile for easy reach
- Waterproof pad included
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $139
Dream On Me 4 in 1 Aden Convertible Mini Crib
This mini crib offers a choice of four different configurations in a compact design. All tools and hardware are included for quick and convenient assembly.
Key Features:
- ASTM and CPSC certified
- Three-position mattress height adjustment
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $120
DaVinci Kalani 2-in-1 Mini Crib
Suitable for use in smaller spaces, this crib features a two-position mattress height adjustment and low profile design that makes it easier to get baby in and out.
Key Features:
- Non-toxic finish
- Includes a 1-year warranty
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $149
Dream On Me Addison 4 in 1 Convertible Mini Crib
This elegantly-styled crib converts into a mini daybed or twin size bed, and is made from durable pine wood with a non-toxic finish.
Key Features:
- Suitable for children weighing up to 34 pounds
- ASTM and CPSC certified
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $127
DaVinci Annabelle 2-in-1 Mini Crib
This crib grows with your child while still saving on space. Choose from two mattress positions to keep your little one safe, in this 100% sustainable New Zealand pine wood constructed crib.
Key Features:
- Waterproof pad included
- Includes a 1-year warranty
- Available in a choice of colors
Portable Baby Cribs
Delta Children Folding Portable Crib
Great for use at home or on the go, this crib folds up neatly for transport or storage when not in use.
Key Features:
- Mattress included
- ASTM and CPSC certified
- Available in a choice of colors
Cost: $120
This crib weighs in at an astonishing six pounds, making it an excellent choice for use while traveling, and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor sleeps.
Key Features:
- Made from Okeo-Tex certified fabrics
- Fully breathable mesh sides
- Includes a self-inflating mattress and fitted sheet
Cost: $150
MiClassic 2in1 Rocking Bassinet Travel Crib
Suitable for non-mobile children up to 33 pounds, this portable bassinet features a choice of stationary or rocking modes to help your baby get a restful slumber.
Key Features:
- One-second open and fold system
- Small footprint
- Weighs just 15 pounds
Cost: $150
Weighing just over 11 pounds, this portable crib comes complete with an insect net and sunshade canopy for use indoors or outdoors.
Key Features:
- Custom bag with carry strap included
- Front or top access
- Includes a thick, comfortable foam mattress
Cost: $140
