Few things in life are as sweet and satisfying as watching your little one sleep. At the end of the day, no matter how difficult the reality of parenthood can be, watching your baby drift off into dreamland is one of the greatest rewards of being a parent. During these precious first years of your baby’s life, you’ll be making a new best friend who will join you in your mission to guarantee your baby’s comfort and safety while they’re asleep: the crib.
The crib plays a fundamental role in you and your baby’s life; it can keep your baby cozy and snug, promote independent sleeping, and, most importantly, keep your baby safe from harm. Given the huge amount of time that your baby will be spending in their crib, it’s important to invest in one that’s secure, comfortable and built to last.
In a nutshell, here are our winners for every budget category. For more of our top recommendations, keep scrolling!
⭐ Low-budget win: Baby Mod Marley 3-in-1 Convertible Crib ($219)
- Converts into a toddler bed and daybed
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified
- Comes in 2 different color variants
⭐ Mid-budget win: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib ($299)
- Sleek design with Invisible hardware
- Converts into a toddler bed and daybed
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- Comes in more than 5 color variants
⭐ Big-budget win: Nestig The Wave Crib ($699)
- Draws inspiration from the natural movement of the ocean
- Converts from a mini crib, to full crib, to toddler bed
- Includes lockable wheels
- Built from sustainably harvested solid Brazilian Pine and mattress support from eco-engineered wood
Top Things to Look for When Choosing a Crib
The infinite amount of options on the market can make it hard to decide which crib is best for your baby, especially for first-time parents. There’s a crib out there for every style and budget, but you should always pay attention to the following when you’re choosing potential candidates:
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Safety — When it comes to your baby, safety should always be the top priority. Cribs are held to extremely high safety standards, so you must make sure that your chosen crib meets the requirements set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Cribs that fail to meet these standards can pose the risks of entrapment, strangulation, or suffocation.
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Recalls — When a crib model is discovered to have a defect that can pose hazards to infants and toddlers, manufacturers issue recalls that notify consumers of the potential injuries that are linked with these models. Always check for any recalls before buying a crib, and if ever you come across one, stop using it at once and immediately contact the crib manufacturer.
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Mattress firmness — Since soft mattresses raise the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrom (SIDS), you should also make sure that your crib’s mattress is firm enough so that it does not conform to the shape of your infant’s head. If you push down hard, the mattress should stay firm and spring right back.
- Mattress fit — If you choose to buy your crib and mattress separately, make sure the mattress fits properly in the crib, without any gaps that could pose a danger to your baby. To prevent head entrapment and suffocation between the mattress and crib sides, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says that mattresses in full-size cribs must be at least 24 1/4 inches wide by 51 5/8 long and no more than six inches thick.
The Main Types of Cribs
While there are several interesting crib designs that have emerged over the years, the most common types include the standard crib, convertible crib, portable/mini crib, and round crib.
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Standard — This is your traditional full-size crib, with four sides and no additional features. Strong, reliable, and safe, the standard crib is an essential item for any new parent, and its status as one of the most popular options on the market also makes it very easy to find the right-sized mattress for it.
- Convertible — Featuring the ability to transform into a toddler bed and full-size bed (and, in some cases, even a bench or daybed), the convertible crib is a great investment if you’re looking for a piece of furniture that will be useful for years to come. It anticipates the changing needs of your baby as they age, and is designed to grow accordingly with them as they get larger.
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Portable/Mini — This is a top pick for those with limited space, and can also be folded away when it isn’t in use. Lightweight and versatile, the portable crib has plenty of conveniences to offer—but the catch is that it can no longer be used as your child ages. Professionals agree that the mini crib should stop being used once your child is over 35 inches, or about two years old.
- Round Crib — As the name implies, this type of crib is completely round, and therefore free of any sharp corners that might hurt your baby. The round crib is also an excellent choice for those with smaller living areas as it usually takes up minimal floor space.
Features to Consider
All types of cribs have their own pros and cons, so it’s important that you assess what features matter most to you. Here are some features that you should consider when assessing what kind of crib is the perfect one for you and your baby.
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Size — You can choose between a full-size or mini crib based on the amount of space you have. A full-size crib is generally better as it provides your baby with room to grow, but if you live in a tiny apartment, a mini-crib will save you much-needed space.
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Shape — Round cribs use less space than standard rectangular ones and can also create a unique look to your baby’s room, but they usually don’t have the ability to be converted into a toddler bed, day bed, or full-size bed. Therefore, if you’re looking for a crib that will give you more bang for your buck in the long run, then a convertible one might be the better option for you.
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Style — Apart from making your crib more functional, some features can also add aesthetics and style to your nursery. The crib is oftentimes the central piece of furniture in your nursery, so it’s worth asking yourself what design would best achieve the overall aesthetic that you want your nursery to have. Try to imagine the rugs, wall decals, and other types of nursery decor that would go well with your crib and are relatively convenient for you to find.
- Portability — It’s hard to go wrong with standard full-size cribs, but they’re also harder to move around because of their size and weight. If you’re looking for a crib that’s easy to move from place to place, then a mini/portable one might be the better option for you, as these often come with wheels for easy portability.
Our Top Picks of 2022: The Best Nursery Cribs for Every Budget
The crib will be one of the most used and most important items in your nursery, so it’s definitely an item worth spending on. But if you’re on a tight budget, there’s still no need to fret; there are plenty of beautiful and high-quality cribs at every price point in the market. To help make it easier for you to find the best crib for you and your baby’s needs, we’ve compiled our top nursery crib picks for 2022.
The Best Cribs Under $200
Ikea SNIGLAR
The Sniglar is one of Ikea’s most popular cribs, and is also one of the most affordable ones on the market. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking off one bed side when the child is able to climb safely in and out of the bed. Made from solid beech—a durable and renewable material—the Sniglar is budget-friendly, sturdy, and environmentally friendly all at the same time. |
Delta Children Gateway 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Price: $199.99 | Dimensions: 56 ¼ x 30 ½ x 40 ¼ inches | Convertible: Yes | Color variants: Dark Chocolate, Grey, White The Delta Children's Products Gateway 4-in-1 Fixed-Side Crib is a finely built convertible crib that can morph into a toddler bed, daybed, and even a full-size bed with a headboard. With its sturdy wood construction and versatile functions, it offers a huge value for money, as it was made to see your baby through until their teenage years. Apart from this, it is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it meets or exceeds stringent chemical emissions standards. |
Delta Children Classic Mini Crib
Price: $129.99 | Dimensions: 41 ½ x 26 x 38 ½ inches | Convertible: Yes | Color variants: Dark Chocolate, Grey, White This is another crib that’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified. The Delta Children Classic Mini Cribone is perfect for parents who are price-conscious and also looking to save space. It has a neutral, timeless design that can fit into any nursery, and it also already comes with a thick mattress so that you don’t have to worry about buying one separately. |
The Best Cribs Under $500
Baby Mod Marley 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
Price: $219 | Dimensions: 53 ½ x 29 ½ x 35 inches | Convertible: Yes | Color variants: White & Natural, White & Walnut With this 3-in-one convertible, there’s no need to worry about the hassle and costs of buying bigger beds as your baby grows. The Marley crib by Baby Mod converts from crib, to toddler bed, to daybed, and also features 4 adjustable mattress positions that you can lower as your baby becomes more active—all while being GREENGUARD Gold Certified, so you can sleep soundly knowing that your baby is safe from toxic chemicals. |
DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Price: $229.00 | Dimensions: 54.38 x 35 x 41 ¾ inches | Convertible: Yes | Color variants: 5+ colors This sturdy 4-in-1 convertible from Da Vinci will give you plenty of use for several years, as it can easily transform into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. Also built from sustainable New Zealand pine, it has a high-quality pine finish that makes for a beautiful, traditional-looking style. It also has four adjustable mattress positions and comes in seven different colors. |
Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib
Price: $299.00 | Dimensions: 38.63 x 25.38 x 36 inches | Convertible: Yes | Color variants: 5+ colors
Babyletto’s Origami Mini Portable Crib is designed for urban living, made with removable wheels for easy transport. It’s also built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine—one of the most renewable woods available. This crib is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, too, and is finished in a non-toxic multi-step paint that’s safe from lead and phthalate.
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Graco Remi 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer
Price: $449.99 | Dimensions: 71.77 x 29 ½ x 35.94 inches | Convertible: Yes | Color variants: Espresso, Grey, White, White/Pebble Grey Graco takes functionality to a whole new level with the Remi 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer. Besides the ability to be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed, it also offers an abundance of storage space with its drawers underneath the crib and the attached changing table. Most importantly, it also meets the industry's highest safety standards, being both GREENGUARD Gold Certified and JPMA Certified. |
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
Price: $499| Dimensions: 53.75 x 29.75 x 35 inches | Convertible: Yes | Color variants: 5+ colors The Stokke® Sleepi’s unique oval shape creates a nest-like space for your baby. This is a crib that grows with your child until they’re about 3 years old (and with the additional Junior Extension Kit, even up to 10 years). As it evolves to accommodate the changing needs of your growing child, the Stokke Sleepi always maintains a comforting familiarity through its distinct oval shape. Another big plus is its lockable swivel wheels, which make it easy to move from room to room. |
The Best Cribs From $500 and Above
Nestig The Wave Crib
Price: $699 | Dimensions: 53 ½ x 31 x 31 ½ inches | Convertible: Yes | Color variants: Natural Wood, White As its name suggests, the Wave Crib draws inspiration from the natural movement of the ocean, growing easily with your child as it converts from a mini crib, to full crib, to toddler bed. It can also be effortlessly moved around thanks to its lockable wheels, which guarantee your baby’s safety as you move it from room to room. Natural through and through, the Wave Crib is constructed from sustainably harvested solid Brazilian Pine and mattress support from eco-engineered wood, making it non-toxic, lead, and phthalate safe. |
Stokke Sleepi Round Baby Crib and Bed
Price: $749 | Dimensions: 50 x 29.13 x 33.85 inches | Convertible: Yes | Color variants: Natural, White, Hazy Grey The Stokke® Sleepi’s unique oval shape creates a nest-like space for your baby. This is a crib that grows with your child until they’re about 3 years old (and with the additional Junior Extension Kit, even up to 10 years). As it evolves to accommodate the changing needs of your growing child, the Stokke Sleepi always maintains a comforting familiarity through its distinct oval shape. Another big plus is its lockable swivel wheels, which make it easy to move from room to room. |
Pottery Barn Kids Sloan Acrylic Convertible Crib
Price: $899 | Dimensions: 54 x 30 x 36.5 inches | Convertible: Yes | Color variants: Simply White, Acorn An ultra-modern take on the baby crib, the convertible from Pottery Barn Kids is made with clear acrylic slats, creating an open and breezy feel that makes for a beautiful addition to your nursery. But apart from being stylish, acrylic cribs are also made of a durable, non-toxic, and heavy material that will last you and your baby for many years to come. To top it all off, it can also be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and sofa. |
Crate&Barrel West Storage Crib
Price: $999 | Dimensions: 66.75 x 30.5 x 40 inches | Convertible: Yes | Color variants: White Wood The West Storage crib from Crate&Barrel might cost you a pretty penny, but it’ll save you a lot of precious space. With its built-in drawers, adjustable shelf, and open side storage, it’s the perfect pick for parents who are living in smaller spaces. It’s also got the looks to match its heftier price tag; this crib features a light grey wash finish and brushed silver hardware, resulting in a polished, neutral style that fits well with all kinds of nursery decor. As for versatility, it can be converted into a toddler bed with the $139 toddler rail, sold separately. |
Takeaway
As you can see, cribs these days are really stepping up their game in all aspects— functionality, safety, and versatility, most importantly, but in aesthetics and novelty, too. No matter how big or small your budget is, there’s a crib out there that will suit your needs as a parent.
Once you’ve picked out your crib, it will become much easier to continue designing your nursery. Consider using wall decals to decorate the wall above your crib, or in any other place in your nursery. Decals are a fantastic option for nursery decor as they are inexpensive, removable, and extremely easy to use. Like cribs, they also come in an infinite number of designs, so you can pick and choose those that best fit your nursery’s style.
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