When you’re preparing to welcome a new baby into your home, the to-buy list can feel miles long. And thanks to social media, unsolicited advice and a deluge of targeted ads from the moment you conceive, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But no matter your parenting style or personal aesthetic, there’s one thing we can all agree on: a crib is the ultimate baby gear essential. Not only is a crib the safest option for baby’s sleep (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics), but investing in the best crib for your needs is smart because it’s also the first step in getting your household on a sustainable schedule. At nap time, soothing your baby to sleep and placing them in their crib allows you time to shower, check email or just enjoy an uninterrupted cup of coffee. Once bedtime rolls around, the crib becomes a safe haven as the baby develops independence and learns to self-soothe.
As certified pediatric sleep consultant Kelly Murray says, “Sleep is important for a baby’s cognitive development, emotional regulation, immunity and even physical growth.” It’s also paramount to the entire family’s mental and physical health. In short, a good crib—and good sleep—is critical. Luckily, now more than ever there are a huge variety of options to choose from, including bassinets, mini and full-sized cribs, convertible versions and more. The best cribs work seamlessly with your lifestyle and have defining factors that benefit your baby and make parenting easier. Who doesn’t want that?
There are several factors to keep in mind when purchasing a crib. “Consider the size of your space and whether you’ll be room sharing with your new baby,” says Murray. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends having your baby sleep in the same room with you for the first six months, and Murray advises that “some parents may use a bassinet at first and then move their infant to a full-size crib in a different room, or they may opt to use a mini version that can be rolled between rooms.”
The bottom line is that you need something that’s safe, sturdy, practical and suits your family’s unique needs—aesthetic and otherwise. So, without further ado, here are the best cribs to help you sleep easy, whether you’ve got a colicky baby or one that loves waking for 2 a.m. feedings. For your sake, we hope that’s not the case.
- Best Crib Overall: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
- Best Travel Crib: Guava Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib
- Best Crib For Small Spaces: Babyletto Origami Mini Crib
- Best Crib For Twins: Baby Trend Retreat Twins Nursery Center
- Best Crib For Co-Sleeping: Beaba By Shnuggle Air Bedside Sleeper Bassinet
- Best Crib With Storage: Graco Remi 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer
- Best Smart Crib: Happiest Baby Snoo Crib
- Best Crib With Changing Table: Storkcraft Portofino 4-in-1 Fixed Side Convertible Crib Changer
- Best Budget Crib: Ikea Sundvik Crib
Best Crib Overall
A Versatile, Well-Constructed Sleep Space For Baby
Exceptional craftsmanship and practical details are two hallmarks of this sleek crib. “The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 is one of my favorite cribs because it’s good looking, it grows with your baby and you get more bang for your buck,” says Murray. “The materials are all sustainable and it’s Greenguard Gold Certified to ensure your little one is safe from harmful chemicals. It’s got a low profile and it has three different height settings for the mattress to adjust up and down.”
A conversion kit is included, which allows you to transition this from a full-size crib to a toddler bed to a daybed. It comes in eight serene neutrals, perfect for maintaining a Zen-like ambiance in your nursery. But parent reviewers say one of the most gratifying features is how easy it is to put together, which is a rarity when it comes to assembling baby cribs.
Pros:
- Transitions from standard crib to a toddler bed to a daybed
- Easy to assemble
- Greenguard Gold certified
Cons:
- Convertible crib may not be ideal for your family
- Some reports that customer service is not responsive
Best Travel Crib
Smart Details Ensure Your Baby Will Sleep Well Away From Home
Traveling with a baby can cause all kinds of added anxiety, but the Guava is marked by a few key features that’ll take your stress level down about ten notches: good design, simplicity and versatility. It packs into a lightweight and compact backpack, which only weighs 13 pounds, so you won’t nearly pass out trying to schlep it through the airport.
The Guava Lotus is easy to set up and has a a sturdy frame with strong hinges that are built to handle toddler strength. “It’s seamless to set up and break down,” says Alex Tenney, mom to a one-year-old girl. “I particularly love that it’s basically one-touch to collapse and is also really lightweight. Our baby prefers it to her normal crib.” It also has mesh sides to ensure that your baby can breathe easy, a side opening for helping baby to sleep and soft and cushy side rails for baby and parent comfort alike.
Pros:
- Lightweight; can be worn as a backpack
- Easy to set up and breakdown
- Mattress is cushiony foam
Cons:
- Mattress rests on floor
- Can be difficult to put back in the travel bag
Best Crib For Small Spaces
A Petite, Cozy And Convenient Bed For Baby
One downside to having a bassinet is how quickly it can get outgrown. But this mini crib has more longevity for growing babies. Its small, streamlined size makes it ideal for tight spaces (apartment dwellers, take note!) or for secondary locations like Grandma and Grandpa’s house.
The Babyletto has a lightweight-yet-sturdy construction that’s easily rolled from room to room, locking wheels to keep it firmly in place (they can also be removed) and a folding mechanism for easy storage when not in use. Bear in mind, this crib comes with a one-inch pad, but we recommend purchasing a separate mini crib mattress for this model. The Babyletto Origami is available in eight nursery-perfect colors, so you’ve got plenty more options than the standard white.
Pros:
- Foldable and easy to move around your home
- Incredibly compact and versatile
Cons:
- Included mattress is sub-par
- Assembly can be a challenge
Best Crib For Twins
Extra Efficiency When You’re Caring For Two
As twins grow, they’ll need their own separate cribs, but think of this as a high-efficiency command center for newborns: It’s got two removable bassinets with canopy and carry handle, a changing table and a playard as its base. Organization-focused, type-A parents will love the large compartments for storage and easy access to diapers, wipes and diaper cream. It also has large wheels so it can be moved easily and locked in place, and it has an electronic music center that plays music, vibrates and has a night light. One issue, though: The bassinet liners can be difficult to keep clean because they’re not removable.
Pros:
- One of relatively few options for twins
- Comes with storage compartments and changing table
- Transitions to playpen with removable bassinets
Cons:
- Lining isn’t removable—not easily washable
- Wheels only move side to side
- Awkward for travel
Best Crib For Co-Sleeping
Sleep Safely Alongside Baby
Co-sleeper cribs typically work well for parents who prefer to keep their baby within arm’s reach but safely in a separate bed. And they’re particularly beneficial for moms who are breastfeeding or have had c-sections and can’t be super mobile in the first weeks after their little one’s birth. This design-forward co-sleeper crib can be attached to your bed for easy access to your baby overnight or it can be used as a standalone sleeper.
Its mesh sides and a breathable hypoallergenic mattress prevent overheating and offer increased air flow and visibility. The zip-down side panel allows for easy transition in and out of bed next to Mom or Dad and there’s a storage hammock underneath to stash overnight essentials. A few other standout features of this Beaba gem: It has seven height adjustments, which is pretty extraordinary since it accommodates most bed heights; it includes the air flow crib mattress with purchase so you don’t have to buy it separately; and it converts to a full size crib with a conversion kit (sold separately) for kids up to two years of age. Also, as many parents can tell you, Beaba products are both incredibly useful and aesthetically pleasing.
Pros:
- Beautiful, high quality construction
- Adjustable to 7 heights
Cons:
- 20 pound weigh limit
- Assembly can be rather tedious
- Not portable
Best Crib With Storage
A Good-Looking Combo Crib With Extra Space To Stash Supplies
Sometimes extra organizing space can make you feel like you’re prepared for even the grossest diaper messes or demoralizing spit-up situations. The Graco Remi has one large lower drawer with a center divider, three smaller enclosed drawers and two open shelves, so you can keep extra onesies, diapers, wipes and more at the ready. Its attached side changing table makes changes incredibly convenient (especially in the middle of the night), and it comes with a water-resistant changing pad with a safety strap. This crib’s dream all-in-one functionality extends far past its convenience and storage capabilities: It converts from a full-size crib to toddler bed to day bed to full-size bed so you’ll get years of use out of it. The universally appealing design comes in four core shades.
Pros:
- Combines essential nursery furniture in one unit
- Converts to toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed
Cons:
- Assembly can be a challenge
- Drawers not super-spacious
- Easy to outgrow the changing table
Best Smart Crib
Soothe Baby To Better Sleep With This Techy Bassinet
Sure, this is a bassinet for use up to six months and not a full crib, plus it’s a major splurge. But here’s why it’s so popular: It offers all kinds of clever technology to improve your little one’s sleep, not to mention convenience and peace of mind for parents. Designed by famed pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp (author of Happiest Baby on the Block), it gently rocks and plays white noise to soothe tired, cranky babies. If your child starts to fuss overnight, it automatically responds with calming, womblike motion and sound while you snooze away.
The accompanying mobile app also offers sleep insights, a daily sleep report and age-appropriate tips, which are all helpful to everyone getting as much sleep as possible. If the high price tag is off-putting, you can also choose to rent it for $159 a month. But Murray cautions against letting your baby become dependent on the rocking feature as you’ll eventually have to transition out of it. Luckily, the Snoo app allows you to prep your baby for a traditional crib with the weaning feature.
Pros:
- Helps establish good sleep hygiene
- Provides real-time data and tips
- Helps soothe your child for longer sleep
Cons:
- Some babies don’t enjoy the rocking or white noise
- Babies can possibly grow dependent on it
Best Crib With Changing Table
No Need For A Separate Changer With This Practical Crib
Another way to save space in the nursery? Use a crib with an attached changing table. If your vibe is more traditional than contemporary, you’ll love that Storkcraft’s crib nails it on three fronts—sleep, storage and changing. The mattress level is adjustable to three heights, it has three covered drawers and three open shelves, and it has an attached changing table with a water-resistant changing pad. The sturdy Portofino is also built to last: With the full-size conversion kit (sold separately), it can transition from crib to toddler bed to day bed to full-size bed. It comes in four fairly standard colors—brown, grey, pebble grey and white. Some parents warn, however, that putting it together can be challenging, and the changing table is on the small size, so it may not last very long for tall babies.
Pros:
- Classic design and sturdy, strong craftsmanship
- Detachable changing table can be used as nightstand
Cons:
- Need to buy conversion kits to turn crib into beds
- Changing table is small and easy to outgrow
Best Budget-Friendly Crib
A Wallet-Friendly Crib That Checks The Important Boxes
The expense of new baby gear adds up quickly, but this Scandinavian-inspired piece delivers without a massive price tag. It’s made of solid beechwood and the mattress can be adjusted to two heights as your baby grows and becomes more mobile. It can even convert to a toddler bed as your child gets older. Parents love its sturdiness and clean design and that it’s not overly complicated to put together. One con is that it only comes in white, which while modern and versatile, can also be a drawback for those looking for more color variety.
Pros:
- Outstanding value
- Converts to a toddler bed
Cons:
- Only available in white
- Mattress height has limited adjustability
The Best Cribs FAQ
Do you need a crib?
Simply put: Yes. Even if you intend to co-sleep, a crib is essential in creating the right sleep environment for your baby. When choosing a crib, consider whether your child will be sleeping in his or her own room or in your bedroom. Will your child have a dedicated sleep space, or will the crib will need to be moved on occasion? Because a crib is often an investment piece, you should also factor in if you intend to have more children or if you’d like the crib to convert into a toddler bed and eventually a twin or day bed.
Is a crib safe for a newborn?
Yes, cribs are safe for newborn use. It’s important to remember that there should not be anything in the crib other than the mattress and fitted sheet. Until your baby can roll over, they may enjoy a swaddle. Some parents opt for sleep sacks until their child is old enough for a pillow and blanket (this happens around 2 years of age, but be sure to consult your pediatrician).
What should I look for in a crib?
Just like purchasing an investment piece of furniture such as a bed or couch, there are a number of things to consider when buying a crib. For one, will your child have their own room or share with you or a sibling? This will determine whether you invest in a standard size crib (usually 28 x 52 inches) or a mini one, like the Babyletto model. Construction, material, aesthetics and convertible features are also important factors.
It’s certainly worth investigating how difficult assembly will be and if it’s Greenguard Gold Certified. Greenguard Gold certification means the crib has been independently tested for over 10,000 chemicals and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). This ensures your family isn’t breathing in anything that’s harmful to their health.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that the crib slats are not far enough apart that your child could slip through and that the mattress doesn’t sag under their weight or have any extra space along the sides. Ideally, you’ll want a crib with an adjustable mattress frame so you can lower it as your child grows taller. Avoid crib bumpers, drop sides and cribs with embellishment that could snag on their clothing or cause injury. A crib should be sturdy, safe and, if it has wheels, please be sure they lock.
How long will my child sleep in a crib?
Every child is different, so while some kids are ready for the freedom of a toddler bed at 18 months, others won’t be ready until they’re around 3. The idea is that once your child is able to climb out of the crib, it’s no longer safe for them. So, many families opt to transition to a toddler bed so their little one can get out at their leisure. The downside is that depending on temperament and maturity, your child may not be able to resist getting out of bed at all hours. As with many parenting decisions, you should talk to a pediatrician and do what feels best for you and your child.
