8 Best Baby Cribs of 2024 with Buying Guide

Your baby will devote a lot of time in the nursery, and having a crib is an excellent addition to setting up proper sleeping habits and a safe sleep environment. Some parents prefer a bassinet when the baby is tiny, but the best baby crib is inevitable as there are multiple options, such as convertible or mini cribs.

This depends on your nursery style. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is no preference for bassinets or cribs for babies as long as the safety standards are met.

So, let us look at what factors to consider when choosing the best baby crib, the different types of cribs available, and 8 of the best baby cribs available in the market.

How to Choose a Baby Cribs

• Safety: Baby cribs sold separately in the USA must pass stringent safety regulations. Since 2011, all smart crib manufacturers must meet the USA Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Some certifications and regulations to look for are the JPMA seal, as well as the Greenguard Gold Seal.
• Integrity: The headboards and footboards should be made of solid material with no decorative cutouts. The corner posts that might cause injuries should be removed. Bumpers should not be leveraged or utilized right in the crib.
• Mattress settings: Most babies’ cribs have 2-4 mattress height settings. This states to the diverse heights the mattress can be elevated or dropped. This is important because the mattress should be low enough to stop it from falling once your baby starts crawling.
• Convertibility: If you are looking for a convertible baby crib, then make sure that it has all the necessary features and comes with the type of conversion you want.
• Crib Safety: The crib must be at least 26 inches overhead the mattress backing in its lowermost spot. Then occasionally lower the mattress as your kid matures.
• Made of quality materials: All the cribs must have certifications and regulations to show they are made of quality materials. Check all certification stamps and details to ensure that the brand you like is up to standards.

Types of Baby Cribs

The market has multiple crib options that vary in functionality and size. So, let’s take a look at the different types of best baby cribs.

1. Standard Cribs

These full size standard crib provide room for your baby. They are perfect traditional cribs when you have a large area designated for your child – a separate nursery with proper nursery decor or a large bedroom or their own room. The crib should have multiple mattress size and setting options so that you can lower the crib mattress height but are sold separately.

Pros of Standard Cribs

• Long-term value than bassinets
• They can be used until the baby is 2 years old
• They are also spacious enough to help your baby grow

Cons of Standard Cribs

• They cost more
• Takes up more space than a bassinet or mini crib
• Fewer portable cribs than bassinets or travel cribs

2. Convertible Cribs

With multiple options, convertible cribs are becoming one of the popular choices for babies. These cribs come in the standard size but have additional crib features of 3-in-1, 4-in-1 convertible, and up to 7-in-1 convertibility. Depending on the need, they can be converted into the day, full-sized, and toddler beds with a conversion kit. Most convertible best baby cribs require conversion kits to morph into different setups.

Pros of Convertible Cribs

• It can easily be adapted to your baby’s requirements
• If you buy the 7-in-1 or 5-in-1 crib, you are set until your baby crosses adulthood

Cons of Convertible Cribs

• Most convertible cribs are costly
• Mattresses are sold separately
• You must buy additional parts to convert the crib into a bed

3. Bassinet

Bassinets are smaller, lightweight options that work well for the initial 4-5 months after a baby is born. They can be leveraged well until the baby rolls over or pushes up on their hands and knees. They are also portable cribs and can be used anywhere in your baby proof house.

Pros of Bassinets

• Highly affordable
• Allows parents to keep their baby close
• They can be set up quickly
• Easy to travel with

Cons of Bassinets

• They are short-term sleeping solution
• Your baby will need to be moved to a crib once they outgrow the bassinet

4. Travel Cribs

Travel cribs are designed to meet the specific needs of parents who travel with their babies. A travel crib resembles a small or mini crib but is easy to fold and carry. They are light, portable cribs, and are easy to set up. This makes them perfect to use when traveling.

Pros of Travel Cribs

• Travel cribs are smaller and easy to set up
• They can be straightforwardly moved from one place to the other place

Cons of Travel Cribs

• They are highly expensive and
• Most of crib mattresses are sold separately

5. Mini Cribs

Mini cribs are more like convertible cribs, except they are smaller in size. Most mini cribs like the origami mini crib come with a multiple-height crib mattress setting that can be easily adjusted per your requirement. Many of the best mini crib mattresses can be converted into day beds or twin bed, so the utility of these is more extended. Mini cribs are generally larger than a bassinet but smaller than a traditional crib. All you need are Universal Twin Size Toddler Rail and a Bed Frame.

Pros of Mini Cribs

• Compact and great for co-sharing spaces
• They are perfect for those who are in between sizes.

Cons of Mini Cribs

• Mini cribs are smaller than the standard convertible cribs
• Your baby can outgrow them before moving onto the toddler’s bed.

If you are thinking about transist your toddler into a big kid bed then read this to know the signs and readiness of your toddler for a bed for a healthy transition.

Best Baby Cribs

The Top-Rated Best Baby Cribs

• Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1
• DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Best Baby Cribs for Travel

• Baby Jogger City Suite
• BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
• Maxi-Cosi Playard

Best Budget-friendly Cribs

• Graco Theo Convertible Crib
• Dream On Me 2-in-1 Lightweight Crib
• Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Babys Crib

The Top-Rated Best Baby Cribs

1. Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1

One of the top-rated best baby cribs, Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 is a favorite with parents due to its versatile baby crib design. With stylish rounded spindles, a solid frame, and turned-out feet, it is perfect for modern design nurseries.

Made with New Zealand pine solid wood crib and green guard gold certified to protect your baby. With the toddler bed conversion kit and toddler bed guardrail, you can seamlessly convert the crib to a toddler bed or daybed as your baby grows.

2. DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

This beautifully made and versatile full size crib has gentle curves and is a sturdy construction that can be transformed into a toddler bed, a day bed, or a full-size bed. Made with 100% New Zealand pine wood, the bed has a Greenguard Gold certification that is a safe crib and eco-friendly.

The 4 adjustable mattress positions can be lowered when your baby begins to stand and sit. The crib is built to withstand even the most active babies and can last until your child’s room in their teenage years. The main thing to know here is it will only convert to a daybed and toddler bed.

The Best Baby Cribs for Travel

1. Baby Jogger City suite

The multi-level playard has an integrated bassinet with an elevated sleep spot for children up to 18 pounds. The crib is versatile enough to be tucked away to transition into a playard as your baby grows.

A crib mattress that fits both the bassinet and the playard can easily transition and be stored in different areas. Because of the stain-resistant fabric, the playard can be cleaned using a simple wipe.

2. BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light is perfect if you are looking for a simple, safe, and lightweight travel crib. You can set up the crib in a precise movement wherever you go. The crib is suitable for newborns and babies up to 3 years of age or until your child can climb out of it.

There is no upper weight limit to use this crib. The crib complies with the EN716 safety standards for folding cribs and the national fire safety requirement.

3. Maxi-Cosi Playard

The 3-in-1 Maxi-Cosi playard is perfect for a bassinet, a toddler bed, and a sturdy play yard. With its one-step fold, it is so easy to do with one hand. There are no hidden locks or additional segments to be added. The bed grows with your baby as they transition from a newborn to a toddler crib.

The unique 2-stage mattress unzips perfectly to fit the bassinet and can be zipped back up to create ample, comfy playtime or nap space.

The Best Budget-Friendly Cribs

1. Graco Theo Convertible Crib

This simple yet modern convertible crib is with a toddler bed made of non-toxic, lead and phthalate free and meets US CSPC and ASTM international safety standards.

The Graco Theo convertible crib readily converts into a daybed rail or toddler bed. Made with New Zealand pine wood, this solid wood construction, convertible crib has a adjustable crib mattress level.

2. Dream On Me 2-in-1 Lightweight Crib

The Dream On Me 2-in-1 Lightweight Folding Portable Stationary Side Crib is an amazing piece of baby furniture that provides comfort, convenience, and portability. This crib features a contemporary design with a low-profile mattress support board, allowing for easy access to your little one.

It comes equipped with two stationary side rails and a two-position mattress support board for added safety and convenience.

3. Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Baby Crib

The Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Baby Crib is a convenient and stylish option for any parent. This mini crib combines the convenience of portability with a sleek, modern design that will look great in any nursery.

With its sturdy metal frame and easy-to-fold design, the Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Baby Crib is the perfect choice for parents who want the budget-friendly, convenience of a portable crib and the style of a traditional one.

Best Baby Cribs FAQs

1) What types of cribs are best?

The best cribs that follow the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as have additional safety requirements are the best cribs.

2) What is the best crib brand for a baby?

The options can vary depending on the type of baby crib you are looking for. Also, remember to check whether the brand follows all safety protocols or not.

3) Which is the safest baby crib?

When looking at safety, try to find cribs that meet all the safety standards. All modern cribs, whether wood or metal finish must meet the necessary safety standards. Otherwise, they might hurt your baby.

4) How much should a good crib cost?

Depending on the brand, quality, and type of materials used, a good crib should cost between $100-$1000. The mattress is charged separately.

5) Is it better to buy a crib or bassinet?

Both cribs and bassinets are safe choices for a newborn baby. But it is better to choose a bassinet if you do not have the space for a crib.

6) Why utilize a bassinet as an alternative to a crib?

Most bassinets are cheaper, easier to move, and more functional than cribs. It is also the perfect size for smaller rooms or houses. A bassinet can also be easily carried around.

7) When should you start buying a baby crib?

The second trimester is the finest time to start looking for a crib. Most cribs are purchased by parents once the baby is born, as they plan to use a bassinet for the first few months. Cribs take time to be made or delivered, so it is better to order one early.

8) Can a newborn baby directly sleep in a crib?

Most babies can transition into a crib from 3-6 months. If your baby sleeps peacefully in the bassinet, it is best not to rush into transitioning it to sleep in a crib.

9) Do Newborns need a crib?

The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses that parents leverage a crib as a sleeping platform or surface for newborn babies. The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib to ensure there are no gaps.

Key Takeaways

There are multiple benefits to putting your baby to sleep in a crib. It is the safest place to sleep and helps promote sleep. It also leaves you with your bed and helps keep the baby safe. One of the most substantial benefits is that you can convert the crib into a toddler or full-sized bed.

But, take time to choose the best baby cribs from the available options, and ensure you have all the information before buying one, as it can be daunting.