Becoming a parent is like learning a second language while being asked to pick teams for sports you’ve never heard of: Are you team Uppababy or Nuna? Graco or Chicco? Will you use a LÍLLÉbaby, a Tushbaby or a babybjorn? Sadly, holding Google Translate up to the other person’s face as they ask these questions and stare back at you, expectantly, will get you nowhere (I’ve tried). To ease that learning curve, PureWow is testing all kinds of baby products, cribs included. Collectively, our staff has tested more than a dozen, and every year, we review dozens more on the market as part of our Happy Kid Awards vetting process. Here are the ones we happily use in our own homes.
The 5 Best Cribs of 2024, Vetted by Parents (And Tested by Their Kids)
Psst: One converts into a full-size bed
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Published Apr 30, 2024
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The 5 Best Cribs at a Glance
1
Best Overall Crib
BabyGap Oxford 6-in-1 Convertible Crib
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2
Best Convertible Mini Crib
Nestig Cloud Crib
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3
Best Modern Crib
Babyletto Scoot 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
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4
Most Innovative Crib
Cradlewise Smart Crib
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5
Best Budget-Friendly Crib
Delta Heartland 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
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How I Chose the Best Cribs
First, I had to answer: What makes a good crib? It should be relatively easy to install, sturdy and adjustable, so it can grow with your baby. I also looked for models that fit a range of price points—because raising a child is expensive—and takes aesthetics into consideration while meeting the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (USCPSC) crib safety guidelines (such as ensuring slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches wide—about a soda can’s width—so your baby’s body cannot fit between them). Bonus points if it was GreenGuard Gold certified, ensuring that it doesn’t emit harsh chemicals, or had other third-party certifications to ensure its quality.
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The 5 Best Cribs of 2024, Recommended by Parents
Best Overall Crib
1. BabyGap Oxford 6-in-1 Convertible Crib
What I Like:
- GreenGuard Gold certified
- Sturdy, solid construction
- Affordable
- Adjustable mattress height
What I Don’t Like:
- Toddler guardrail sold separately
- Style may be bland for some
delta children
Most cribs promise to convert to a toddler bed, maybe a daybed too, but this overachiever can be repurposed six ways, including a loveseat and a full bed. That said, mom and Gallery Media Group Senior Director of Brand Strategy, Liana Iglesias, loves it for one feature in particular: “My friends recommended this one to me because of the backboard, so my son can't throw pacifiers or other things out the back, which would be hard to reach” when the crib’s flush against a wall. Beyond that, the crib is easy to set up and has rave reviews for its sturdiness, with a traditional look that puts it in a league with cribs that cost two to three times its price.
FAST FACTS
- Weight limit: 50 pounds
- Dimensions: 54” W x 40.5” H x 29.5” D
Best Convertible Mini Crib
What I Like:
- All conversion pieces included
- Sustainably sourced materials
- 18-year limited warranty
What I Don't Like:
- Must use Nestig sheets for mini crib
nestig
Our Happy Kid Awards winner for best crib in 2022, the Nestig Cloud caught editors’ attention for how useful its convertible features are—from mini crib to full-size crib to toddler bed, they’re all configurations you’re likely to use. The mini crib can take the place of a bassinet during your baby’s first six months, and in that phase, it features rolling feet so you can maneuver it easily. As a regular crib, it features three adjustable mattress heights, and in all three phases, it comes with the conversion kit (no extra purchases necessary). “I love the two-tone wood and rounded edges, almost as much as I love the wheels that make it mobile,” says mom-of-two and former PureWow Director of Branded Content, Cristina Polchinski. “Assembly was a breeze—it basically came in five parts, minus the wheels, and a couple of sturdy screws here and there were all it took.”
FAST FACTS
- Weight limit: 50 pounds
- Dimensions: 30.3” W x 32” H x 22” D (mini crib); 54” W x 36” H x 30.3” D (standard crib)
Best Modern Crib
3. Babyletto Scoot 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
What I Like:
- GreenGuard Gold certified
- Mid-century modern design
- affordable
What I Don't Like:
- some say wood color is lighter in person
babyletto
Whether you’re into the dark wood trend or favor something with a more light and airy vibe, the Babyletto Scoot’s got you. This GreenGuard Gold-certified crib features a mid-century modern style and includes the toddler bed conversion kit, all at a reasonable $399 price point. “It’s super easy to put together and it has such a high-end look,” says mom and PureWow Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak.
FAST FACTS
- Weight limit: 50 pounds
- Dimensions: 54"L x 30.25"W x 35"H
Most Innovative Crib
What I Like:
- Bouncing tech helps soothe babies
- Heavy (crib weighs 88 lbs; box arrives weighing 114 lbs)
- Durable
- GreenGuard Gold certified
What I Don't Like:
- Pricey
- 33-lb weight limit
cradlewise
When you call yourself the “world’s smartest convertible bassinet and crib,” you’ve got some big claims to live up to—and based on a friend’s assessment, it delivers. (It better, given its $1,399-and-up price tag.) The Scandi-chic baby bed features a built-in monitor that senses when a baby starts to wake up and begins gently bouncing to soothe them. There’s even an app that provides alerts when your baby has fallen asleep or is woken up, and provides sleep insights that can rival your FitBit. It can also play pink, white or brown noise, or a Spotify playlist. Oh, and it adapts to your baby’s sleep patterns. That said, some balked at it being too techy, and that the price tag is just too expensive for roughly two years’ use.
FAST FACTS
- Weight limit: 33 lbs
- Dimensions: 40” L x 25” W x 42” H
Best Budget-Friendly Crib
5. Delta Heartland 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
What I Like:
- GreenGuard Gold certified
- Durable
- Adjustable mattress height
- Very affordable
What I Don't Like:
- Toddler rail sold separately
- Plain aesthetic
delta children
When I was pregnant with my first child, I went through sticker shock: How much do you need to care for a baby?! And how much does it all cost?! As appealing as luxury cribs were, I knew we’d only be using ours for the first two years max—first as a crib, then as a toddler bed, so I went the affordable route with this Delta option. And you know what? Five years later, my 8-month-old son uses it and we have had zero issues. It’s been easy to assemble (and disassemble and store), it’s sturdy and spit-up and other stains are easily wiped away. Sure, it’s no frills, but it gives me a blank canvas to go over-the-top with the rest of the room. (Though what am I saying? I opted for the aqua color, because I’m extra like that.)
FAST FACTS
- Weight limit: 50 pounds
- Dimensions: 54.3” W x 29.5” D x 35” H
What to Look for When Shopping for a Crib
As you shop, here are a few things to consider:
- There are no cutout designs in the headboard/footboard, so the baby’s head won’t get trapped
- No corner posts over 1/16th inch high (otherwise a baby’s clothing could get caught on it, per the USCPSC)
- No missing, loose or broken hardware on the crib
- No space between the mattress and the crib
- The mattress should be firm, with a tight-fitting crib sheet
- No holes in mesh or loose threads that could entangle a baby
- Check the USCPSC’s recall database to ensure the model you’re considering hasn’t been recalled
- Follow all American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for safe sleep (including keeping loose sheets, blankets, bumpers and other soft items out of the crib)
