Babies donât require much, but certain gear and supplies are absolute essentials. Your baby will (hopefully) spend many hours of their life sleeping, so finding a crib you trust is a big aspect of feeling ready for parenting. A safe, comfortable crib just right for your little one can make you feel more prepared to welcome your baby home.
In the interest of safety and getting the most bang for your buck, we prioritized convertible cribs, Greenguard Gold, and JPMA-certified cribs to meet the highest environmental and safety standards.
Top 10 Cribs
- Best Overall: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
- Best for the Environment: Nestig Wave
- Best Under $200: Dream on Me Chelsea
- Best for Tall Babies (and Tall Parents): DaVinci Jayden
- Best Overall: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
- Best Design: Evolur Aurora
- Best Metal: Million Dollar Baby Classic Winston
- Best Space Saver: Babyletto Origami Mini Crib
- Best for Smart Features: Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet
- Best for Storage: Graco Remi
How We Chose the Best Cribs
We researched manufacture specifications, including dimensions, safety certifications, convertibility, and more to create a shortlist of the top cribs. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions as well as ratings and reviews to name the best cribs for each category.
Best Overall: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
What We Like
- Modern, airy design
- Easy to assemble
- Stylish and sturdy
What We Dislike
- Sticky labels difficult to remove
- Doesn’t fit through standard doorway
- Short in height
The Babyletto Hudson is popular with parents for its modern, open, and airy design. The Babyletto uses hidden hardware construction that keeps screws from showing on the exterior, making for a more polished appearance than other cribs on the market. Parents say itâs easy for one person to assemble, and the quality holds up as the baby gets older. It comes in several colors, including two-toned options, so you can choose a style that fits your taste.
Some parents pointed out that a standard crib skirt doesnât fit, and others said the crib turned out to be too short for early climbers. A few parents also mentioned that their cribs arrived with sticky labels that were difficult to remove.
Overall, this crowd-pleasing crib gets consistently high reviews for function, ease of use, and attractiveness. Several users thank Babyletto for âthe gift of sleep.â This crib offers a lot of bang for your buck, and its simple, yet contemporary quality propels it to the top of our list.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 53.75 x 35 x 29.75 in.
Safety Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified
Best for the Environment: Nestig Wave Crib
What We Like
- Made to order â limits wood waste
- Made of sustainable Brazilian Pine
- Easy to assemble, sturdy, and versatile
What We Dislike
- Shipping typically takes four weeks (or longer for certain models) and crib may arrive in multiple boxes
- Shorter in height than other models
- Mini-crib isn’t a standard size
The second you see your new babyâs face, youâll probably get that innate instinct to protect the little one and the world in which the baby will grow up. A sustainable crib can leave a gentle footprint on the planet for your babyâs generation.
Nestig cribs are made to order and created from sustainable Brazilian pine. Limiting inventory means reducing wood waste. These cribs are easy to assemble and built to last as your family grows. According to product reviews, parents rave about the cribâs sturdy construction and clean, minimalist style.
Itâs hard to find many drawbacks for this crib, but parents note that shipping can take a long time, and the crib may arrive in multiple boxes. The Nestig is also shorter in height than other models, which is ideal for petite parents (though less convenient for tall families). Youâll also want to be mindful of the fact that the mini crib option doesnât come in a standard size.
But overall, the Nestig Wave crib earns points for style, function, and environmental consciousness. If those factors are important to you, this crib will be a great fit for your nursery.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 53.5 x 31 x 31.5 in.
Safety Certifications: JPMA Certified
Best Under $200: Dream on Me Chelsea 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
What We Like
- Flowing, elegant design
- Affordable price
- Lightweight yet sturdy
What We Dislike
- Made from thin wood
- Can easily be scratched
- Paint flakes when teething babies bite crib rail
It can be tough to find a crib that offers style, function, and reliability without paying a hefty price tag. The Dream on Me Chelsea crib features a wavy top bar to add personality to your nursery. At only 37 pounds, this crib is one of the lighter models on our list, which can be handy if you think youâll be rearranging or redecorating the space often. Reviewers say theyâve passed down the crib to multiple children, so you can definitely get years of use out of this less-than-$200 product.
Some reviewers also noted that the wood was thinner than expected, and the crib had dings and scratches on it upon arrival (although this is a common complaint across most crib models). If your child is a vigorous teether, be warned â some users said their children were able to bite the crib hard enough to damage the paint, so you might want to consider a plastic guard to protect both your child and the crib.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 53 x 29 x 38 in.
Safety Certifications: JPMA Certified
Best for Tall Babies (and Tall Parents): DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
What We Like
- Elegant, classic style
- Easy to assemble
- High rails
What We Dislike
- Top seam may split
- Curves can make it hard to attach mobile
- Screw holes aren’t hidden
Finding the right crib means finding one thatâs comfortable for you and your baby to use. For tall families, bending down to lower the baby into a crib can lead to back pain. And if the baby is tall too, it may be easier to climb out of the crib.
The DaVinci Jayden has a high backboard thatâs still slatted and breathable, unlike some competitors that use a solid backboard. The sloping sides of the crib add an elegant touch and a few extra inches. The slope and extra height may make it more difficult for your baby to climb out. Some brilliant parents recommend turning the crib backward, so the high (but open) âbackâ side of the crib faces outward, and the short side faces the wall. This will keep tall tots safe and snug.
Although parents also praise the cribâs easy assembly and adjustability, some note that the top seam is prone to cracking or splitting. A plastic guard can likely protect your child from any cracked edges. Another downside is that the curvy sides of the crib may make it tricky to attach accessories like a mobile.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 58.25 x 31 x 49 in.
Safety Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified
Best for Easy Assembly: Noni Full-Size Baby Crib
What We Like
- Tool-free assembly
- FSC-certified wood
- Range of colorful, baby-safe finishes
What We Dislike
- Toddler rail must be purchased separately
- Pricey
- Doesn’t have Greenguard Gold and JPMA certifications as some other competitors
Complicated assembly is one of the main complaints associated with almost any crib on the market. Spending 30 minutes or an hour juggling screws, getting holes to match up, and twisting pieces into place isnât anyoneâs idea of a good time â especially if youâre eight or nine months pregnant.
The Noni crib makes an unbelievable promise: Setup takes just two minutes. Your partner can squeeze in crib assembly in between contractions (just kidding). The crib comes together via interlocking slats in the sides and doesnât require any tools. It also folds flat when disassembled, uses FSC-certified sustainable wood, and comes in various color options.
Although the Noni does offer a toddler rail option, thatâs as far as it converts. The Noni is also pricey, at $770 for the crib and $345 for the toddler rail. Finally, the Noni doesnât list the Greenguard Gold and JPMA certifications that many other crib models on our list meet. However, it does comply with various crib safety standards, such as California Prop 65.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 57 x 32 x 35 in.
Safety Certifications: Complies with 16 CFR 1303 and California Prop 65 Standards and ASTM F 406 safety standards for cribs
Best Design: Evolur Aurora 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
What We Like
- Luxury feel and solid, sturdy hardwood
- Delicate carvings
- Easy to assemble
What We Dislike
- Heavy
- Reviews say colors vary from online depictions (for example, “gold dust” color appears more silver upon arrival)
- On the expensive side
Many cribs on the market offer sleek, modern designs and a sense of Scandinavian minimalism. But some new parents dream of a nursery fit for baby royalty. The Evolur Aurora is a luxurious crib that looks like it came out of a fairy tale.
Kiln-dried hardwood, delicate carvings, a curving headboard, and Queen Anne-style feet contribute to the elegant and feminine style of this crib. It comes in multiple finishes (varied white and metallic hues), and parents will appreciate the smooth, luxurious feel of the wood and veneer. This is an excellent choice if youâre looking for something glamorous.
The solid hardwood, however, does mean the crib is heavy, coming in at 97 pounds. In addition, itâs definitely on the pricier side. Some reviewers noted that certain hues donât appear exactly as depicted on the website. It may be worth browsing the different color options in store to achieve your particular dream nursery.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 58.5 x 33 x 54.25 in.
Safety Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified
Best Metal Crib: Million Dollar Baby Classic Winston 4-in-1 Convertible Metal Crib
What We Like
- Sturdy, long-lasting
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Elegant, vintage design
What We Dislike
- Powder finish can mark
- Trouble aligning screws
- Color variation
Some parents prefer metal cribs over wood ones for design purposes because metal isnât as scratch-prone and often wears better. The Million Dollar Baby Classic Winston features a sweet, vintage charm with its steel, powder-coated finish that meets Greenguard Gold standards for chemical emissions and VOCs.
Some reviewers, however, pointed out that the powder finish may still scuff or show marks, and those who ordered a black crib said it appeared as dark brown instead.
This crib gives off a vintage look but offers a modern approach to protection against chemical emissions, making it a solid choice for fans of this style. Parents also rave about how sturdy the crib is, referring to it as a heritage piece for the family.*
*Due to constant changes in crib safety standards, we recommend purchasing a brand-new crib.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 54 x 30 x 46 in.
Safety Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified
Best Space Saver: Babyletto Origami Mini Crib
What We Like
- Foldable
- Rolls on squeak-free locking casters
- Mini size perfect for small-space living
What We Dislike
- Doesn’t convert to a full-size crib
- Pricier than some other mini cribs
- Flimsy mattress pad
Space is at a premium for some new parents, especially if they live in an apartment or small house. A mini crib leaves a small footprint, ideal for using a smaller space more effectively. The Babyletto Origami Mini Crib, true to its name, folds flat for storage or more accessible transportation.
This foldability makes it especially handy to take in the car to visit the grandparents (or to stash an extra one at Grandma and Grandpaâs house). This mini crib comes in several finishes and rolls on squeak-free gliding casters with a reliable locking function.
Unlike most of the cribs on our list, this mini option doesnât convert to a full-sized crib. Once your child hits 35 inches tall, youâll need to purchase a new bed. Although the Babyletto Origami is pricier than other options, coming in at $299, the combination of its space-saving and stylish features makes it a smart choice for parents who want to make a big impact in a small space.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 39.2 x 25.7 x 36 in.
Safety Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified
Best for Smart Features: Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet
What We Like
- Software distinguishes baby cries from other noise
- Responsive technology helps settle and rock baby to sleep
- Designed to give parents extra hours of sleep
What We Dislike
- Expensive
- Only fits babies 25 pounds and under
- Difficult to store
Every baby is a âgood baby,â but some babies are ⌠less skilled at sleeping than others. And youâll want to do whatever it takes for everyone to get the rest they need.
The Snoo is smaller than a standard crib, which saves space if youâre planning on sleeping in the same room as your baby (which many pediatricians recommend until 12 months of age). The crib has a sensor to detect if your baby is fussing or crying, and it jiggles to soothe the little one back to sleep. Connect your Snoo to an app to track wakeups and sleep stretches to get more insight into your babyâs sleeping patterns.
This is the OG âsmart cribâ designed by Dr. Harvey Karp (author of The Happiest Baby on the Block). Other smart crib model reviews report bugs or glitches in the code, which is not what you want to deal with at 3 a.m.
The main downside of this crib is the high cost of $1,695 to purchase it new or $159 per month to rent it. This bassinet should only be used until your baby hits 25 pounds (or around 6 months old). If a smart crib sounds tempting to you, this is the model you want.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 35.83 Ă 18.9 Ă 32.28 in.
Safety Certifications: Included sheet made of GOTS-certified organic cotton
Best for Storage: Graco Remi 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer
What We Like
- Comes with a spacious drawer below crib, three changing table drawers, and two shelves
- Safety strap included with changing table
- Easy to assemble
What We Dislike
- Small changing table drawers
- Heavier than some other crib and changer models
- Changing table area may feel cramped as baby gets larger
Parents hoping to use space efficiently should select a crib that serves multiple purposes. The Graco Remi offers storage and changing and can even convert to a full-sized bed. This crib offers a broader range of storage than most other models, including a full drawer below the crib, open changing table shelves, and concealed drawers.
Reviewers said they loved the cribâs sturdiness and easy assemblage process. But the sturdiness does come with some weight â the Graco Remi is 105 pounds, which is heavier than several similar models. Some parents also noted that the changing table felt too small when their baby was big enough to twist and roll around.
Overall, the multiple storage options, concealed drawers (which are perfect for keeping diapers and wipes out of sight), and the sturdiness of this crib are what sold us on this product.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 71.77 x 29.53 x 35.94 in.
Safety Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified
Bottom Line
When choosing the best crib for you, consider what suits your tastes and budget. There are plenty of safe, sturdy, and attractive options, whether you want a lightweight classic thatâs easy to transport or something sturdier, heavier, and grander. Extra features like wheels, an attached changing table, or even smart technology may be important factors to consider as well.
Ultimately, a brand-new crib is a must-have for most parents. Whatever your budget and preferences, the best result is to find a crib you ultimately trust for your baby.
FAQs
Whatâs the safest crib for a baby?
New cribs are generally safest since you may not know how a used crib was previously handled or if itâs been recalled. Never use a drop-side crib, as these have been illegal since 2011 for safety reasons. To ensure the crib is set up safely, use a snug-fitting mattress and make sure slats arenât more than 2 3/4 inches apart (which you can test using a soda can).
Whatâs the most popular crib?
The Babyletto Hudson is a crowd-pleasing option, with 88% of reviewers giving a five-star rating. Other highly-rated cribs include the Nestig Wave and Dream On Me Chelsea cribs.
Whatâs the best crib for the money?
The Dream On Me Chelsea crib is our pick of value as itâs less than $200. That being said, parents who swear by pricier options such as the Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper say extra sleep is worth every penny. When deciding on the best crib, it should fit your budget and style, so browse through the quality options available, which come in a range of prices.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.