Babies Gear and Products The 7 Best Baby Cribs of 2022 The Babyletto Hudson Convertible Crib is our top pick for snoozing littles By Maya Polton Maya Polton LinkedIn Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 13, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. In order to establish good sleep habits, it is helpful to have a designated spot for your baby to sleep. Some children begin sleeping in a baby bassinet after birth, while others begin sleeping in their own crib. Many parents and caregivers like the idea of one less transition to make, so they choose a crib for baby's sleep space. Reviewed & Approved The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit is a stylish convertible crib that includes three conversions to grow with your child. For a budget-friendly option, we suggest the IKEA Gulliver Crib. The American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, doesn't have a preference over bassinets or cribs as long as safety standards are met. When selecting a crib, find a crib style, size, and price point that fits your family. Most cribs are sold without a mattress, which will be purchased separately. We carefully looked over design, value, age, height, and weight recommendations, and crib safety guidance from the AAP when reviewing products. To help get you started, here are the best cribs for your baby, budget, and style. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Babyletto Hudson Convertible Crib at Amazon Jump to Review Best Convertible: DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib at Amazon Jump to Review Best Acrylic: Pottery Barn Kids Sloan Acrylic Convertible Crib at Potterybarnkids.com Jump to Review Best Mini Crib: Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib at Modernnursery.com Jump to Review Best for Travel: BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light at Amazon Jump to Review Best Alternative Shape: Stokke Sleepi Crib at Amazon Jump to Review Best Foldable: Dream On Me Jett Non-Full Size Folding Crib at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Potterybarnkids.com Pros Four adjustable mattress heights Grows from newborn to toddler Several color options Cons Does not grow to full-size bed Costly Who else recommends it? Good Housekeeping, CNET, and Forbes all picked the Babyletto Hudson Convertible Crib. What do buyers say? 89% of 1,800+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 5 stars. The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed earned our top spot because it can be used for many years as your child grows. Well-priced with a classic and versatile style, this top pick easily adapts from crib to cozy toddler bed to daybed, with the conversion kit included. As a crib, the metal mattress platform can be placed at four different heights, so it easily accommodates your growing baby. Stylish parents will appreciate the six color options, ranging from single standard colors to two-color options, to match any nursery decor. Price at time of publish: $500 Dimensions: 53.5 x 29.5 x 35 inches | Weight: 54 pounds | Max Child Weight: 50 pounds Best Convertible: DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib in Espresso 5 Wayfair View On Amazon View On Wayfair Pros Several color options Four conversions available Cons Conversion kits sold separately Assembly difficult for some A convertible crib is a smart option for kids who’ll be in their own room for a long time. As they grow, simply change the bed to match their age and stage. Made for longevity, this option easily converts from a crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-sized bed (toddler and full-size bed conversion kits sold separately). Price at time of publish: $230 Dimensions: 54.5 x 35 x 42 inches | Weight: 50 pounds | Max Child Weight: 50 pounds Best Acrylic: Pottery Barn Kids Sloan Acrylic Convertible Crib Pottery Barn Kids View On Potterybarnkids.com View On West Elm Pros Clear slats Converts to toddler bed Durable Cons Conversion kit sold separately Costly For an altogether modern take on the baby crib, acrylic cribs stand out from the pack. Made with clear slats, the style lends itself to an open, airy feel and shows off the sheets, walls, and nursery design. With this crib, the mattress height has only two options and a toddler conversion kit is sold separately. Price at time of publish: $900 Dimensions: 54 x 30 x 36.5 inches | Weight: 83 pounds | Max Child Weight: 200 pounds The 8 Best Convertible Cribs of 2022 Best Mini Crib: Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib Modern Nursery View On Modernnursery.com Pros Compact design Non-toxic paint and stain Four different conversions Cons Two color options Conversion kits sold separately Suitable from the newborn stage until about 18 months, a mini crib provides safe sleeping space for a baby in their parent’s room, small nursery, or anywhere else. Just because it’s small, this option doesn’t miss out on style. The 4-in-1 crib transitions to a toddler bed, day bed, or twin bed (conversion kits sold separately). When buying a mini crib, you’ll need to buy a mattress and sheets designed for this smaller-sized crib. Price at time of publish: $300 Dimensions: 39.75 x 26 x 35 inches | Weight: 40 pounds | Max Child Weight: 2 years old or 35 inches tall Best for Travel: BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Babybjorn.com The Babybjorn Travel Crib Light Offers Portability and Effortless Setup Pros Portable Easy to set up Cons Some bundles do not include sheet Provide a safe, cozy, and comfortable place for your baby to sleep when away from home. Well-loved by parents, this portable crib is almost like a standard crib. Parent reviewers love that it is easy to set up, fold, and carry. It’s suitable from birth until about 3 years old (or when your kiddo can climb out) and comes with a mattress, mattress cover, and compact carrying case. Price at time of publish: $300 Dimensions: 44 x 32 x 24 inches | Weight (including carrying bag): 13 pounds | Max Child Weight: Up to 3 years old We Tested the Best Pack ‘N Plays for Home and Travel Verywell Family / Ashley Ziegler Best Alternative Shape: Stokke Sleepi Crib Amazon View On Amazon Pros Lockable swivel wheels Removable panel for different crib sizes Cons Costly Standard mattress does not fit crib's shape Create a cozy nest for your little one with this Scandinavian-designed, unique oval crib. There are lockable swivel wheels so the crib can be moved from room to room and the mattress base adjusts to a few height levels. Once your babe has reached the curious toddler stage, remove the one side of the bed for easy access and independent movement in and out of bed. Due to the unique oval shape, the accompanying oval Stokke mattress is required. Price at time of publish: $749 Dimensions: 29.1 x 33.6 x 50 inches | Weight: 44 pounds | Max Child Weight: 176 pounds Best Foldable: Dream On Me Jett Non-Full Size Folding Crib Amazon View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY Pros Removable wheels Foldable Cons Mattress pad is thin A foldable crib is a helpful way to stash a full-sized crib in a vacation house, grandparent’s house, or anywhere else where it may need to get put away. Ideal for small spaces, it folds flat and has lockable wheels so it’s easy to transport. The three-position mattress keeps pace with a growing baby. Available in five colors, this crib comes with a 1.5-inch mattress pad that stores flat in the crib when it’s folded. Purchasing an additional crib mattress will be necessary. Price at time of publish: $198 Dimensions: 38 x 26 x 36 inches | Weight: 36 pounds | Max Child Weight: 50 pounds The 8 Best Baby Crib Choices for a Grandparent's House of 2022 What to Look for in a Baby Crib Size Prior to purchasing, check the measurements of your crib and the designated space in your child’s room the crib will go. Standard cribs typically measure around 28 inches x 52 inches while mini cribs usually measure between 24 to 28 inches x 36 to 43 inches. Standard vs. Convertible While you may not know from the moment your child is born, try to think about how your child will use the crib and if you already own toddler or bigger beds. There are many different types of cribs on the market, so it’s important to know the difference between them and what will work best for your family’s lifestyle. Standard: A standard crib typically measure around 28 inches x 52 inches and may not convert into a toddler bed or full-size bed. A standard crib can be used immediately once baby is born and usually until a child begins trying to climb out or has reached the crib’s milestones. If it does not convert to a toddler bed, you will have to purchase a toddler bed separately. Convertible: Convertible cribs can transform a regular crib into a toddler bed and then into a full-size bed. These are perfect if you’re wanting to get the most bang for your buck as they can be used from birth to adulthood. Mini: Mini cribs can only hold babies up to a certain size as they are smaller and are not designed to hold the weight of an older child like standard cribs. Once baby reaches the weight or age limit, it’s time for a new bed. However, if you’re needing a safe sleep space that’s small and compact, mini cribs are a great option. Dropside: Dropside cribs were banned 10 years ago after the deaths of dozens of babies. They are not safe to use, even secondhand, and it is illegal to sell them. Bar Spacing Safety Just like checking for size is important, it's also 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 six centimeters. Double-checking this spacing ensures your child’s body will not be able to slip through. Additionally, always look for missing or cracked slats. 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 tot from climbing out and potentially hurt themselves. According to the regulations outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics, raised crib sides should be at least 26 inches about the top of the mattress. Frequently Asked Questions When should a baby be transitioned to a crib? Transitioning a baby to a crib is all 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. Most babies will move to a crib by 3 to 6 months. How long should a baby stay in a crib? Babies are all different. Some can happily stay in a crib past 3 years old while others may protest or even climb out of their crib by 18 months. There is a level of maturity and healthy sleep habits required to stay in a big-kid bed all night, so try to keep your kiddo in a crib as long as safely possible. What can you expect to pay for a baby crib? Baby cribs are available at a variety of pricepoints, so you're sure to find one that fits in your budget. They range from as low as $150 and 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. Consider the material as well, as a full-sized crib made from acrylic will cost more than a mini crib designed from wood. Why Trust Verywell Family 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. 8 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. How to keep your sleeping baby safe: aap policy explained. HealthyChildren.org. 7 Best Convertible Cribs, Selected by Engineers and Moms. Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/childrens-products/g28553275/best-converible-cribs/ Best Cribs of 2022. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/health/parenting/best-crib/ The Best Cribs To Give Your Baby A Safe And Restful Sleep. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2022/06/06/best-cribs/ Onsafety – the new crib standard: questions and answers. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Crib safety tips. HealthyChildren.org. Choosing a crib. HealtyChildren.org. Big kid beds: When to make the switch. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit