All About the Best Baby Cribs

Different Types of Baby Cribs

• Standard baby cribs. These are your typical rectangular cribs that serve only as a crib and nothing more. They suit the purpose perfectly, but you’ll need to buy a changing table separately and upgrade to a toddler bed or a single bed when the time comes.
• Multipurpose baby cribs and sets. These baby cribs and sets typically come with a changing table and usually extra storage in the form of shelves or drawers. You might prefer these multifunctional cribs if space is limited. In some cases, it might be cheaper to buy one of these, or purchase a baby crib set, rather than purchasing the other parts separately.
• Convertible baby cribs. This kind of crib can grow with your baby, as it converts into a toddler bed, a daybed, and (sometimes) a full-size bed with a footboard. You can get many, many years out of the original purchase, but be aware that most convertible cribs require a conversion kit and additional items such as a larger mattress and bed frame as your child grows. But even with these extra purchases, this type of crib might still be a money-saver in the end.
• Portable baby cribs. If you’d like a small baby crib that’s lightweight for travel, you might like to purchase a portable crib as well. This style is also great for moving from room to room. Some Pampers Parents noted that they purchased one portable crib for travel and another for the nursery.
• Round or oval baby cribs. Although round and oval baby cribs didn’t make the Pampers Parents’ list, they are still an option. There are some downsides: These aren’t usually convertible, they can sometimes come with a bigger price tag, and the irregular shape may also make it trickier to find a mattress and fitted sheets that fit. Nevertheless, round or oval baby cribs can be a beautiful centerpiece for your little one’s nursery.

I wanted something that would grow with our family. I viewed the crib as an investment for my child that we would use for many years, not just after the first two years.

Pampers Parent

What to Consider When Buying a Crib

• General safety. Above all else, check that the crib meets federal safety standards, is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), and hasn’t been recalled. It’s generally best to buy a new crib, as it will meet the latest safety standards. Although you might like the look of antique or retro cribs, they’re unsafe to use—and, in fact, it’s illegal to sell a crib purchased before 2011. If you’re considering a used crib that was originally purchased after 2011, you’ll need to carefully check that it meets today’s standards and isn’t broken or defective in any way.
• Slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Double check that the crib you’re buying meets this requirement. Closely spaced slats help prevent your little one’s head from getting trapped.
• Drop-down side rails are banned. Although you might remember that some cribs used to have sides that parents could push down, this design is unsafe and now prohibited.
• Look for a design without cutouts or elevated corner posts. Experts recommend avoiding a crib with decorative cutouts on any of the sides, as these cutouts can be a hazard, trapping limbs or your little one’s head. Designs with corner posts that are higher than the sides should also be avoided as clothes can snag on these, becoming a choking hazard.
• Adjustable mattress height settings. Many of the best baby cribs let you lower the mattress base as your child grows, which will help prevent your baby from falling or crawling out of the crib. As your little one learns to sit, adjust the mattress so that they can’t fall out—even if they try to pull themself over the rail. Then, by the time your little one can stand, place the mattress at the lowest available setting. Check with your baby’s healthcare provider if you’re unsure about when or how much to lower the mattress.

• Size. If space is limited in your baby’s nursery, look carefully at size. Also check the size so that you can buy the appropriate mattress and fitted sheet for the crib. An irregular design may make it harder to find a matching mattress and bedding.
• Convertibility. Some baby cribs can be converted into a toddler bed or even a full-size bed, which is great for growing babies and twins. This means you’ll get lots of use out of your original purchase. But remember that converting the crib often requires additional purchases, which is usually called a “conversion kit.” You may also need to buy a larger mattress and bed frame.
• Does the baby crib come with a changing table? Some cribs come with a built-in changing table. The benefit of this is that you may not need to buy an extra changing table, and it can also save on space. However, you may not like having the changing table right next to the crib, or you may find that your little one grows out of the changing table sooner than the crib itself. If this is the case, consider baby crib sets with components that you can move around as needed.
• Overall design. The crib tends to be the focal point of the nursery, so if possible, pick something you'd be happy to look at for months and years to come. If you would like all your nursery furniture to match, check to see if the manufacturer sells baby crib sets with matching products like a changing table, chests of drawers, and other furniture pieces.
• Price. The price of baby cribs can vary. A cheaper baby crib that still meets all the latest safety standards may be just as good as a pricey crib. Sometimes the extra cost is associated with the design; for example, a round baby crib may be more expensive than a standard rectangular one. However, the crib is an important purchase, so it may be worth spending a little extra.

Best Cribs With a Changing Table