When should a baby be transitioned to a crib?

Transitioning a baby to a crib is a matter of choice and lifestyle. Some babies start sleeping right away in their cribs, while others may first sleep in a bassinet or play yard. The AAP has no preference between a crib and a bassinet, as long as all sleep safety standards are met. Many of our picks—like the Nestig Cloud Crib —can function as a bassinet or crib, so you can test out what you and your baby like the best. If you go the bassinet route, watch for your baby to show signs of rolling over. Once they can roll over (typically around 3 to 4 months old, according to Dr. Stovall), it’s safer for them to sleep in a crib. The AAP recommends that babies sleep in their caregivers’ room until at least 6 months old, so depending on the space you have available, you may want to choose one that first converts into a midi crib, like the Babyletto Yuzu 8-in-1 Convertible Crib .

How long should a baby stay in a crib?

This depends on the crib’s age, weight, and height recommendations, in addition to your kiddo’s development, maturity, and sleep habits. Generally speaking, little ones should be transitioned into a toddler bed when they reach 35 inches tall, or when the crib’s railings hit them mid-chest, says Dr. Stovall. This ensures that they can’t get out of the crib by themselves, which can be dangerous.

What can you expect to pay for a baby crib?

Baby cribs are available at a variety of price points, so you're sure to find one that fits your budget. They range from as low as $150 up to around $900 or more, but this depends on the style of crib you choose. For example, a crib with a unique shape, such as the Stokke Sleepi Crib , may cost you more than your standard-sized crib. Also, consider the material, as a full-sized crib made from acrylic will cost more than a mini crib designed from wood.

The 8 Best Baby Cribs for Safe and Sound Sleep of 2023

Whether your little one sleeps in your room or their nursery, a baby crib is essential in order to establish good (and safe) sleep habits. The best baby cribs are well-constructed and have a firm, flat mattress, following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) safe sleep guidelines. Plus, cribs should fit your space and style. As you shop for a baby crib, you should consider the size of your room, whether you want a standard or convertible crib, sleep safety, your decor style, and of course, your budget.

High-quality baby cribs can help babies and caregivers alike sleep better, which we know is precious during the infant stage. Some families prefer to start with a bassinet, while others choose a baby crib: As long as safety standards are met, the AAP doesn't have a preference between bassinets and cribs.

To find the best cribs for babies, we spoke with pediatricians and consulted safe sleep guidelines from the AAP to learn more about what sets a top-notch baby crib apart from the rest. With this expert insight, we narrowed our list to 15 top-rated products in different categories and price ranges. Our team of editors put the baby cribs through exhaustive long-term testing in their own homes (with their own babies!). For over two months now, we’ve been assessing the cribs for ease of setup, durability, ease of use, adjustability, and value. From assembly and safety to convenience during late-night diaper changes and different stages of the baby’s development, our editors have evaluated all the minute details that make these cribs worth the investment. Our test is ongoing, and we’ll keep this list updated as we gain more real-world insights into the performance of these top baby cribs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Babyletto Lolly Convertible Crib at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Assembly:

Newton x dadada Austin Convertible Crib at Newtonbaby.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Graco Benton Crib at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best Classic:

Pottery Barn Kids Kendall Convertible Crib at Potterybarnkids.com

Jump to Review

Best for Small Spaces:

Babyletto Gelato Mini Crib at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Convertible:

Nestig The Cloud Crib at Nestig.com

Jump to Review

Best With Wheels:

Stokke Sleepi Crib at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Newborns and Up:

Babyletto Yuzu at Babyletto.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
We Also Tested
How We Tested
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.7

Amazon

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5/5
Ease of Use

5/5
Durability

4.5/5
Adjustability

4.5/5
Value

4.8/5

Pros

Wood is durable and sturdy
Attractive look
Toddler bed conversion kit included

Cons

Different sizes of screws looked similar during assembly
Hard-to-notice chips in the paint after months of testing

The Babyletto Lolly Convertible Crib stands out with its appealing design and sturdy build. Even after several months of testing, it feels as steady and stable as the day we assembled it. We appreciate the clean, minimalistic design, which is available in nearly 10 different color combinations, matching most decor styles. In particular, we like how the crib frame and railings are in complementary colors, and several color combinations are available.

We like that the sustainably sourced pine wood is sturdy and durable, and it doesn’t move in the slightest when parents put their babies down. Plus, both the wood and paint are safe for your baby: The wood is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning that it’s free from thousands of harmful chemicals, and the paint is non-toxic and contains no lead or phthalates. After two months of testing, there were a few slight chips in the paint, but we likely wouldn’t have noticed if we weren’t looking so closely for them.

The assembly instructions are clear and straightforward, and we were able to put it together in an hour with two pairs of hands, though we felt it would be doable with just one person. We did learn that two differently sized sets of screws look very similar, causing some initial confusion. However, we like that the screws and other hardware aren’t noticeable on the assembled crib, giving it a clean look. Moving the height of the mattress up and down wasn’t difficult, though we do recommend using two sets of hands if you can because once you unscrew the mattress railing on one side, it quickly drops to the floor. It can be a bit heavy for one person to hold when balancing the railing while screwing it into place.

The Babyletto Lolly Convertible Crib costs $499, which is cheaper than the other full-sized Babyletto crib that made our list, the Yuzu, which costs $599. Plus, this crib already comes with the toddler bed conversion kit, so you’re saving money in the long run.

Price at time of publication: $499

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: ‎53.75 x 30.25 x 35.25 inches | Weight: 50 pounds | Maximum Child Weight/Height: 50 pounds or 50 inches | Conversions: Crib, daybed, and toddler bed | Greenguard Gold Certified: Yes}

4.6

Newton Baby

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5/5
Ease of Use

4.8/5
Durability

5/5
Adjustability

4/5
Value

4.5/5

Pros

Two rails for balance
Assembly took under 10 minutes

Cons

Washers leave a mark when moving the mattress

Assembling furniture can be a hassle, so we appreciate that the Newton x dadada Austin Convertible Crib is a breeze to put together. In fact, we were able to assemble it in just 9 minutes, putting the five pieces together with the included hex key. (If we had used a drill, this process might have been even quicker.)

Raising or lowering the mattress is also intuitive—simply undo four screws, move the mattress up or down, then put the screws back in. The mattress stays securely in place thanks to washers with grooves that dig into the frame, keeping the crib and mattress super sturdy. However, the washers do leave visible scuff marks in the crib frame when you raise or lower the mattress, which may not be an ideal look.

We haven’t noticed any wear and tear from regular use after several months. The beechwood crib feels sturdy and looks timeless in each of its colors (white, natural wood, and white). Rather than the typical four legs, this crib’s unique construction uses two rails that provide more contact with the floor (so it doesn’t wobble).

Priced at a middle-of-the-road $450, this Greenguard Gold certified crib can convert into a toddler bed or daybed, although you’ll need to buy the toddler rail separately, unlike our best overall pick, the Babyletto Lolly, which comes with the conversion kit included. We appreciate that the paint and finishes are non-toxic and free from lead and phthalates.

Price at time of publication: $450

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: ‎53.54 x 29.53 x 36.22 inches | Weight: 51.89 pounds | Maximum Child Weight/Height: 50 pounds | Conversions: Crib, daybed, and toddler bed | Greenguard Gold Certified: Yes}

4.2

Home Depot

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

2/5
Ease of Use

4/5
Durability

4.5/5
Adjustability

4/5
Value

4.8/5

Pros

Lots of configuration options
Hasn’t shown signs of wear and tear
Storage drawer

Cons

Difficult setup
Some may find the logo on the bottom unsightly

Baby gear can get pricey, so we appreciate that the Graco Benton 4-in-1 Crib is not only functional and sturdy but budget-friendly, too. The wooden crib is sleek and well built, and the base has a handy drawer for storing onesies, diapers, and more. Since it’s a convertible crib, it grows with your child (maybe all the way up until college!): It can function as a baby crib, toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed.

The crib has three mattress height options, and adjusting the height is comparable with other cribs in terms of ease. You’ll want to remove the front portion of the crib before moving the mattress, but you can do it with one person (though it’s easier with two). Solidly built and durable, the panels on this crib can withstand strong kicks, although the top panel sometimes makes a noise. One baby, in particular, slept approximately 840 hours in this crib in the span of two months, and impressively, it looked the same as the day we built it.

However, assembly is lengthy and involved. Though there are detailed directions, it was complicated to put together (assembly took us over two hours), and the direction in which pieces should be inserted was not always clear. Since you’ll likely only need to assemble the crib once, we don’t think this is a deterrent, but if you want an option with quick and easy assembly, consider the Newton x dadada Austin Convertible Crib.

You can’t beat the Graco Benton’s price of $250, and you get a long-lasting, versatile piece of furniture. It fits in well with most nursery decor, though do note that it has the brand’s name in a large font on the bottom of the crib.

Price at time of publication: $250

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 29.72 x 56.73 x 41.68 inches | Weight: 53.1 pounds | Maximum Child Weight/Height: 50 pounds | Conversions: Crib, toddler, day, and full-size beds | Greenguard Gold Certified: Yes}

4.7

Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4.8/5
Ease of Use

5/5
Durability

5/5
Adjustability

5/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Quick assembly
Changing the mattress height is a breeze

Cons

Conversion kit not included

This crib is simple to put together: The hardware comes clearly labeled and the packaging makes each part easily identifiable. One parent was able to assemble it by herself in 23 minutes, and it would be even faster with two people. The included turnkey is a little finicky, though. It feels sturdy after assembly, and it still feels just as solid after two months.

This crib is user-friendly and available in five classic, simple shades (white, weathered white, navy, gray, and brown wood). It couldn’t be easier to adjust the mattress height: The crib has four built-in supports that are adjustable and a breeze to remove using an Allen wrench. All in all, you can adjust the mattress height—there are three options—in under five minutes. Though the wood is heavy, it’s high-quality, and the crib is fair-trade and Greenguard Gold certified.

This Pottery Barn Kids crib starts at $599 for select colors, while some options can cost up to $699. Though there are less pricey options, like the Babyletto Lolly Convertible Crib, you’re paying for white glove delivery, easily adjustable mattress height, quick assembly, and an appealing look. This crib can also convert into a toddler bed, though the conversion kit is sold separately, or you can purchase a bundle.

Price at time of publication: Starting at $599

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 32 x 57 x 44 inches | Weight: 77.25 pounds | Maximum Child Weight/Height: Not listed | Conversions: Crib and toddler bed | Greenguard Gold Certified: Yes}

4.8

Amazon

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4.8/5
Ease of Use

4.5/5
Durability

4.8/5
Adjustability

5/5
Value

4.8/5

Pros

Packaged intuitively
Helps save space in your nursery or bedroom

Cons

Putting the mattress base in is confusing

If you’re tight on space or simply want more room in your nursery or bedroom, the Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib measures just 39.75 x 26 x 35 inches and is beautiful to boot. We love its mid-century modern look, with straight lines and two-toned details. Like the Babyletto Lolly and the Yuzu crib, it’s made from sustainably sourced pine wood and non-toxic paint, and the design hides the hardware for a cleaner look.

This crib’s packaging stands out since each part comes in the box in the order in which you’ll need it, and all tools and hardware are included and clearly identified. While we appreciate the straightforward pictures-only instructions, our one complaint is that the directions for putting in the mattress base are not intuitive and we had to look up photos to make sure we did it correctly. After two months, the crib still feels sturdy and has held together well.

It’s easy to adjust the mattress height up and down with two people, but it’s also doable with one set of hands. While this crib may be small, it has lots of use: It converts into a toddler bed and daybed with the toddler bed conversion kit (sold separately), and for the later years, it converts into a twin or full bed with a different conversion kit (also sold separately). Uniquely, you can switch out the feet on this crib so you can tailor it to your preferred look.

At $299, this crib strikes a great balance between price, design, and durability. Even if you want to convert it into a toddler bed, purchasing the crib and the conversion kit is pretty affordable and will cost you the same as the Babyletto Lolly.

Price at time of publication: $299

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 39.75 x 26 x 35 inches | Weight: 39.6 pounds | Maximum Child Weight/Height: 35 inches | Conversions: Mini crib, day, toddler, and twin beds | Greenguard Gold Certified: Yes}

4.8

Nestig

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4.8/5
Ease of Use

4.5/5
Durability

5/5
Adjustability

4.5/5
Value

4.5/5

Pros

Includes mini crib mattress and both conversion kits
Lots of value
Great for those deciding between a bassinet and a crib

Cons

Long shipping times

If you can’t choose between a bassinet and a crib, try the Nestig Cloud Crib, which has three conversions: mini crib, full crib, and toddler bed. “Mini crib” is the brand’s term for a bassinet, and it’s small and has rolling wheels, so it’s easy to move it to the side of the parents’ bed. When the baby has aged out at 6 months old, it can be converted into a regular-sized crib for babies up to 35 inches tall.

Assembling this crib is a breeze: There are only a few basic, intuitive steps that one person can easily handle. Similarly, adjusting the mattress between the three height options only takes a few steps. However, the packaging materials were a bit dusty, so be prepared for some cleanup after assembly. And while the assembly and height adjustment steps are easy to follow, the pictures could be larger and easier to read.

This crib feels super solid and can withstand being repeatedly bumped by the vacuum. The base and rails are constructed from solid Brazilian pine wood and finished with non-toxic paint, while the spindles are made from steel. You can choose between walnut and natural wood, but note that shipping takes a while for both colorways: The walnut ships in five weeks, while the natural wood takes six weeks.

The $749 price tag may seem steep, but the Nestig Cloud Crib is worth every penny. In addition to its three conversions, it comes with a mattress for the mini crib and kits to convert it into the full crib and a toddler bed. The only things you’ll need to buy separately are crib sheets and a mattress for the full crib, which is a standard size.

Price at time of publication: $749

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 54 x 30.25 x 36 inches | Weight: 61.7 pounds (cribs), 17.6 (toddler bed) | Maximum Child Weight/Height: 6 months old (mini crib), 35 inches (full crib), 50 pounds (toddler bed) | Conversions: Mini crib, full-size crib, and toddler bed | Greenguard Gold Certified: No (it is JPMA certified)}

4.3

Amazon

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

3.5/5
Ease of Use

4.2/5
Durability

5/5
Adjustability

4.2/5
Value

4.2/5

Pros

Lockable wheels
Breathable slats
Oval shape takes up less space than a traditional crib

Cons

Costly
Confusing assembly

A crib on wheels comes in handy if you plan to move it from room to room, or if you don’t have the space to assemble it in the room you’d like to keep it in. The Stokke Sleepi Crib features handy lockable wheels, so it stays in place where you want it to be, and they allow you to move the crib in a rocking motion to help your little one fall asleep. Its unique oval shape allows the crib to have slats all around it for optimal airflow (and there are no corners for the baby to bang their head on). The oval shape also takes up less space than a typical rectangular crib, which is a plus, though this may mean it won’t fit through all doorways.

Even when we moved it from room to room and bumped it into the walls a bit, it looked as good as new, a testament to the solid European beech wood. You can adjust the mattress height to four different levels, which is fairly easy to do, but initial assembly is time-consuming and not intuitive, as parts are not labeled well. (We had to look up a tutorial online.) After assembly, it’s smooth sailing.

With this crib, you’re paying for quality, longevity, and an aesthetically appealing look, but at $849, it’s definitely an investment. Plus, the toddler bed conversion kit, mattress, and sheets are sold separately, and due to the crib’s unique shape, only the brand’s crib mattress and sheets will fit. If you want a crib that’s still sleek and high-quality but a little less pricey, we recommend the Pottery Barn Kids Kendall Crib.

Price at time of publication: $849

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 54 x 30.25 x 36 inches | Weight: 60.8 pounds | Maximum Child Weight/Height: 6 months old (mini crib), 35 inches (full crib), 50 pounds (toddler bed) | Conversions: Crib and toddler bed | Greenguard Gold Certified: Not listed}

4.4

Amazon

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

3/5
Ease of Use

5/5
Durability

5/5
Adjustability

4/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Lots of conversion options
Great value

Cons

Assembly and adjustments are time-consuming

Designed to grow with your child, the Babyletto Yuzu Convertible Crib has your little one covered from infancy to kindergarten (the recommended age range is birth to 5 years old). It has an impressive eight configurations: bassinet, midi crib, full crib, midi toddler bed, full toddler bed, midi daybed, full daybed, and junior bed. Each crib configuration has the option of having four lockable wheels for portability, which we find especially helpful for moving your baby to a quiet space for nap time.

The assembly directions are easy to follow, but there are quite a few steps to complete. When assembling the full crib, be sure to secure the two side pieces as tightly as possible to avoid any wobbling. Lowering or raising the mattress height is standard, with all four corners needing to be adjusted. (The bassinet and midi crib have four height options, and the full crib has three.)

Removing the crib rails to convert it into a toddler bed is fairly seamless—you’ll just need to remove six screws on either side. Like most convertible cribs, transitioning it to a new configuration is an involved process, though not difficult. We like that this crib is available in white, dark brown walnut, or light brown wood to fit most decor styles, and as a bonus, the mattresses for the bassinet and midi crib are included, though the full crib mattress and all sheets are sold separately.

While the Babyletto Yuzu is $100 more than the Babyletto Lolly, our top pick, you’re getting eight possible configurations (and two mattresses for the smaller sizes) compared to just three configurations.

Price at time of publication: $599

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 53.8 x 29.8 x 32.6 inches | Weight: 86 pounds | Maximum Child Weight/Height: 35 inches (crib) | Conversions: Bassinet, midi (or mini) crib, full-size crib, midi toddler bed, midi daybed, full-size toddler bed, full-size daybed, and junior bed | Greenguard Gold Certified: Yes}

How We Rated Baby Cribs

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best baby cribs we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These baby cribs are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great baby cribs, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These baby cribs are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend baby cribs with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

Baby Cribs We Also Tested

Delta Children Sweet Beginnings 6-in-1 Convertible Crib: Though we appreciate that this crib looks more high-end than it is, the wood didn’t feel as solid as we’d like it to be, and we found it challenging to move around to pick up stray pacifiers. Plus, while it’s advertised as a convertible crib, the conversion kit is sold separately.
West Elm x Pottery Barn Kids Mid-Century Convertible Crib: While we like this crib (it made our list of best convertible cribs), it’s not the best pick for younger babies, as the head and foot of the bed are solid wood rather than slats, making it difficult to position a baby monitor. We also thought it stands out more as a toddler crib, thanks to how low to the ground it is on the lowest setting.

How We Tested Baby Cribs

To evaluate the best baby cribs, our editors have been testing 15 cribs in their own homes, assessing them for value, durability, assembly, adjustability, and more. Their little ones have been sleeping in the cribs for months, with parents noting how the cribs have held up over time. To ensure that our list contains the best baby crib recommendations, our editors and their families continue to use these cribs, and we’ll keep this list updated as we learn more about their long-term performance.

During our test, we unboxed each crib, taking note of how intuitively the parts were packaged and labeled. Next, we timed ourselves as we put together each crib, assessing the ease of the assembly process and whether multiple sets of hands were required. We then inserted the crib mattresses, making sure they fit snugly, and moved the cribs around, shaking the frame and pulling on the bars to test how stable and sturdy they felt. Then, we adjusted the mattress height to different settings to see how easy and intuitive it was. Over time, we’ve been observing how durable the cribs are, making sure that they still feel sturdy and safe for babies to sleep in.

We also spoke with Amanda Stovall, MD, a pediatrician at Springfield Clinic in Peoria, Illinois, about crib safety and what to consider when purchasing a crib for your baby. Additionally, we consulted crib and sleep safety guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

What to Look for in Baby Cribs

Type

There are several types of cribs on the market, and the best fit for your family depends on your space, budget, and long-term needs. This also depends on the size of your family and if you have a spare toddler bed from an older sibling. It’s important to know the difference between the types and what will work best for your family’s lifestyle.

Standard: A standard crib typically measures around 28 x 52 inches and may not convert into a toddler or full-size bed. A standard crib can be used immediately once a baby is born, usually until a child begins trying to climb out or has reached the crib’s age, height, or weight milestones. If it does not convert to a toddler bed, you will have to purchase one separately.
Convertible: Convertible cribs can transform a regular crib into a toddler and full-size bed. These are perfect if you want to save money, as they can be used from birth to adolescence, if not adulthood. Some convertible cribs, like the Babyletto Lolly Convertible Crib, come with all the parts and tools you’ll need to convert it into a toddler bed, while other options require you to purchase a conversion kit separately.
Mini: Mini cribs, or smaller cribs that mimic bassinets, can only hold babies up to a certain size since they are smaller and are not designed to hold the weight of an older child like standard cribs. Once a baby reaches the weight or age limit, it’s time for a new bed (or to transition it into a standard size if it’s a convertible crib). However, if you need a safe sleep space that’s small and compact, mini cribs are a great option. (We recommend the Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib.)
Drop side: Drop side cribs were banned in 2011 after the deaths of dozens of babies. They are unsafe to use, even secondhand, and it is illegal to sell, manufacture, or donate them.

Safety

When picking a crib, there are several safety considerations to keep in mind. First, it’s vital to check the spacing between the crib's slats. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the space between the crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches or 6 centimeters. This is to ensure your baby’s head won’t get stuck should they slip through, says Dr. Stovall. Additionally, always look for missing or cracked slats.

You’ll also want to ensure the mattress fits snugly into the crib. If you can fit two fingers between the mattress and crib, it’s not snug enough, Dr. Stovall tells Verywell Family. A loose crib mattress poses a suffocation risk if the baby rolls over.

Once you’ve picked your crib, there are additional ways to keep your baby safe and sound. To avoid strangulation hazards, Dr. Stovall recommends placing your crib away from drapery and window cords, and pacifiers on cords or necklaces should never be left in the crib. Plus, your baby should be the only thing in their crib: Items like bumper pads, extra clothing or blankets, and stuffed animals may pose a suffocation or choking hazard, she says. We recommend using a baby swaddle or sleep sack to keep your little one warm and safe.

Mattress Height

Before putting your child in their crib, check how tall the crib's sides are in relation to the top of the mattress to prevent your little one from climbing out and potentially hurting themselves. According to the regulations outlined by the AAP, the highest setting should be no less than 26 inches below the top of the mattress. The highest setting is ideal for younger babies who are not yet mobile, typically less than 3 months old, though the milestones are more important than the particular age, Dr. Stovall says.

When your baby begins to roll, lower the mattress so that they’re fully supported if they lean up against the railings, and you’ll want to make sure the mattress is on the lowest level before your baby can pull themselves into a standing position, she says.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a baby be transitioned to a crib?

Transitioning a baby to a crib is a matter of choice and lifestyle. Some babies start sleeping right away in their cribs, while others may first sleep in a bassinet or play yard. The AAP has no preference between a crib and a bassinet, as long as all sleep safety standards are met. Many of our picks—like the Nestig Cloud Crib—can function as a bassinet or crib, so you can test out what you and your baby like the best.
If you go the bassinet route, watch for your baby to show signs of rolling over. Once they can roll over (typically around 3 to 4 months old, according to Dr. Stovall), it’s safer for them to sleep in a crib. The AAP recommends that babies sleep in their caregivers’ room until at least 6 months old, so depending on the space you have available, you may want to choose one that first converts into a midi crib, like the Babyletto Yuzu 8-in-1 Convertible Crib.
How long should a baby stay in a crib?

This depends on the crib’s age, weight, and height recommendations, in addition to your kiddo’s development, maturity, and sleep habits. Generally speaking, little ones should be transitioned into a toddler bed when they reach 35 inches tall, or when the crib’s railings hit them mid-chest, says Dr. Stovall. This ensures that they can’t get out of the crib by themselves, which can be dangerous.
What can you expect to pay for a baby crib?

Baby cribs are available at a variety of price points, so you're sure to find one that fits your budget. They range from as low as $150 up to around $900 or more, but this depends on the style of crib you choose. For example, a crib with a unique shape, such as the Stokke Sleepi Crib, may cost you more than your standard-sized crib. Also, consider the material, as a full-sized crib made from acrylic will cost more than a mini crib designed from wood.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor. As a commerce writer and avid shopper herself, she enjoys helping readers find the best products for their unique needs. She recommends considering your budget, personal style, space, and future family plans when picking the best baby crib for your lifestyle. (She’s partial to a mid-century modern look.) To write this story, she spoke with Amanda Stovall, MD, an Illinois-based pediatrician at Springfield Clinic, about crib safety.

Additional reporting by:

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year-old daughter. Her beloved grandmother was honored to buy the crib for her first grandson, and three kids later, that crib is enjoying life as a toddler bed.

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