The Cribs We Trust and Use With Our Own Babies

Even if it feels like babies never manage to sleep when you want them to, you’re going to need a crib for them at some point. And you’ll probably be choosing one carefully, since a crib provides a safe place for your little one to sleep while giving you the peace of mind to catch up on your own shut-eye, too. The best crib for your baby should be durable but have fairly intuitive instructions for frustration-free assembly. It also doesn’t hurt if they look great in your baby’s nursery and pair well with a cute baby mobile.

To date, we—and our dreaming babes—have tested 29 convertible cribs (and counting!) to evaluate their design, durability, ease of use, and value. We also consulted pediatricians and nursery design experts to get their input on what makes a great crib, how to choose the right type of crib for your family and needs, and how to safely use a crib with your baby. At the end of the day, most cribs are very similar, so in an effort to make shopping even easier for you, we’ve organized our favorites based on their design and price points.

Our Favorite Cribs 

• Best Contemporary: Babyletto Lolly Convertible Crib
• Best Contemporary With Storage: Graco Read With Me Convertible Bookshelf Crib With Drawer
• Best Mini-to-Toddler Convertible Crib: Nestig Cloud Crib
• Best Mid-Century Modern: West Elm x PBK Mid-Century Modern Crib 
• Best Traditional: Pottery Barn Kendall Crib 
  

Contemporary Convertible Cribs

“Contemporary” is a broad design category, but we’re talking about sleek, minimalist, and sometimes unconventional-looking cribs. Like everything else on this list, these are also all convertible cribs, the most common type on the market right now. That means they can convert into a toddler bed and later, even a daybed or full-sized bed. Sometimes these conversions require a kit purchased separately, so read the fine print from the retailer before you buy!

Best Contemporary Crib

Babyletto Lolly Convertible Crib

$499 at Amazon View on Pottery Barn Kids $499 at Wayfair

Why We Like It

The Babyletto Lolly Convertible Crib is a median-priced crib that’s fairly easy to assemble and converts into three configurations: a crib, a toddler bed, and a daybed that is suitable up to 4 years old. We really love that it’s made from sturdy pine, and our testing parent said the crib didn’t budge when putting their baby in or taking them out of it. Plus, the toddler bed conversion kit is included, so there’s no separate purchasing needed. 

The sleek design is compatible with most modern aesthetics. We love the various color options available—some two-toned, and one with transparent acrylic bars, for a really stunning look—with options varying based on where you buy it. It also conveniently supports a universal mattress fit, and it’s Greenguard Gold certified. This means that the crib has been tested and confirmed to release minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for reduced off-gassing after assembly. The mattress can be raised or lowered into four different positions. 

But Take Note

Pay attention when assembling this crib, as testers noted that the screws for different parts look nearly identical and may cause you to make mistakes along the way. After six months of testing with a baby who happens to be a chewer, our tester decided to add rail coverings to the crib as they experienced some paint chipping. 

The Details:

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 53.75 x 30.25 x 35.25 inches
• Configurations: Crib, toddler bed, day bed
• Mattress positions: 4
• Weight capacity: 135 pounds
• Materials: Wood
• Colors available: Black/washed natural, canyon/washed natural, navy/washed natural, white natural, washed natural/acrylic

Best Contemporary Crib With Storage

Graco Read with Me 4-in-1 Convertible Bookshelf Crib with Drawer

$400 $350 at Amazon $350 at Wayfair View on Storkcraft.com

Why We Like It

With detachable bookcases and under-bed drawers, this crib’s innovative storage features make it a great choice for smaller nurseries or households where kids share a room. The shelves hold up to 30 books and can be removed and used as separate furniture pieces. That way when your kid is ready to transition to a toddler bed, they still have a place to store their favorite titles.

Another major plus is that the Graco Read With Me is incredibly versatile. It can transition to not only a toddler bed but a daybed for older kids as well. While it makes sense to wonder if the materials are actually sturdy enough to last that long, our tester felt they would. She says her 3-year-old toddler “would jump on [the crib] like he was at a trampoline park.” Luckily, it’s “safe to say [the crib] has held up great through all the rough play it has received through the months due to its quality material and well-made build,” she added.

But Take Note

While we love that this crib converts into a toddler bed, it is a bit of a bummer that you have to purchase the guardrail separately.

The Details:

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 35 x 59.5 x 29.5 inches
• Configurations: Crib, toddler bed, daybed, and separate bookshelves
• Mattress positions: 4 height options
• Weight capacity: 50 pounds
• Materials: Pine and engineered wood
• Colors available: White with driftwood, olive with driftwood
  

Other Contemporary Cribs We Like

Newton Austin Convertible Crib

$449 at Amazon $449 at Wayfair View on Newtonbaby.com

Oeuf Sparrow Crib

$960 at Amazon View on Oeufnyc.com View on Babylist.com

Mini Convertible Cribs

In their “mini” form, these convertible cribs can do the work of a bassinet, fitting in small spaces like the parents’ bedroom in those early months. Later, they also offer the same longevity convenience of a full-sized convertible crib. 

Best Mini Convertible Crib

Nestig The Cloud Crib

View on Nestig.com

Why We Like It

Our parent testers found the Nestig both a “gorgeous” piece of quality furniture and a comprehensive solution that fits in both small and large spaces. Conveniently, the Nestig comes with almost everything you need for the life of the crib—even a mini crib mattress and both conversion kits. It also comes with casters, which makes this a portable bassinet you can roll into and out of your bedroom when in the mini crib format. 

For parents focused on longevity, the sustainably harvested solid Brazilian pine construction makes it possible for you to use this crib for later additions to your family. We also like that it comes with an 18-year limited warranty and 60-day free trial, so you can test it before you commit. “I'd describe it as sturdy, small-space friendly, versatile, and meant to last,” our tester summed up. Six months later, the crib looks just like it did on day one, even after conversion to full-size and a room change. 

But Take Note

The Cloud Crib ships directly from Brazil. Depending on the finish you select, you may have to wait two to four weeks for it to arrive. Because it comes with all the conversion kits, you’ll need storage space for the pieces you’re not using at first. Our tester also needed GooBeGone to get stickers off. 

The Details:

• Dimensions (LxWxH): Mini crib: 30.25 x 22 x 31 inches; full crib: 54 x 30.25 x 36 inches; toddler bed: 54 x 30.25 x 31 inches
• Configurations: Mini crib, full crib, toddler bed
• Mattress positions: 3 positions; top height is 15.2 inches from floor
• Weight capacity: 50 pounds as a toddler bed
• Materials: Brazilian pine, steel spindles, eco-engineered wood
• Colors available: Natural wood, walnut

Other Convertible Mini Cribs We Like

Newton Galileo Mini Crib

View on Newtonbaby.com

Babyletto Gelato Mini Crib

$300 at Amazon $400 at Target View on Pottery Barn Kids

Babyletto Yuzu

$599 $469 at Amazon $600 at Target View on Pottery Barn Kids

Mid-Century Modern Cribs

Though mid-century mod is nowhere near as popular as it was a few years ago, we still see subtler iterations of it in all kinds of furniture, including cribs. Tapered legs, glossy finishes, rounded corners, and even details like cane or other mixed materials mark the attractive but unfussy style—without making your nursery look like the set of Mad Men.

Best Mid-Century Modern

West Elm x Pottery Barn Kids Mid-Century Convertible Crib

View on Pottery Barn Kids $475 at West Elm

Why We Like It

We adore the quality and design of this crib, which is both modern and timeless. From a practical perspective, our parent tester also appreciated that the lowest mattress setting is lower than many other cribs, providing more security for kids who turn into escape artists in the middle of the night. Assembly was simple, as was changing mattress levels, and durability has been top-notch. Our parent tester is such a fan of the quality of Pottery Barn products that this crib is actually the second crib from the brand she has used for her growing family. 

But Take Note

The shorter sides of the crib are solid wood, so you won’t have a view of your baby from all four sides. This crib is also on the higher price end, especially since the toddler conversion kit is sold separately. 

The Details:

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 30.5 x 54.5 x 40 inches
• Configurations: Crib, toddler bed
• Mattress positions: Two positions: 17.5 and 9.75 inches 
• Weight capacity: 264 pounds
• Materials: Solid sap gum wood and MDF (medium-density fiberboard)
• Colors available: White, acorn, navy

Other Mid-Century Cribs We Like

Newton Galileo Convertible Crib

View on Newtonbaby.com

Nurture& The Milan Crib

View on Babylist.com

Delta Children Nest 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

$500 $400 at Amazon $500 at Target $470 at Wayfair

Delta Children Essex Crib

$220 $169 at Amazon $179 $169 at Walmart $169 at Wayfair

Namesake Marin with Cane 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

$891 at Amazon $800 at Target $799 at Wayfair

Best Traditional Cribs

While modern safety standards mean we don’t really recommend using the crib your parents have been saving in their basement since you last slept in it, these classic-looking cribs are the next best thing.

Best Traditional Overall

Pottery Barn Kids Kendall Convertible Crib

View on Pottery Barn Kids

Why We Like It

The Kendall Crib is so easy to assemble that it took just 23 minutes for one person to complete during testing. The solid wood construction is designed to last, so you could save this furniture for future additions to your family. If sustainability and ethics are sticking points when you shop, you’ll appreciate that this crib is made in a Fair Trade Certified facility. Plus, the simple design should work in most homes and can serve as an anchoring piece for your decor plans. 

After six months of use, our testers report that the Kendall still “looks as good as it did right out of the box.” The toddler bed conversion kit can be included if you select that package from Pottery Barn.

But Take Note

This crib checked all of our boxes for quality, affordability, durability, design, and even assembly. Even changing the mattress position was “seamless.” Our tester did concede that putting the crib together was a “little finicky” using the included Allen key but added that with two people, the crib was “extremely easy” to put together. 

The Details:

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 57 x 32 x 44 inches
• Configurations: Crib, toddler bed
• Mattress positions: 3 height options
• Weight capacity: 50 pounds
• Materials: Poplar wood
• Colors available: Simply white, seadrift, grey, weathered navy, weathered white

Other Traditional Cribs We Like

Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib

$170 at Amazon $160 at Target $160 at Walmart

Graco Bellwood 5-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer

$260 at Amazon $300 at Target $270 at Walmart

Other Cribs We Like

We also tested and liked the following cribs, though they had some flaws: 

• Stokke Sleepi Crib: An oval-shaped crib is a fun twist on a classic piece of baby furniture, which is why the Stokke Sleepi Crib is a great choice—albeit a pricey one. Conversion kits aren’t included, and this crib lacks frustration-free assembly. Be prepared for delays and have YouTube on hand to guide you. The good news is that after six months, our testing parent reports that it’s durable.
• Nurture And The Crib: While we initially liked this crib, especially for its easy setup and use, after six months, we experienced significant paint bubbling and peeling, which can pose a safety hazard to a child, especially a teething one. This crib is also fairly expensive and does not include a conversion kit for a toddler bed. 
• Babyletto Hudson Convertible Crib: This crib was challenging to set up and adjusting the mattress height requires an Allen wrench that’s difficult to fit because the screws are at an awkward angle. 
• Nestig Wave Crib: We actually loved this crib but found the high cost prohibitive. It’s also not ideal if you need a crib that can be wheeled around, as we found it often “stuck” and did not move easily. 

Our Testing Process

Parents on our staff tested 29 cribs (and counting) in their homes with their babies. They evaluated initial setup and assembly, difficulty of changing configurations and mattress positions, and longevity over six months of real-life use. Here’s a breakdown of each attribute we looked at:

• Ease of Setup: We tested how easy it was to take the crib out of the box and assemble it—we especially wanted to know if one person could set it up, how long it took, and if the instructions were easy to follow and understand. 
• Ease of Use and Adjustment: We tested all the configurations, from changing the mattress to different heights to converting to crib to other options, like a mini crib to a full-size crib, or a crib to a toddler bed. 
• Durability: Our parent testers also reported back after one- and six-month periods on how the cribs were holding up to the wear and tear of real infant or toddler use. 
• Value: Value can be somewhat subjective depending on your personal budget, but we did assess the quality vs. price of all the cribs we tested. 

Our Experts

We interviewed the following pediatric experts for insight into safety when choosing and using baby cribs:

• Benjamin Hoffman, MD, a professor of pediatrics at the Oregon Health & Science University and the chair of the AAP’s Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention
• Elizabeth Murray, DO, MBA, FAAP, board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine
• Amanda Lauren, an interior designer based in Los Angeles
• Maggie Griffin, an interior designer based in Georgia
• Kate Dawson, an interior decorator based in New Jersey
• Kelly Moriarty, DNP, MSN, RN, an assistant professor at Limestone University and injury prevention coordinator for Trauma Services at Novant Health

Crib Safety Essentials

Cribs are standard baby gear, but they can also pose a serious risk to your little one if they’re not assembled correctly or have certain features that make them unsafe. Fortunately, all newly manufactured cribs sold in the U.S. have to meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety guidelines. Still, CPSC guidelines are sometimes updated, and crib recalls can happen, so check the organization’s site for recalls before you make your purchase, and register your product with the manufacturer to be notified of recalls later.

Here are some other tips to keep in mind, according to pediatrician Elizabeth Murray, DO, MBA, FAAP:

• Ensure the crib mattress fits snugly in the crib with no gaps wider than two fingers to reduce the risk of injury. 
• Avoid putting your baby’s crib by the window, in direct sunlight, or directly next to a radiator or heat source. 
• Be sure the crib is not anywhere near a cord, including a baby monitor cord, a window cord, or any type of loose object that could pose a strangulation risk. Older babies can become climbers, so assess anything nearby and avoid placing the crib next to a tall dresser or furniture that could be a climbing surface.
• Dr. Murray also points out that leaving a crib or bassinet near your own bed could pose a risk of objects like blankets or pillows falling on your baby, so keep the immediate sleeping area and near it clear to avoid that risk. 
• Remember to follow the AAP safe sleep guidelines. This means your baby should always sleep alone, on their back on a firm surface that’s not on an incline, with no blankets, toys, pillows, bumpers, or other objects in their bassinet or crib.
  

Do You Need a Crib or a Bassinet?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesn’t recommend a specific sleeping apparatus for babies. All the organization asks is that parents and caregivers choose a safe, separate sleeping space for their babies—that could be a bassinet, a full-sized crib, a mini-crib, or a playpen. 

The AAP also recommends that babies room-share with their parents for the first 6-12 months of age, which means the baby should sleep separately in their own bassinet or crib in a caregiver’s room.

To stick to the AAP’s recommendations, you will want to choose a safe sleeping option for your baby that fits in your room. If you have a smaller space, a bassinet may be more convenient. You can also choose a mini crib on wheels that can be moved out of the way during the day and wheeled closer to your bed at night. Additionally, a small bassinet or play yard with a sleeping insert could be helpful for nighttime feelings. Just be sure to check the product's integrity before using it. "The mesh should be intact with no rips, and they should be securely attached," Moriarty says.

The only consideration with a bassinet or play yard is that after your baby outgrows it (and when that happens depends on the model’s specific weight and height limits, so be sure to check!), you’ll still need to buy a full-sized crib or toddler bed. Some people choose a convertible crib right from the beginning to avoid having to buy multiple items. A convertible crib can transition from a crib for the baby stage to a toddler bed and, sometimes, even a full-sized bed. Having the same bed frame throughout the transition can even be comforting for kids.

The Different Types of Cribs, Explained

Aside from bassinets, which are their own type of separate baby sleep space, there are four types of cribs for babies:

• Traditional Cribs: Traditional cribs are designed to be used for the newborn through the infant and toddler stages. After your child outgrows any weight or height restrictions, they can be moved to a bed. 
• Convertible Cribs: Convertible cribs convert from a baby crib to a toddler bed and in some cases, even a full-size bed for older children. Convertible cribs are very popular because they are a cost-effective option. 
• Mini Cribs: Mini cribs are similar to traditional cribs but on a smaller scale. They are helpful for smaller spaces or shared rooms. 
• Travel Cribs: A travel crib is usually lightweight and folds into a small, portable size. Travel cribs will have different weight and height limits. 

Finding a Crib to Suit Your Space

“There are so many gorgeous cribs available these days that it’s hard to choose,” interior designer Amanda Lauren tells us. To help you narrow down the best crib for your space, she recommends the following tips:

• Make the crib the star of the show for nursery design. “Think, main character's energy—everything should revolve around it,” Lauren advises. “So, choose a crib and then a wallpaper. Everything should then revolve around those selections.”
• Don’t be afraid of color. Lauren sees the days of neutral-only nurseries coming to an end. “I think colorful cribs are making a comeback. Beige baby was a major trend, and I think parents are over it. They want color and fun in their nursery,” she says. 
• Stick to Greenguard Gold-certified options. Lauren is a big advocate for the certification, which she says is the “safest choice” for a child’s health. “Remember, your child will probably put their mouth on their crib!” she points out. 
• Choose a convertible option whenever possible. While Lauren says bassinets can be helpful, she’s a fan of sticking to a convertible crib if you can. “Your best bet is something that can be converted to a toddler bed,” says Lauren. “This way, you can keep it for a few years, especially if it’s something you really love.” 
• Watch celebrities for up-and-coming design trends. Lauren advises design-forward parents to watch celebrities for the next trends in nursery decor. For instance, she predicts some of the next trends will be cane cribs, which add a “touch of timeless charm” and acrylic cribs because “they’re cool and untraditional, yet versatile” and can be gender-neutral or specific, depending on your preference. 
• Make it sustainable. Designers Griffin and Dawson both said they’re advocates for choosing sustainable wooden crib options. “People want to be good to the planet! Sustainability isn't a fad. ... It's a way of life that more and more people are focusing on,” points out Dawson. 
• Let it grow. Wooden cribs also blend into the idea of a room that grows organically with your child, which Griffin points out can be a helpful strategy. “I think that nurseries will continue to be more elevated spaces, using furnishings that will grow with the child,” she says. 

When Should You Lower the Mattress Level?

Dr. Murray says that as soon as your baby learns to sit up, sometime around 6 months old, you should lower the crib mattress to the lowest level. It’s especially important to ensure the mattress is lowered if your baby can stand and potentially lift their legs up and over the crib rails. 

Are Second-Hand Cribs Safe?

Second-hand cribs and mattresses may have structural damage that might increase the risk of injuries or accidents, and older cribs may not meet current safety guidelines. It’s always better to get a new crib that meets all the latest CPSC criteria than to save a few bucks on an older crib that might not be up to snuff.

That being said, if a secondhand crib is necessary for your budget, or if you’re offered a newer, gently used crib, here are some safety tips to keep in mind: 

• Confirm that the crib model isn’t currently listed on the CPSC recall list. 
• Double-check that crib bars are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. 
• The crib sides should be at least 26 inches above the mattress when in the lowest position. 
• Avoid drop-side cribs.
• The AAP reminds parents to avoid cribs with cutout designs on the headboard or footboard. While decorative, those cutouts can also pose an injury risk. 
• Always check for potential hazards like pinch-points, loose screws, and rough edges before using the crib with your little one.

Who We Are

Chaunie Brusie is a registered nurse-turned-writer at Parents specializing in health and parenting. She’s the mom to five kids, aged preschool to teen, so she’s used pretty much every baby sleep device possible. Her last child refused to ever sleep in a crib, so she has no shame in admitting a playpen with a bassinet insert works perfectly for newborn sleep, toddler sleep, and diaper changes.

Anja Webb is an associate editor at Parents. She has over eight years of editorial experience. Her educational background in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies and her passion for empowering the next generation allow her to provide a nuanced analysis of issues relevant to modern families. She has her eye on the Graco Read With Me Crib.