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.

The 7 Best Baby Cribs of 2022

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

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Best Convertible:

DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib at Amazon

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Best Acrylic:

Pottery Barn Kids Sloan Acrylic Convertible Crib at Amazon

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Best Mini Crib:

Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib at Amazon

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Best for Travel:

BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light at Amazon

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Best Alternative Shape:

Stokke Sleepi Crib at Amazon

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Best Foldable:

Dream On Me Jett Non-Full Size Folding Crib at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

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.

Dimensions: 53.5 x 29.5 x 35 inches | Weight: 54 pounds | Max Child Weight: 50 pounds | Price at time of publication: $500

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).

Dimensions: 54.5 x 35 x 42 inches | Weight: 50 pounds | Max Child Weight: 50 pounds | Price at time of publication: $230

Pottery Barn Kids

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.

Dimensions: 54 x 30 x 36.5 inches | Weight: 83 pounds | Max Child Weight: 200 pounds | Price at time of publication: $900

Modern Nursery

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.

Dimensions: 39.75 x 26 x 35 inches | Weight: 40 pounds | Max Child Weight: 2 years old or 35 inches tall | Price at time of publication: $300

4.5

Amazon

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.

Dimensions: 44 x 32 x 24 inches | Weight (including carrying bag): 13 pounds | Max Child Weight: Up to 3 years old | Price at time of publication: $300

Verywell Family / Ashley Ziegler

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.

Dimensions: 29.1 x 33.6 x 50 inches | Weight: 44 pounds | Max Child Weight: 176 pounds | Price at time of publication: $749

Amazon

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.

Dimensions: 38 x 26 x 36 inches | Weight: 36 pounds | Max Child Weight: 50 pounds | Price at time of publication: $198

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.

Best Overall: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit

Best Convertible: DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib in Espresso

Best Acrylic: Pottery Barn Kids Sloan Acrylic Convertible Crib

Best Mini Crib: Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib

Best for Travel: BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light

Best Alternative Shape: Stokke Sleepi Crib

Best Foldable: Dream On Me Jett Non-Full Size Folding Crib