The best cribs are not only the safest options for your baby's sleep, but they are also the most critical component in developing good sleep hygiene.
Nesting mode is allowed. At the same time, your baby may spend the first few months sleeping (or not sleeping!) in a bassinet. You'll want to have their room or a corner of yours ready for when it's time to transition them to a crib—usually around 4 to 6 months.
The best baby cribs not only meet the American Academy of Pediatrics safety standards. But also complement your overall design aesthetic, floorplan, and future family plans. They can even be used as toddler mattresses in the future.
Choosing a baby crib may appear to be one of those big decisions. It will affect your family for the next few years, but don't worry; there's no pressure!
Though you've possibly been collecting nursery inspiration for some time now, safety is the most important factor when selecting the best baby nursery crib brand. You'll need a sturdy frame with features like mattress height adjustment to keep your baby safe and secure. Are you looking for baby cribs for your newborn baby? You need to know more about baby cribs in detail. Here, we will discuss the best baby ribs of 2024.
How We Chose the Best Cribs for Baby
We evaluated and chose the best cribs based on the following criteria with the help of leading experts. What to Expect from staffers and community members:
Safety:
All baby cribs sold in the United States must meet the CPSC's safety standards
Longevity:
Convertible cribs are often called "lifetime cribs" for a reason. Many models can convert from a crib to a toddler bed or daybed. And even a full-sized bed. So they're a good buy if you're done having kids or want one piece of furniture your child can use for years. Because many families prioritize longevity, Because longevity is important to many families, we've included a few convertible crib options below.
Adjustable Features:
The mattress height allows the mattress to be lowered as your baby grows, preventing her from climbing out of the crib. Many parents appreciate casters, allowing them to move the crib quickly. Many mini and portable crib models have this feature. We prioritized cribs with features like these, enabling parents to quickly adapt the crib to their child's age and space.
Style:
Many parents center their nurseries on the crib (obviously). While safety is essential, a stylish crib has a great design. It complements the rest of your home is also necessary to consider.
How to Safely Use Baby Cribs
- Cribs may appear to be standard baby equipment. But they can also pose a severe danger to your child if improperly assembled. And have certain features that make them unsafe. Fortunately, all newly built cribs are sold in the United States. It must comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards.
- Older cribs may fail to meet the AAP's revised safety guidelines.
- Keep the following guidelines in mind when shopping for a crib.
- When buying a new or used crib, always ensure that the model is not currently on the CPSC recall list.
- Dr. Johns also advises buying cribs with bars no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
- When in the lowest position, the crib sides should be at least 26 inches above the mattress.
- Drop-side cribs should be avoided because they are now considered extremely dangerous.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents avoid cribs with cutout designs on the headboards or footboard. Those cutouts, while decorative, can also be dangerous.
- Dr. Johns recommends that caregivers look for exposed screws or rough edges that could cause injuries.
- To reduce the risk of injury, the mattress should fit properly in the crib with no gaps more significant than two fingers.
- Place your baby's crib away from windows, direct sunlight, and radiators or heat sources.
- Keep in mind the AAP's safe sleep guidelines. This means your baby should always sleep alone in their bassinet or crib, on their back, on a firm surface that isn't slanted, with no blankets, toys, pillows, bumpers, or other objects in their bassinet or crib.
The Best Baby Cribs are comfortable and safe for Your Little One
1.Best Overall: Babyletto Hudson 3-In-1 Convertible Crib
This eco-friendly, Amazon-favorite Babyletto crib takes the top spot on our list because of over 2,000 positive reviews from real parents and a 4.8-star rating. It's made of solid, sustainably harvested New Zealand pine wood. It has four adjustable mattress heights, which your back will appreciate. It's one of the most stylish modern cribs on the market. And it instantly transforms drab nurseries into magazine-worthy displays.
It comes with a toddler conversion kit. So you'll have one less thing to buy when upgrading to a big kid's bed. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified. Reviewers appreciate how simple it is to put together and how well it works. Made, and the modern, mid-century design looks stunning in the nursery.
Pros
- 4 adjustable mattress height positions
- Clean, modern design
- Converts to a toddler and daybed
- Easy to assemble
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified
- Sustainably made
Cons
- Only available in natural neutral colors and natural wood.
2. Best Budget: Dream On Me Bellport 4 In 1 Convertible Mini/Portable Crib
Babies are expensive, so if you can find a crib that is as easy on the eyes as it is on your wallet, you've won the baby gear lottery. This dreamy Bellport 4-in-1 convertible crib is our favorite low-cost option because it can grow with your child—from the newborn stage as a mini crib to the significant kid years once it converts to a twin-size or daybed.
It's ideal if your baby's nursery is small. It's room sharing, or you're moving the little one in with a big sibling. It also includes a mattress pad to protect their crib mattress from the inevitable middle-of-the-night diaper blowout. One taller side also means more longevity.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Three mattress height options
- Grows with them, from a mini crib to a twin bed Small footprint
- Water-based finishes that are non-toxic and safe for children
- Several color options are available.
- It includes a mattress pad.
Cons
- Some reviewers express dissatisfaction with the exterior finish.
3. Best Luxury: Oeuf Sparrow Crib
Worth the money! Interior designers love simplicity and clean lines. And sustainability of the cult-favorite furniture (and kids' wear)—brand—which unquestionably makes a nursery. The Sparrow Crib is made of solid birch and Baltic birch plywood. It is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (or to pass down to multiple children).
It's GREENGUARD gold certified, so you know your child breathes clean air. And it's made with non-toxic, water-based finishes. Its low profile footprint also makes it a great nursery space saver. Sparrow has three adjustable mattress height positions. But if you want to convert it into a toddler bed, purchase the toddler conversion kit. A big kid bed is just down the road.
Pros
- Superb quality/built to last a lifetime
- GREENGUARD GOLD certification
- Made in a sustainable manner
- Water-based, non-toxic finishes
- Three mattress height adjustment positions
Cons
- Separately, a toddler conversion kit must be purchased.
- Expensive
4. Best Portable: Guava Lotus Travel Crib
The traveling sleep solution you've been looking for, whether you're flying across town to see Grandma or across the country. The Lotus is one of the best portable baby cribs. Its super light, weighing only 15 pounds. It folds up small enough to fit in a backpack for easy transport at the airport and elsewhere.
When dealing with a cranky, tired-out baby after a long day of travel, setting up takes 15 seconds or less. Its ease of use earned it a top spot on the list of the best travel cribs. The Lotus doubles as a great play yard when a baby isn't sleeping. Allowing you to keep them safe while you shower or open the door.
Allow them to explore through the side zipper door. Just make sure to use a fitted sheet that is comfortable and easy to clean.
The Lotus has breathable mesh sides that allow you to see a baby always. It is the only GREENGUARD Gold Certified travel crib on the market. Earning it a lot of points. Over 2,000 positive reviews and a 4.8 (out of 5) stars speak for themselves.
Pros
- Extremely light weight
- Simple to assemble and disassemble
- Folds into a handy backpack carrying case.
- Doubles as a play yard and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified.
- There is no weight restriction.
Cons
- You won't be able to use it once your child begins climbing out.
5. Best DESIGN: Delta Children Abby Convertible Crib AND Changer
A game changer. This high-quality Delta convertible crib includes a super-convenient changing station with a changing pad and a safety strap. There is also plenty of storage space for diapers, wipes, burp cloths, and other baby essentials—all within arm's reach.
Parents will appreciate that it is built to last. Transforming into a toddler bed, or daybed. And even a full-size mattress that feels timeless and does not appear childish. It's one of the most feasible cribs for babies and a breeze to put together.
Pros
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly Daybed rail included
- Three mattress height adjustment positions
- It has built-in changing stations and a changing pad.
- provides plenty of storage space for baby necessities
- Converts from a toddler bed to a daybed to a full-size bed.
- The clever design makes purchasing a crib enjoyable.
Cons
- This baby crib does not include a toddler guardrail or a full-size bed frame.
Baby Cribs are essential pieces of furniture when caring for a baby. They are a safe place for your child to sleep. It must be not only durable but also have pretty simple instructions that result in relatively painless assembly. It also helps if they look good in your baby's nursery.