With 4 million babies are born each year in the United States, parents are piecing together nurseries every day. And the one thing that will stand out in any nursery is the baby’s crib, where it will (hopefully) spend many hours peacefully sleeping Finding the best baby cribs should be an exciting experience for any new parent. But walk into any store that sells cribs and you’re bound to feel overwhelmed almost immediately! Different colors, types, features, functions, and prices all meet eager but confused parents.
What’s Here?
Every parent desires a crib that’s reliable, functional, safe, affordable, and attractive. But what is the best baby crib and how do you know if it’s right for you?
We’re going to explore 10 of the best rated baby cribs and other information you need to know before you complete your nursery. Up first are the best cribs for babies review section. Then we’ll move into our buyers guide.
Top 10 Best Baby Cribs: Cribs for Nurseries and Master Bedrooms
Ready to shop? Let’s get started! We’ve rounded up the best baby crib brands around and sifted through what they offer. In this list we have a variety of styles, and prices to help fit the needs of your baby and nursery. Here are the 10 best cribs 2018 & 2019.
1. Babyletto’s Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
Best Non Toxic Cribs
The sleek and sturdy Babyletto’s Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib is one of the best convertible cribs. Available in a wide variety of colors and made with sustainable, nontoxic materials, it’s a high-quality choice for parents. Babyletto is a reputable brand and this crib will last you multiple kids!
2. DaVinci Kalani Mini Crib
Best Mini Crib
Mini cribs fit snugly into small spaces like apartments and are a perfect choice for those that do not want a bulky crib. The DaVinci Kalani Mini Crib has four adjustable mattress heights and is composed of sustainable pinewood from New Zealand. This same crib style is available in full size if you like the look but need something larger.
3. Carter’s Colby Convertible Crib
Best Crib for Small Spaces
Friendly on the wallet and heavy on the safety the Carter’s Colby Convertible Crib comes with a conversion kit to make converting to a larger bed simple. A bonus feature is the storage drawer on the bottom for storing all the baby things! This makes it a great option for people needing extra space for clothes, sheets, or blankets. True to DaVinci’s standards, this Carter’s crib is Greenguard Gold Certified.
4. DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
Best Rated Baby Cribs
For a less traditional look, take a look at this nostalgic DaVinci Jenny Lind Convertible Crib. DaVinci cribs have a solid reputation, so you know you’re getting a superb, safe product. This crib is the recipient of many awards from top companies and is available in several stunning colors. It’s one of the best rated baby cribs on the market!
5. Stork Craft Tuscany 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Best Baby Cribs for Style
If you love the modern meets traditional look, the Stork Craft Tuscany 4-in-1 is an excellent choice. This convertible baby crib has three mattress adjustments and is constructed of solid pine and other materials. The finishes are brilliant and it exceeds all the safety standards. It’s a solid and classic choice.
6. Evolur Madison 5 in 1 Curved Top Convertible Crib
Best Baby Cribs Made of Hardwood
Modern coloring meets antique and classic style! This beautiful hardwood crib from Evolur has amazing etching and is a piece of furniture that will enhance your nursery without added decor. This is one of the more spendy cribs on our best cribs list, but if you can splurge- splurge right! The only downside is that the conversion set is sold separately.
7. Dream On Me 2-in-1 Portable Crib
Best Portable Crib
This portable crib from Dream On Me is a great option for people with smaller homes, or that need to be able to move the crib easily from time to time. The mattress height is adjustable, and it is a full size crib. Made of solid pine wood, the folding system is unique to the brand, and patented. It’s easily the best portable crib on the market. As a bonus, for just $20 more you can get the crib with a mattress included.
8. Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
Best Convertible Cribs
Let’s take the best convertible cribs to the next level with the Graco Benton 5-in-1 best baby crib. This amazingly constructed crib has different height adjustments as baby grows. After their infant stage, the bed can become a toddler bed, day bed, or even a full bed with a few additions to the construction. One thing that makes Graco’s Benton line make our best baby cribs list is the brand’s reputation for making quality cribs at affordable price points. The features and quality make The Graco Benton line easily the best convertible baby cribs available.
9. Million Dollar Baby Classic Sullivan 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Best High-End Baby Crib
If you’re looking for a stunning, high-quality addition to your nursery, the Million Dollar Baby 4-in-1 convertible crib is it. It’s four beds in one: a crib, a toddler bed, a daybed, and with additional rail purchase, a full-size bed for an older child. The design is clean and timeless, and the hardware is hidden for your baby’s protection.
10. Sorelle Tuscany 4-in-1 Convertible Crib & Changer
Best Baby Crib Sets
The convenience of having a changer and crib side-by-side is too good to pass up for some. The Sorelle Tuscany crib has three mattress levels with an attached changing station with drawers for loads of storage. With these features plus its affordability, this crib is a catch and the best baby crib sets you can find.
Three Things You Need to Know Before Buying A Baby Crib
From the moment you clutch that ultrasound picture that announces parenthood, you want to begin planning the nursery. That’s great!
Before you begin browsing cribs though, take inventory of these three important factors that can help guide your choice.
Buy A New Crib
While used cribs may seem enticing to your budget, and considering all the other purchases you’ll be making for your little one, older or used cribs likely do not follow current safety standards. Crib safety standards are governed and developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Cribs that meet these guidelines are sealed with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) so look for a crib with this seal. They set rigorous standards in place to keep children safe.
If buying new isn’t an option, try to find a crib that’s a year or two old and investigate it for recalls before buying. Several cribs are recalled every year due to faulty construction. Remember to keep the crib as empty and basic as possible. Avoid dressing it up with toys, stuffed animals, pillows, blankets, and the like. Keeping these items out of the crib reduces your baby’s risk of suffocation.
Get Assembly Assistance
Cribs are always delivered or purchased unassembled.
If you’re unsure of how to properly assemble a crib, reach out to handy family or friends to help you out. The stores will often provide this assistance for a fee, so inquire about assembly and consider this if it’s affordable. This way, you know the crib is secure, and you can inspect it for dents, other flaws, and proper assembly.
Doors are more narrow than cribs, so assemble the crib in the place the baby will sleep. Experts suggest having your baby sleep with you separately, but in the same room, for the first 6 months of life. Eventually, the crib will need to come apart to move it to the child’s room.
Buy Mattress And Sheets at The Same Time
Buying the mattress separately is what most people do, but buying them together is best. Purchasing the mattress with the crib ensures a good fit, so it spares you the trouble of returning it. Look for a mattress that is 27 1/4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches in length, and 6 inches thick and no more. Sheets need to be tight fitting so the baby does not get tangled in them. Check that the elastic is strong and try tugging it to test that it does not come off.
Three Benefits of Owning a Baby Crib
The use of a baby crib is a debatable topic between parents and experts nowadays. The debate revolves around co-sleeping and floor sleeping, verses crib sleeping. However, there are a few important reasons for putting your baby to sleep in his or her crib.
Safest Place
- The safest place for your baby is their crib.
- A crib lined with a tight-fitting sheet is best.
Reusable
- Many parents wish to have multiple children. The reliability and sturdy nature of a crib allow it to be used numerous times with other children. This is an economical choice, as you be saving money.
Use it For A Lifetime
- Even if you add children to your family, the crib will eventually be used for a child in the future if you purchase a convertible crib.
- The best convertible cribs are built well, meant to withstand many years of use.
- Make sure to purchase the additional rail kit to complete the conversion when you’re ready
What to Look For When Shopping For A Baby Crib
Don’t get lost in the endless supply of cribs for your newborn. Keep these things in mind while shopping.
Safety
Safety in a crib always takes priority.
Take into account these safety features:
- Carries a seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
- Greenguard Gold Certified, which is a certification stating that the crib has low emissions and chemicals
- Meets standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- All hardware is secure
- Is brand new
- There is no drop-down sidebar
Convertible Crib
A convertible crib is one of the best baby cribs because of it’s continued use. Even if you’re sticker shocked by the cost of some convertible cribs, remember, you will get many miles out of this crib. Consider it an investment.
Budget
No matter how adorable the crib is, try not to overspend! Babies go through roughly 2,500 diapers in their first year and diapers are not cheap! Blowing your budget on a crib can strap you for other necessities.
Have A Vision
The theme of the nursery is usually designed around the crib. Do a little planning to decide a theme (ie: woodland creatures, ocean animals, etc.), and color schemes so you have a vision moving forward. Knowing what you don’t want, helps you to narrow in on what you do want.