The Best Cribs for Your Baby, Tested by Our 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 snooze while giving you the peace of mind to catch up on your own sleep too. The best crib for your baby should be durable but have fairly intuitive instructions that result in relatively frustration-free assembly. It also doesn’t hurt if they look great in your baby’s nursery. 

We—and our dreaming babes—have tested 29 convertible cribs (and counting!) to evaluate their design, durability, ease of use, and value, to bring you this list of our favorites. We also consulted pediatricians and nursery design experts to get their input on what makes a great crib, how to choose the right crib for your family and needs, and how to safely use a crib with your baby. 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 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 

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.

Best 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 Overall: Babyletto Lolly Convertible Crib

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

Another Mid-Range Contemporary: Newton x Dadada Austin Convertible Crib

The Newton Austin Convertible Crib is a nice Greenguard Gold-certified option for parents looking for a median-priced, gorgeous “forever crib” that offers longevity once their child outgrows the crib stage. We loved the sturdiness and straightforward, five-minute (!) assembly of this crib. The sturdiness is thanks to the crib base, which has rails rather than separate feet. This enhances stability and makes the crib “wobble-proof,” according to our parent tester. Our testers loved this crib for its quality, longevity (it’s held up perfectly with no wear and tear over months), and stability, but did note that the washers can leave visible marks on the lighter wood parts.

The Details:

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 53.54 x 29.53 x 36.22 inches
• Configurations: Converts to a toddler and daybed (conversion kit sold separately)
• Mattress positions: 3 adjustable mattress heights
• Weight capacity: 50 pounds
• Materials: Beechwood
• Colors available: White, Natural

The High-End Contemporary: Oeuf Sparrow Crib 

Our parent tester loved the clean lines of this crib, which is as much baby gear as it is a statement piece. They also appreciated the sustainable production, Greenguard Gold certification, and non-toxic, water-based finish. Assembly was completed with two people in under one hour (instructions are image-only, FYI), and the crib looks “brand-new” after six months of use.

The Details:

Dimensions (LxWxH): 54 x 30 x 36 inches
Configurations: Converts to toddler bed with separate conversion kit
Mattress positions: 3 adjustable mattress positions in U.S., Canada & Europe; 2 adjustable mattress positions in Australia
Weight capacity: 50 pounds
Materials: Walnut, Birch
Colors available: Walnut

Best 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 Crib Overall: Nestig Cloud

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

A Less Expensive Mini Crib: Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib

The Gelato Crib is one of the few convertible cribs on this list that can also transform into a twin-size bed, which means you could use it all the way through your child’s adult years if you’d like. Our tester loved that the crib was fairly easy to put together and easy to move around the nursery in the mini crib format. Be aware that none of the conversion kits are included, and you’ll need to pay close attention to the dimensions to find a mattress that fits snugly without any gaps to meet CPSC safety guidelines. At six months, our tester revealed only “minimal” wear and tear and reports the crib still looks and feels high-quality. 

The Details:

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 39.75 x 26 x 35 inches
• Configurations: Crib to toddler bed, daybed, and twin bed (conversion kits purchased separately)
• Mattress positions: 4 adjustable mattress positions
• Weight capacity: 50 pounds
• Materials: Pinewood
• Colors available: Natural Walnut with Gold Feet, Washed Natural/Black, Washed Natural/White, White/Washed Natural

A Mini Crib With Wheels: Babyletto Yuzu

Removable, caster wheels make this convertible mini crib completely portable around your house. And thanks to eight configurations and four mattress height options, this one crib can take your child straight from birth through the early preschool years. We love its sleek, low-to-the-ground design, but be warned that assembly took one person two hours to complete. Our testers also found it vital to double-check all screws are tight after any reconfiguring because they had issues with some wobble that resolved after tightening again. After one month of use, our parent tester has found the crib to be sturdy, even despite her son’s tendency to pretend the side rails are monkey bars. (We’ll update this again after six months.)

The Details:

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 53.8 x 29.8 x 32.6 inches
• Configurations: bassinet, midi crib, midi toddler bed, midi daybed, full-size crib, full toddler bed, full daybed, and junior bed
• Mattress positions: 4 height options
• Weight capacity: 50 pounds
• Materials: Wood, Metal
• Colors available: Natural, White, Natural Walnut, White/Natural, Washed Natural/White, Light Sage, Washed Natural/Black

Best 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 Mod Overall: Pottery Barn Mid-Century Convertible Crib

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

A Less Expensive Mid-Century Mod: Delta Children Essex 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

We were drawn to the clean style and design of this crib and our tester found it fit “just-right” in a medium-sized room. Solo assembly was simple and took about an hour and a half with clear instructions and all necessary tools included. Though the materials don’t look the most luxurious, it’s holding up perfectly after two months of use with no visible wear or tear. The one drawback we found is that the rails aren’t very tall, which makes us wonder if an ambitious toddler will take to climbing out of this crib as soon as possible.

The Details:

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 54 x 29.50 x 34 inches
• Configurations: Crib, toddler bed, daybed
• Mattress positions: 3 height options
• Weight capacity: 50 pounds
• Materials: Wood, Ebony, Gray
• Colors available: Simply White, Seadrift, Grey, Weathered Navy, Weathered White

Best High-End Mid-Century Mod: Namesake Marin With Cane 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

Our parent testers loved the very cool, expensive look and feel of this crib and were very impressed with the quality and four possible mattress positions. After months of use, it’s also held up beautifully with no signs of wear and tear. Assembly was straightforward and required only an Allen key, but the crib is heavy, so putting it together is best accomplished with two people.

The Details:

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 55.2 x 30.87 x 34.96 inches
• Configurations: Crib, toddler bed, daybed; conversion kit sold separately
• Mattress positions: 4 adjustable positions
• Weight capacity: 50 pounds
• Materials: Poplar hardwood, TSCA-compliant engineered wood
• Colors available: Honey/Honey Cane, Warm White/Honey Cane

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 Kendall Crib 

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

A Less Expensive Traditional: Graco Benton

Our tester appreciated the ability of the Graco Benton to convert from a regular crib all the way to a traditional full-sized bed (with conversion kits sold separately). “The time is limited with a toddler bed, so it is nice to have optionality if we choose to do a full-size bed later on,” they said. Assembly was complicated, despite detailed instructions, and took over two full hours. However, we found the crib to be sturdy with a modern design that would fit into many nurseries. The one drawback? The very prominent Graco logo on the front of the crib isn’t exactly the most aesthetic feature ever.    

The Details:

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 29.72 x 56.73 x 41.68 inches
• Configurations: Crib, toddler bed, daybed, full-sized bed
• Mattress positions: 4
• Weight capacity: 50 pounds
• Materials: Pinewood, engineered wood, wood composite
• Colors available: Driftwood, White, Gray, Pebble Gray, Espresso

Other Notable Cribs

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:

• Christina Johns, M.D., M.ed, FAAP, a pediatric emergency physician and senior medical advisor at PM Pediatric Care
• Benjamin Hoffman, M.D., 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
• Shandra Scruggs, RN, a labor and delivery nurse and founder of the birthing, lactation, and postpartum care service Simply Birthed
• 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

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 for as long as you plan to room share.

If you have a smaller space, a bassinet may be more convenient to fit into your room. You can also choose 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 temporary play yard with a sleeping insert could be helpful for nighttime feelings. 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.

To avoid that, some people choose a convertible crib right from the beginning, because a convertible crib can convert from a crib for the baby stage to a toddler bed and sometimes, even a full-sized bed. Shandra Scruggs, RN, a labor and delivery nurse, points out that convertible cribs can also provide “a sense of familiarity and comfort to the child as they transition from a crib to a toddler bed.”  

What Are the Types of Cribs?

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. “I recommend that folks get a new crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards rather than a previously used one,” notes Dr. Johns. 

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. 
• Dr. Johns recommends only using cribs with bars 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. 
• Caregivers should also check for exposed screws or rough edges that might cause injuries, Dr. Johns suggests.

Who We Are

Dorian Smith-Garcia is a commerce, health, and parenting writer at Parents, and a mom of one daughter, who is out of the baby stage. She used a convertible crib with a built-in changing table, and it made those late-night diaper changes much easier. 

Chaunie Brusie is a registered nurse-turned-freelance writer specializing in commerce, 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.