The Best Crib
We looked at the top 12 Cribs and dug through the reviews from 189 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Cribs.
Our Review Process
Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.
Our Picks For The Top Cribs
- 1. Delta Children Emery Deluxe 6-In-1 Convertible Crib
- 2. Babyletto Hudson 3-In-1 Toddler Bed Conversion Kit & Convertible Crib
- 3. Dream On Me Aden 4-In-1 Convertible Mini Crib
- 4. Union 3-In-1 Greenguard Gold Certified Convertible Crib
- 5. DaVinci Kalani 4-In-1 Greenguard Gold Certified Convertible Crib
- 6. Storkcraft Portofino 4-In-1 Fixed Side Convertible Crib & Changer
- 7. Delta Children Canton 4-In-1 Convertible Baby Crib
- 8. Graco 04530-21F Storkcraft Benton 4-In-1 Convertible Crib
- 9. Delta Children Portable Mattress & Mini Baby Crib
- 10. Graco 04530-21G Storkcraft Benton 4-In-1 Full Size Convertible Crib
- 11. Dream On Me Carson Classic 3-In-1 Convertible Crib
- 12. Dream On Me Synergy 5-In-1 Convertible Crib
If you're looking for a crib that will grow with your baby, this model is your best bet. It starts out as a crib, but can then be converted into a toddler bed, sofa bed, daybed, full bed with headboard and footboard and full bed with headboard. Parents can choose between a white, dark chocolate or gray finish.
Grows With BabyThis crib comes with the option to purchase the crib by itself or with a mattress.
Parents can rest assured that this crib is lead and phthalate-free. The crib itself is designed to transform from a crib to a toddler bed and then to a daybed for older children. This company even sells a line of matching dressers if you're interested in an entire bedroom set.
Multiple Color OptionsWith six different finishes to choose from, you're sure to find a crib that matches the theme in your nursery.
You can feel good about purchasing this crib, as it's made using renewable and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. The crib is easy to assemble and comes with all the tools you need to get the job done. The crib features three different mattress heights, as well as four different configurations, including a crib, twin bed and daybed.
Gender-Neutral DesignSince this crib is made using a gender-neutral design, you'll be able to use it for either a boy or a girl.
Find a simple, modern-looking crib with the best value in this 3-in-1 convertible crib. It is a lightweight option that can easily be moved around a room, but durable enough to stay together very well. The pinewood material is a bit soft, but for baby it is perfect. Consumers love the ease of assembly of this crib.
Lightweight Yet DurableThis convertible crib will give parents the durability they want with a lightweight product that can easily be moved.
Buying Guide
The biggest purchase you’ll make after finding out you’re about to become a parent is a crib.
As the days roll closer to bringing your baby home, you will want to prepare in so many ways. There is quite a bit of design effort put into cribs, and they are drastically different between companies. However, finding the best crib is not just a matter of personal style but also of safety. Discover what the experts are saying along with all the safety features to consider when shopping for that perfect crib for your little love.
Safety first when it comes to researching the best baby crib. Several safety features are required of manufacturers to include when designing a crib. These standards are set by the government based on past recalls and baby sleep studies. Manufacturers must abide by the standards or their product cannot be sold in stores.
To name a few safety standards: There cannot be a bigger gap than 2 3/8 inch between slats and corner posts as it has been determined that any bigger can cause entrapment issues for baby. The corner posts should not be higher than 1/16 inch above the end panels. All hardware should be set in securely without sharp screws or nail heads sticking out. Older, used cribs may pose the risk of lead paint so it is highly recommended to either get a lead test or just skip using an old crib. The mattress needs to be a tight fit so baby can’t get caught between the mattress and the slats. (When in the store looking at cribs, do the two-finger test: If you can fit two fingers side-by-side between the mattress and the slats, you need a bigger mattress than what they’ve got in there). Keep the baby’s crib free from all stuffed animals, bumpers and loose-fitting blankets and sheets.
Kate Desmond, a writer and infant safe-sleep expert as well as mom to two young daughters, has spent an enormous amount of time researching the safest and best products for her kids.
“The most important thing to consider when purchasing your baby’s crib is safety,” she says. “Remember, drop-side cribs are no longer deemed safe, so this is a great reason to say no to heirlooms from your mother-in-law. Mattresses are sold independently of cribs so be sure to select one that fits, leaving no gaps, and cover only with a tight-fitting crib sheet. Remember to keep the crib empty of all blankets, pillows and stuffed animals. Babies under one year of age sleep safest alone, on their back, in their crib.”
After learning the safety regulations and hearing from an expert, you know what to look for and can go shopping. One last thing to consider is the size and style of your nursery as this will determine the crib you buy. If you are tight on space, you can consider a combination crib and changing table in one, like the Delta Children Emery Deluxe 6-In-1 Convertible Crib, Babyletto Hudson 3-In-1 Toddler Convertible Crib, Graco Storkcraft Benton 4-In-1 Convertible Crib or the Dream On Me Aden 4-In-1 Convertible Mini Crib.
All of these cribs will be a beautiful addition to a darling nursery of any style.
Our Expert Consultant
Parenting Pro and Safe-Sleep Expert
Kate Desmond is a writer and infant safe-sleep expert. She has spent the last eight years working as the marketing director for Charlie’s Kids Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to educate families about SIDS and safe sleep. In that role, she travels around the country learning and educating caregivers and providers on the latest and greatest safe-sleep information to prevent infant death.
As mom to two elementary-aged daughters, she spends hours researching the best and safest products for her own kids. She is quick to get in the weeds with other mamas, and uses humor to cope with parenting woes from potty-training to teaching kids to read.
Why we recommend these cribs?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 12 Cribs and also dug through the reviews from 189 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Cribs.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Bang For Your Buck
Union 3-In-1 Greenguard Gold Certified Convertible Crib
Key Takeawy
Find a simple, modern-looking crib with the best value in this 3-in-1 convertible crib. It is a lightweight option that can easily be moved around a room, but durable enough to stay together very well. The pinewood material is a bit soft, but for baby it is perfect. Consumers love the ease of assembly of this crib.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
What to Look For
- The safest cribs are usually the simplest. Find a crib that doesn’t have drop sides or fancy bed knobs on the corners.
- Buying new is best because it is more likely that it is up to safety standards.
- Bring a ruler with you to measure the spaces between the slats when you shop.
- Baby crib mattresses are also an item to buy new. Many have been recalled for being too soft. Also, when you buy new, you can buy one that fits super snug into your crib with no spaces on any side.
- Put tight-fitting sheets on your crib.
- “Most modern cribs require some assembly,” says Desmond, “Just make sure you follow the directions and ask an expert for help when needed.”
- For the mother’s healing and safety as well as the baby’s safety, you should pay attention to the level of height of the crib mattress. Most cribs have three levels to help parents reach the baby in the early stages but keep a growing baby safe from climbing out later on in their development.
- Immediately stop using a crib if you notice baby attempting to climb out.
More to Explore
Dating back to just the 19th century, cribs are a relatively new concept. Before cribs, parents co-slept with their babies, mostly because of the simplicity of homes and shelters. Even when cribs were invented, they were more like bassinets or cradles. The reason that cribs, bassinets and cradles were raised off the ground was because it was a common belief that toxic fumes were found below knee level and explosive vapors were found near the ceiling. Iron baby cribs were popular because they were thought to be sanitary and prevent bug infestations including lice, bed bugs and moths. These were not always safe, however, because frequently they were painted with lead paint.
The phrase crib was coined to describe a “slatted, high-sided child’s bed.” However, in Old English it means stall or manger. Now, the word “crib” is additionally used as slang for a person’s house.
Latest Reviews
