Best Cribs for Babies

There are so many things new parents have to think about. Bringing up a baby is no easy feat, but having the right accessories and baby products at your disposal can make matters a little easier. One of the first things you’ll have to sort out when you bring your baby home from the hospital is where he or she will sleep. Not only does your bedding choice ensure your child is safe and comfortable when they’re sleeping, but it also helps make sure that you get to rest as well. A baby that’s comfortable in their bed means that the parents can get some shut-eye, too.

The question remains: what is the best choice for a baby between a bassinet, a cradle or crib? All are suitable choices, but all with their pros and cons. Here’s what you need to know before you make your final choice.

Top Cribs	Specs
Delta Children Lancaster 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib check price	High-quality materials Adjustable mattress height Easy to assemble Can be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed
Union 3-in-1 Convertible Crib check price	Affordable price Adjustable mattress height Converts to a daybed and toddler bed Greenguard certified
Graco Solano 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer with Drawer check price	Adjustable mattress height Convertible Comes with a built-in changing table Under-crib drawer and side shelves offer plenty of storage space for baby stuff
Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib check price	Modern design Portable 2 adjustable mattress positions Compact – it will fit the smallest spaces

Bassinets vs Cradles vs Cribs: Which Do You Need?

While all three are valid bed choices for an infant, there are factors you should consider before you settle on one. To begin with, there are important design and functional differences between bassinets, cradles and cribs.

Bassinets are the smallest of the bunch and are usually meant for newborns only. They’re lightweight because they’re mostly made of cane and wicker, and they’re popular for their compact size and the fact that they can easily fit beside the parents’ bed.

Cradles are in between bassinets and cribs in terms of size, and are almost always constructed from wood. Another unique feature of cradles is that they have a gliding or a rocking mechanism that can help put a baby to sleep.

Lastly, cribs are the largest and (usually) the most expensice option, but also the only option that can last your baby all through their infancy to when you transition them to a toddler or child bed. They come in a variety of different designs and price ranges and are the most practical option if you want something to suit your baby as they grow.

Depending on your preferences, budget and available space in your home, some options might work better than others. If a crib fits your criteria of the features you want for your baby’s first bed, here’s what you need to pay attention to.

Important Features and Safety Considerations for Baby Cribs

Not all baby cribs are alike. There are significant differences in terms of quality, functionality and, most importantly, safety, that you have to consider before making your purchase. It’s important to note that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) doesn’t recommend using second-hand cribs, especially if they’re vintage. The idea of using an heirloom crib that’s been passed around the family might warm your heart, but it can also endanger your infant. Regulations and standards have improved over time, and many old cribs don’t meet today’s criteria for safety. They can contain lead, be designed in a way that’s ornamental yet unsafe for a baby, or they can simply be worse for wear and endanger your child with chipping paint, splinters, loose screws or weak support.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that all new baby cribs are perfectly safe – on the contrary. Many cribs get recalled due to safety concerns every day, so be sure to check if the model you have your eye on has been flagged for newly-discovered safety issues before you tuck in your little one.

As for features you should look for in baby cribs, there are many factors that deserve to be mentioned. From potential security and safety issues to style and budget, there’s plenty to consider before you make your pick.

Design Flaws to Avoid

The CPSC banned the sales of all cribs with so-called drop down sides, as the seemingly convenient design has been linked to numerous infant deaths. Another potentially dangerous flaw is corner posts that are either too high or too low, as your baby’s clothes could snag on them. The recommended dimensions of any corner posts in a crib are less than 1/16 of an inch high, or more than 16 inches high. Similarly, the bars on the sides of the crib should not be too far apart to prevent your baby’s head from getting stuck in between. A good rule of thumb is no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart.

Mattress Size and Adjustability

You might not have known this, but soft mattresses (as well as blankets, pillows, etc) in a baby’s crib can be considered a potential hazard. Experts recommend a firm mattress for babies as they offer good support and comfort, while remaining completely safe for the baby to sleep on. A crib mattress should be bought at the same time as the crib to ensure a snug fit, as most cribs come without a mattress included. The crib you pick should allow you to adjust the mattress height, as your needs will change when your baby grows. To begin with, you’ll want the mattress to be high so you can easily scoop up your baby. But as they grow, you’ll want the lowest crib mattress height to prevent your little one from climbing out of the crib.

Durability

One of the main reasons why people opt for cribs over other baby bed options is that they can be used throughout infancy and until your kiddo is ready to transition to a toddler bed. In fact, some of them can be converted into a toddler bed – talk about getting your money’s worth! This means that, on average, a crib will be used for up to two years or more, and it should be sturdy enough to withstand all kinds of wear and tear. Most cribs are made out of wood, so make sure to pick a well-made one that uses high-quality materials.

Best Cribs for Babies

1. Delta Children Lancaster 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib

SPECS:

• Material type: Wood
• Product dimensions: 59.2 x 30 x 46.2 inches

Best convertible crib

Decorative, safe, practical and sturdy, this convertible baby crib has everything you need. Made by Delta Children, a family-owned company known for their quality and attention to safety, this crib can last your baby all the way through to adolescence. It comes with tools to be converted to a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed. The whole 4-in-1 design emphasizes the idea that the crib will grow with your child. The 3 position mattress height adjustment allows you to accommodate your baby’s needs from day one, but still be safe enough when they start sitting up and exploring their environment.

Constructed from strong and sturdy wood, this sleigh-silhouette crib is available in Bianca White, Dark Chocolate and Grey finish, so it will suit any nursery.

Pros	Cons
High-quality materials Adjustable mattress height Easy to assemble Can be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed JPMA certified	Rails for toddler bed and full size bed have to be purchased separately

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2. Union 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

SPECS:

• Material type: New Zealand pine wood
• Product dimensions: 53.5 x 30.5 x 33.5 inches

Best crib for short moms

Leaning over the crib’s sides to scoop up your baby is straining (hence the idea behind the now-banned drop down sides) but if you’re on the shorter side, the trouble is all that greater. Luckily, there are cribs that are designed to suit shorter parents, such as this convertible design by Union. Standing at 33.5 inches, this crib is much lower than most, yet still safe enough for your baby as he or she grows. While the height of the crib is adjusted for shorter moms and dads, the four mattress adjustments make it impossible for your curious toddler to climb over the sides.

The design of the crib is minimalistic so it fits well with most nursery decors. This convertible crib is made from New Zealand pine and painted with a non-toxic, lead and phthalate safe finish that’s available in white, black, brown, blue and the wood’s natural color.

Pros	Cons
Affordable price Adjustable mattress height Converts to a daybed and toddler bed Greenguard certified Meets ASTM international and US CPSC safety standards	Difficult to assemble

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3. Graco Solano 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer with Drawer

SPECS:

• Material type: Solid pine wood
• Product dimensions: 58.25 x 38.00 x 6.50 inches

Best crib with changing table

Furnishing a nursery can be costly and time-consuming. There are so many different elements you’ll need to include, from the crib to a rocking chair and everything in between. This is why this convertible, multifunctional crib by Storkcraft has such a clever design. Not only will you get two things for the price of one, but you’ll also save room when a changer with shelves, crib and a handy under-crib storage drawer are all bundled up in one. And even so, this crib can be used throughout your baby’s childhood and teen years, as it has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to a toddler bed, day bed or full-size bed.

Constructed from solid wood with a non-toxic finish in white, espresso brown, or a dark grey, this practical crib with a changing table will be the centerpiece of your nursery.

Pros	Cons
Adjustable mattress height Convertible Comes with a built-in changing table Under-crib drawer and side shelves offer plenty of storage space for baby stuff JPMA certified	The drawer is shorter than the bed

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4. Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib

SPECS:

• Material type: Sustainable New Zealand pine wood and TSCA-compliant MDF
• Product dimensions: 39.2 x 25.7 x 36 inches

Best crib for small spaces

If you don’t have room for a nursery or need a crib that will fit inside your bedroom – maybe you prefer to sleep close to your newborn – this compact and versatile design will be heaven-sent. Babyletto managed to create a modern, cute crib that meets all the safety standards while still being compact – ideal for parents that have limited space. This mini crib isn’t convertible, but it is foldable for effortless storage and can easily be moved around thanks to the wheels on its legs.

Made with sustainably sourced solid New Zealand pine wood, this mini crib comes in a selection of modern colors that will match any nursery style – white, black, grey, pink and blue. The finish is baby-safe, non-toxic and done via a multi-step painting and staining process that is lead and phthalate free.

Pros	Cons
Modern design Portable 2 adjustable mattress positions Compact – it will fit the smallest spaces Foldable for easy storage Greenguard gold certified	Difficult to assemble

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Bottom Line

Cribs are the best choice for parents willing to invest a bit more to get a bed that will last their baby through all stages of infancy. While a bassinet might be more practical for the first days when you want your baby nearby, a crib is ideal for a nursery or a large bedroom. Made out of wood and available in various designs and styles, cribs are meant to be both a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep in, as well as the centerpiece of the nursery.