What to expect when you’re expecting: shopping for a crib to adorn your baby’s nursery. But, believe it or not, a crib comes in way more varieties than you may think.
From convertible options that’ll grow with your baby from infant to toddler and elementary-school ages alike to travel-friendly options to ensure your little one gets a good night’s rest — much like a quality car seat or playpen— you’ll want to do all the research to ensure you’re hand-picking one that meets your lifestyle, aesthetic and budget.
“Always purchase a crib that meets current safety standards,” Holly Choi, co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, baby and toddler safety expert, certified Red Cross first aid instructor and Child-Passenger Safety Technician-Instructor (CPST-I), told the New York Post. “Even if something used looks like it’s in great condition, safety standards change regularly! In recent years, drop-side cribs (where the rail on one side could be lowered) were banned by the CPSC due to risk of entrapment and multiple fatal injuries.”
Choi outlines more important information as it relates to baby and child safety in our expert-backed FAQ section, in which she elaborates on certain criteria to keep in mind when shopping for a newly minted crib. More, we hand-picked the best cribs on the market for you to browse and add to your cart.
While you’re completing your nursery, be sure to check out our guide to the best dressers and bookshelves to tie the entire room together.
1. SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet, $1,695
While the SNOO will cost you a pretty penny, it’s the first smart baby bassinet of its kind and worth the cost to many sleep-deprived parents.
Like an extra set of hands, the FDA-authorized SNOO helps little ones sleep with constant calming, womb-like rocking and sounds for all naps and nights. Its quick response often calms upsets in under a minute and the “5-second swaddle” reduces dangerous rolling. Plus, the bassinet will help sleep-train your baby and make transitioning to a crib that much easier.
If a brand-new SNOO is out of budget, don’t fret! The brand also offers an FDA-authorized SNOO rental option ($159/month) and a Pre-Loved SNOO option for a lower price point, too.
Another incredible program that Happiest Baby created to make SNOOs even more accessible is its corporate rental program, which allows parent employees from select companies to get a free 6-month SNOO rental as an employee benefit.
2. Nurture& The Crib, $674, original price: $799
- Dimensions: 35″H x 54.5″W x 29.63″D
Crafted with sustainably harvested wood and premium materials, The Crib from Nurture& features a modern design, is fully adjustable, and is built to grow with your baby for years to come.
Available in six colors.
3. DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, $200
- Dimensions: 35″ (W) x 54.5″ (L) x 42″ (H)
The DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is backed by more than 4,000 positive reviews, much ado to its quality material and four adjustable mattress positions. Its espresso hue is made of 100% solid sustainable New Zealand-derived pine wood, as is the case with its other color offerings.
4. Lotus Travel Crib, $239, original price: $280
- Dimensions: 45.5″ (W) x 31.5″ (L) x 25.5″ (H)
For a safe, travel-friendly crib to allow your little one to catch those ZZZs, the Lotus Travel Crib is one of the most acclaimed with more than 2,000 rave reviews. You’ll appreciate its 15-second setup and only weighs 15 pounds once packed. Additionally, its spacious and ultra-comfortable.
5. Pottery Barn Kids Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib, $499
- Dimensions: 53.8″ (W) x 29.5″ (L) x 35″ (H)
This guide would be incomplete without a mention of Pottery Barn Kids. Shop its best-selling crib, the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib, an option that’s just shy of $500 and matches a variety of decor aesthetics. Plus, it comes in a multitude of colors, is crafted from sustainable pine wood and mild steel and offers four mattress height options to accommodate your growing baby.
6. West Elm Kids Mid-Century Painted Convertible Crib, $594, original price: $699
- Dimensions: 51″ (W) x 1.6″ (D) x 17.5″ (H)
To match your jungle- or nature-inspired nursery, shop the West Elm Kids Mid-Century Painted Convertible Crib. Namely, this option converts into a toddler bed, is durably made with sustainably sourced wood and covered in a child-safe, water-based finish.
7. Storkcraft Portofino 5-in-1 Convertible Crib & Changer, $308, original price: $460
- Dimensions: 32.9″ (W) x 70.8″ (L) x 43.1″ (H)
Get the best of both worlds with the Storkcraft Portofino 5-in-1 Convertible Crib & Changer, an extendable and convertible option that will come in handy when changing your baby’s diaper. Even better, there are drawers and storage options to help save space in your nursery.
8. Simmons Kids’ Slumbertime Monterey 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, $320
- Dimensions: 55.3″ (W) x 30.8″ (D) x 45″ (H)
The Simmons Kids’ Slumbertime Monterey 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is a fairly priced option that not only converts to a toddler bed, but a full-sized bed later one. Even better, it’s compatible with three different mattress height options in addition to well-made slats.
9. Dream on Me Violet 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, $139, original price: $200
- Dimensions: 25″ (W) x 40″ (L) x 36″ (H)
Add some height and curvature to your nursery with the Dream on Me Violet 4-in-1 Convertible Crib. With nearly 1,500 reviews, it comes in a rainbow of colors (including a beautiful lavender, BTW) and built of solid pine wood. More, it boasts a minimalist design that’s durable and three-positioned.
10. Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, $130, original price: $200
- Dimensions: 28″ (W) x 39″ (L) x 38″ (H)
With more than 7,000 rave reviews on Amazon, the Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Crib will cost you no more than $200 and is crafted with a long-lasted design, thanks to its New Zealand-derived plywood construction. More, it’s convertible, has a three-position mattress support and is certified nontoxic.
An FAQ on Baby Cribs
Ahead, Choi gives us the 411 on safety notes to keep in mind when buying a brand-new crib.
What to keep in mind when buying a crib, according to an expert
When shopping for a crib, it’s always best to buy new when you can, from a reputable retailer and to know you’re getting a crib that meets current standards — above all else.
“Current cribs that meet today’s standards will have no more than 2-3/6 inches of space between the slats to prevent a baby becoming stuck between the slats,” Choi tells The Post. “Generally speaking, if you can fit a soda can through the crib slats, the spacing is too broad and the crib should not be used.”
Ensure the mattress you select for the crib fits snugly to prevent the baby slipping between the mattress and the crib frame, too.
In terms of the mattress firmness: the firmer the mattress, the better! “Firm mattresses help to reduce the risk of SIDS by reducing suffocation risk when compared to a plush surface,” Choi adds.
The different types of cribs on the market, explained by an expert
Below, Choi explains the different styles of cribs you can shop for online:
- Standard cribs: As its categorical name suggests, this is what most people think of.
- Mini cribs: These are smaller versions of a standard crib, popular for having inside the parents’ bedroom for the first months of a child’s life, or for smaller living spaces like apartments. However, they are outgrown sooner due to their size not being able to accommodate larger babies/toddlers. They are typically used for a few months, rather than a few years.
- Travel cribs and play yards: When used correctly and following manufacturers instructions, can be good solutions for a temporary sleep space. Always read the safety warnings carefully and do not use a mattress that did not come with the travel crib or play yard as it could increase suffocation risk.
Safety notes to keep in mind when shopping for a crib, explained by an expert
Before shopping for a new mattress, read up on Choi’s expert tips to ensure you’re being extra cautious when it comes to your baby’s nap time and sleep schedules.
Once a child can roll, ensure you’re lowering their mattress
Many mattresses have multiple height settings. “If a child can sit up or pull themselves up to a seated position, it’s best to lower the mattress to its lowest setting at that point,” Choi advises. “Lowering the mattress will greatly reduce the risk of falls and head injuries if the child were to attempt to climb out of the crib.”
There is no risk in lowering the crib mattress earlier for peace of mind, too.
Keep an eye on them over the baby monitor, because babies are known to practice rolling, sitting and pulling themselves up when they wake up from their nap
“They may be working on their milestones when you’re not watching, so it’s good to be one step ahead!” Choi says. After all, you don’t want to miss them standing up or waving. For top recommendations, check out our guide to the best baby monitors.
Avoid any cords within 3 feet of the crib
This includes lamp cords, blind cords, electrical cords, and most commonly: baby monitor cords. “Use cord cleats to wind up excess blind cords, or ‘cable concealers’ (adhesive channels for cords placed on the wall of the room) to keep other cords safely out of reach of babies,” Choi says.
Avoid loose bedding or stuffed animals
“Soft” goods such as blankets, stuffed animals and the like are not recommended under 12 months as a means of reducing suffocation risk, per Choi. “On the other hand, it’s recommended to wait at least 24 months before introducing a pillow,” she adds.
Also be mindful that stuffed animals are a “slippery slope” in that one quick becomes two becomes three. “If your child is a climber, all the more reason to avoid stuffed animals in the crib as long as you can!” Choi notes.
What age, typically, do babies grow out of their cribs?
According to Choi, most cribs will accommodate a child until age 3 (yes, 3!) and if you can make to age 3, great!
“However, sometimes a child tries to climb out sooner and that can become a fall risk,” Choi warns. “Most children will be tall enough to climb out when they are roughly 35” tall.”
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