Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Crib

Last updated on September 7, 2021

We looked at the top 12 Cribs and dug through the reviews from 189 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Cribs.

Best Crib

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Cribs

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Key Takeaway
Pros
Cons
 Best All-Purpose

Delta Children Emery Deluxe 6-In-1 Convertible Crib

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Delta Children

Emery Deluxe 6-In-1 Convertible Crib

If you're looking for a crib that will grow with your baby, this model is your best bet. It starts out as a crib, but can then be converted into a toddler bed, sofa bed, daybed, full bed with headboard and footboard and full bed with headboard. Parents can choose between a white, dark chocolate or gray finish.

Overall Take

Grows With BabyThis crib comes with the option to purchase the crib by itself or with a mattress.

Pros
" Sturdy, solid wood. Adjustable mattress height and JPMA certification. Built for infancy to adulthood; converts to a toddler bed/daybed/full-size daybed."
Cons
"Several reviewers mention that the slats rattle when kicked or otherwise moved, which may wake babies during sleep."
 Best for Style

Babyletto Hudson 3-In-1 Toddler Bed Conversion Kit & Convertible Crib

Babyletto

Hudson 3-In-1 Toddler Convertible Crib

Parents can rest assured that this crib is lead and phthalate-free. The crib itself is designed to transform from a crib to a toddler bed and then to a daybed for older children. This company even sells a line of matching dressers if you're interested in an entire bedroom set.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsWith six different finishes to choose from, you're sure to find a crib that matches the theme in your nursery.

Pros
" Solid and JPMA-certified. Mattress adjusts to 4 different positions to accommodate the needs of a growing infant."
Cons
"But again, the price, at almost $400, is too high for many parents, especially since it’s made of the same soft New Zealand pine as cribs that cost half as much, and doesn’t have other special features."
 Best Eco-Friendly

Dream On Me Aden 4-In-1 Convertible Mini Crib

Dream On Me

Aden 4-In-1 Convertible Mini Crib

You can feel good about purchasing this crib, as it's made using renewable and sustainable New Zealand pinewood. The crib is easy to assemble and comes with all the tools you need to get the job done. The crib features three different mattress heights, as well as four different configurations, including a crib, twin bed and daybed.

Overall Take

Gender-Neutral DesignSince this crib is made using a gender-neutral design, you'll be able to use it for either a boy or a girl.

Pros
" You should strongly consider buying this crib if you have a smaller home or apartment as it’s about the same size as a pack and play."
Cons
"Just note, if you have a taller child, they might grow out of this or need to convert it to a twin bed before they might be ready."
 Best Low-Maintenance

Union 3-In-1 Greenguard Gold Certified Convertible Crib

Union

3-In-1 Greenguard Gold Certified Convertible Crib

Find a simple, modern-looking crib with the best value in this 3-in-1 convertible crib. It is a lightweight option that can easily be moved around a room, but durable enough to stay together very well. The pinewood material is a bit soft, but for baby it is perfect. Consumers love the ease of assembly of this crib.

Overall Take

Lightweight Yet DurableThis convertible crib will give parents the durability they want with a lightweight product that can easily be moved.

Pros
" The crib itself is also very lightweight. I could move it around myself even at six months pregnant! That being said it is still sturdy feeling and doesn’t worry me in the least!"
Cons
"A few reports of an odor upon arrival and of paint imperfections"

Buying Guide

The biggest purchase you’ll make after finding out you’re about to become a parent is a crib.

As the days roll closer to bringing your baby home, you will want to prepare in so many ways. There is quite a bit of design effort put into cribs, and they are drastically different between companies. However, finding the best crib is not just a matter of personal style but also of safety. Discover what the experts are saying along with all the safety features to consider when shopping for that perfect crib for your little love.

Safety first when it comes to researching the best baby crib. Several safety features are required of manufacturers to include when designing a crib. These standards are set by the government based on past recalls and baby sleep studies. Manufacturers must abide by the standards or their product cannot be sold in stores.

To name a few safety standards: There cannot be a bigger gap than 2 3/8 inch between slats and corner posts as it has been determined that any bigger can cause entrapment issues for baby. The corner posts should not be higher than 1/16 inch above the end panels. All hardware should be set in securely without sharp screws or nail heads sticking out. Older, used cribs may pose the risk of lead paint so it is highly recommended to either get a lead test or just skip using an old crib. The mattress needs to be a tight fit so baby can’t get caught between the mattress and the slats. (When in the store looking at cribs, do the two-finger test: If you can fit two fingers side-by-side between the mattress and the slats, you need a bigger mattress than what they’ve got in there). Keep the baby’s crib free from all stuffed animals, bumpers and loose-fitting blankets and sheets.

Kate Desmond, a writer and infant safe-sleep expert as well as mom to two young daughters, has spent an enormous amount of time researching the safest and best products for her kids.

“The most important thing to consider when purchasing your baby’s crib is safety,” she says. “Remember, drop-side cribs are no longer deemed safe, so this is a great reason to say no to heirlooms from your mother-in-law. Mattresses are sold independently of cribs so be sure to select one that fits, leaving no gaps, and cover only with a tight-fitting crib sheet. Remember to keep the crib empty of all blankets, pillows and stuffed animals. Babies under one year of age sleep safest alone, on their back, in their crib.”

After learning the safety regulations and hearing from an expert, you know what to look for and can go shopping. One last thing to consider is the size and style of your nursery as this will determine the crib you buy. If you are tight on space, you can consider a combination crib and changing table in one, like the Delta Children Emery Deluxe 6-In-1 Convertible Crib, Babyletto Hudson 3-In-1 Toddler Convertible Crib, Graco Storkcraft Benton 4-In-1 Convertible Crib or the Dream On Me Aden 4-In-1 Convertible Mini Crib.

All of these cribs will be a beautiful addition to a darling nursery of any style.

Our Expert Consultant

Kate Desmond 
Parenting Pro and Safe-Sleep Expert

Kate Desmond is a writer and infant safe-sleep expert. She has spent the last eight years working as the marketing director for Charlie’s Kids Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to educate families about SIDS and safe sleep. In that role, she travels around the country learning and educating caregivers and providers on the latest and greatest safe-sleep information to prevent infant death.

As mom to two elementary-aged daughters, she spends hours researching the best and safest products for her own kids. She is quick to get in the weeds with other mamas, and uses humor to cope with parenting woes from potty-training to teaching kids to read.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
19

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the cribs available to purchase.
12

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

189

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, New York Mag, Baby Know How, Verywell Family, Womens Edge.

36,355

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 12 Cribs and also dug through the reviews from 189 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Cribs.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval
Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

Union 3-In-1 Greenguard Gold Certified Convertible Crib

Key Takeawy

Find a simple, modern-looking crib with the best value in this 3-in-1 convertible crib. It is a lightweight option that can easily be moved around a room, but durable enough to stay together very well. The pinewood material is a bit soft, but for baby it is perfect. Consumers love the ease of assembly of this crib.

What other experts liked

The crib itself is also very lightweight. I could move it around myself even at six months pregnant! That being said it is still sturdy feeling and doesn’t worry me in the least!
- Baby Box Lab
August 14, 2016 | Full review
Basic and practical pine wood crib. Meets safety standards and has 4 level mattress adjustment. Convertible for toddler use. Affordably priced.
- BestReviews
It was very easy for my husband to assemble and for it to be a lightweight crib, it is very sturdy.
- Happy Baybees
February 5, 2018 | Full review
Adjustable mattress support
- Baby's Little Place
May 24, 2018 | Full review
This crib is made of New Zealand pine and it has 4 options for adjusting the level of the mattress as your child grows and learns to stand or climb.
- BoosterWP Reviews
October 17, 2019 | Full review
It can convert into daybed and toddler bed (and hence 3-in-1 in the name!), and it's also unusual to find fun color options (like blue lagoon and yellow sunshine) at this price
- Good Housekeeping
August 6, 2019 | Full review
It’s sturdy and strong and I have to say it again, it is impressively affordable offering proof that cheap convertible cribs can be great.
- Travel Crib Reviews
Diversified crib. You may change it into a daybed and a full-size bed.
- My Best Cribs
April 11, 2017 | Full review
Finished with non-toxic paint – lead and phthalate safe
- Net Parents
Meets all safety standards. Hence, it removes your anxiety for the little one’s safety.
- Kidz Geek
It’s an easy-to-assemble, lightweight crib that has 4 adjustable mattress positions that will grow with your baby.
- A Web To Know
The Union 3-in-1 Convertible Crib comes with essential assembly items through which you can conveniently assemble the kit and make it a crib by yourself.
- Top 10 Buddy
It features non-toxic materials, no lead, and phthalate. Rails are fixed, and New Zealand pine is used to construct it.
- Listderful
June 14, 2016 | Full review
This Union 3-in-1 Convertible Crib has four adjustable mattress levels. Adjusting it from the top moving downwards, you can use the crib for your child’s few years as he or she grow
- Toodrie
It has four height adjustments modes to accommodate your baby’s growth and mattress height
- Paramatan
October 9, 2019 | Full review
Parents like that this crib is very easy to assemble. The style, size, and affordable price are also perks. It’s ideal for people who live in apartments or small homes (or large homes with lots of stuff).
- Parenting Passage
September 5, 2019 | Full review
The finish is no-toxic, lead safe and phthalate safe so you do not have to worry about any off-gassing.
- Heavy
May 14, 2019 | Full review
Adjustable-height mattress. The mattress adjusts to four different positions, allowing it to easily accommodate parents of different heights and babies of different ages at different developmental stages.
- Review Lab
With its relatively inexpensive price and easily adjustable mattress levels, it is easy to see why so many parents choose this crib over others. This is an affordable baby crib that you would have no issues with if you put it in your nursery.
- My Babies Planet
Union 3 in1 mini crib has been tested at several testing facilities and has been ASTM and CPSC certified. Plus, it does not contain harmful chemicals, and its construction is from CARB II certified New Zealand pine wood.
- Temper and Tantrum
The height under the crib is approximately 5 to 6 inches, which is plenty of space to store items underneath. The side panels are nice and high, and the crib is very attractive.
- The Changing Tables
May 31, 2019 | Full review
The union crib is easily convertible anytime and converts to a day bed and toddler bed that is furnished with a standard size mattress.
- Baby Ambition
Its no-frills design fits in easily with any décor, but its function is top notch, with 4 adjustable mattress levels. You can also convert this crib into a daybed or a toddler bed as needed (conversion kit sold separately).
- A Lovely Lark
July 28, 2019 | Full review
Four adjustable mattress levels.
- All Kids Reviews
November 15, 2017 | Full review
It has four adjustable bed levels and fixed side rails, providing safe and comfortable sleep for your little one.
- top9rated
September 4, 2019 | Full review
Solid wood built and high quality
- Best Home Shopping
June 10, 2017 | Full review
Strong, Sturdy, solid wood built and high-quality modern looks design.
- Best Care Life Reviews
Customers love the fact that this crib can fit into limited spaces. The design of this particular crib is slim and sleek, which is perfect for parents who like furniture that could fit anywhere.
- Parenting and Baby Needs
The Union 3-in-1 Convertible Crib will last well past the infant phases owing to its ability to convert from a crib to a toddler bed and then to a daybed
- Beginner Baby Care
It has 4 adjustable mattress settings so that you can use it at your convenience.
- Better Sleep Baby

What other experts didn't like

One thing that I noticed is how easy it is to scratch the paint on this crib. I noticed it when I was first putting it together and accidentally scratched a bit of it.
- Baby Box Lab
August 14, 2016 | Full review
A few reports of an odor upon arrival and of paint imperfections
- BestReviews
Paint Chips Easily
- Happy Baybees
February 5, 2018 | Full review
Visible screws and holes
- Baby's Little Place
May 24, 2018 | Full review
The conversion kits are sold separately from the crib.
- BoosterWP Reviews
October 17, 2019 | Full review
Regular use may get the crib scratched.
- My Best Cribs
April 11, 2017 | Full review
Conversion kit not included and has to be purchased separately
- Net Parents
You have to be careful of the sharp objects while assembling.
- Kidz Geek
Shorter than most crib rails
- A Web To Know
The painting comes off after several months.
- Toodrie
Parents don’t like that the wood chips (though some reviews do mention that “chipping wood” happens on most cribs).
- Parenting Passage
September 5, 2019 | Full review
Does not include conversion kit for full sized bed
- Heavy
May 14, 2019 | Full review
Profile too low for some users. Some reviewers say the low height of the crib is a liability, noting that they felt insecure about using it with an older child.
- Review Lab
The only negative we could find was the need to purchase and addition conversion kit when converting from daybed to toddler bed.
- My Babies Planet
The base frame has been reported to be very shaky
- Temper and Tantrum
Soft pine wood is easily scratched
- A Lovely Lark
July 28, 2019 | Full review
Paint might chip off on the top rails.
- All Kids Reviews
November 15, 2017 | Full review
It does not come with the mattress so you will have to purchase that separately.
- top9rated
September 4, 2019 | Full review
Toddler bed and full size bed conversion kits not included​
- Best Home Shopping
June 10, 2017 | Full review
The woods can be easily scratchable.
- Best Care Life Reviews
Another concern was the paint chipping off very soon after purchase. This can be pretty dangerous to children especially if they inhaled or ingested some of the paint.
- Parenting and Baby Needs
No mattress included
- Beginner Baby Care
Does not convert to a full-size bed.
- Better Sleep Baby

What to Look For

  • The safest cribs are usually the simplest. Find a crib that doesn’t have drop sides or fancy bed knobs on the corners.
  • Buying new is best because it is more likely that it is up to safety standards.
  • Bring a ruler with you to measure the spaces between the slats when you shop.
  • Baby crib mattresses are also an item to buy new. Many have been recalled for being too soft. Also, when you buy new, you can buy one that fits super snug into your crib with no spaces on any side.
  • Put tight-fitting sheets on your crib.
  • “Most modern cribs require some assembly,” says Desmond, “Just make sure you follow the directions and ask an expert for help when needed.”
  • For the mother’s healing and safety as well as the baby’s safety, you should pay attention to the level of height of the crib mattress. Most cribs have three levels to help parents reach the baby in the early stages but keep a growing baby safe from climbing out later on in their development.
  • Immediately stop using a crib if you notice baby attempting to climb out.

More to Explore

Dating back to just the 19th century, cribs are a relatively new concept. Before cribs, parents co-slept with their babies, mostly because of the simplicity of homes and shelters. Even when cribs were invented, they were more like bassinets or cradles. The reason that cribs, bassinets and cradles were raised off the ground was because it was a common belief that toxic fumes were found below knee level and explosive vapors were found near the ceiling. Iron baby cribs were popular because they were thought to be sanitary and prevent bug infestations including lice, bed bugs and moths. These were not always safe, however, because frequently they were painted with lead paint.

The phrase crib was coined to describe a “slatted, high-sided child’s bed.” However, in Old English it means stall or manger. Now, the word “crib” is additionally used as slang for a person’s house.

From our partners