The Top 5 Cribs For Your Nursery

Storkcraft Portofino 4-in-1 Crib

Sturdy and Timeless

This Storkcraft convertible crib hits all the must-haves in an all-in-one crib option.

Best Overall

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While many parents opt for separate changing stations from the crib, if you’re looking for a more compact design for smaller spaces (or just appreciate the convenience of a changing space that’s a part of the bed) this Storkcraft Portofino 4-in-1 Crib is a beautiful, timeless option. Or, if you love the look of this crib but don’t love the attached changing station, you can simply order this as a crib option. Regardless of the route you go, the crib itself converts from a crib to a toddler bed, a day bed, and eventually even a full bed, making this crib an option from babyhood through adolescence.

With the all-in-one option, you’ll have a water-resistant changing pad, 3 drawer dresser, and open shelving on the back of the changing table unit for convenience and accessibility. There are three finish options.

Pros:

• Can come with or without changing station.
• Solid construction.

Cons:

• Changing table has a weight limit of 30 pounds.

Dream On Me 7-in-1 Convertible Life Style Crib

7-in-1 Convertible Crib for All The Stages

For a beautiful grow-with-me crib to adolescent bed, this is a solid choice.

Best Convertible Crib

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For the best all-in-one crib, this Dream on Me Convertible Crib truly does do it all: it converts from a crib to a toddler bed, day bed, 2 set-up twin bed options, and a 2 set-up full bed option. It’s also less than $150 dollars, so in terms of being economical, this is a fantastic option if you’re trying to get more from your money as well as buying less over time as your child grows.

The construction of this solid wood crib is top-notch: you can literally see how sturdy the legs are just from photos. And unlike other made-to-grow-with-you crib designs out there, this bed is stylish and durable enough to truly stand the test of time. The maximum weight recommendation for this as a crib is 50 pounds, so you’ll get plenty of use out of it during baby and toddlerhood, as well.

Pros:

• Multiple finishes available.
• Easy to assemble.

Cons:

• Conversion kits are not included with the crib, and are sold separately.

Baby Delight Bedside Sleeper

A Dreamy Little Co-Sleeper

For safe co-sleeping options, this bedside bassinet is a sure bet.

Best Co-Sleeper

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For all you co-sleepers out there that prefer to do so with a crib, the Baby Delight Bedside Sleeper is the most safe, convenient, and accessible co-sleeping crib you’ll find. With an option to use away from your bed, this mobile crib has a 6-position adjustment, is super lightweight yet sturdy, and for those middle-of-the-night feedings, the option to easily un-zip the side panel and lean over to easily access Baby.

Because there is a worry that Baby can become overheated easily if you co-sleep, this co-sleeping crib was made specifically with that in mind: it has highly breathable mesh walls that allows for full circulation of air.

Pros:

• There is a gliding feature that’s built-in with this crib, making rocking Baby back to sleep a breeze.
• Can be used as a stand-alone bassinet.

Cons:

• Only for use up to 20 pounds, or 5 months.

Delta Children Portable Mini Baby Crib

Compact and Portable

This sweet little compact crib is an excellent choice for small spaces.

Best for Small Spaces

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If you live in a small space and need to find a crib that is compact, this mini crib is exactly what you’re looking for. Made specifically with small spaces in mind, this crib has 2 mattress height positions for growing with Baby, is built with solid wood construction and with safety in mind, and hits all the certifications that will give your baby a safe’s night sleep and you some peace of mind. If having a more mobile crib is a must for you, this crib is foldable and is on wheels for manageable re-arranging.

For some additional, feel-good, do-good specs on the purchase of this product: a portion of all proceeds goes directly toward improving the lives on children through their Safe Sleep Campaign. In addition, Delta Children sources sustainable materials and renewable wood for the production of their cribs.

Pros:

• 39 x 25 x 37.25 inches.
• Five color choices.
• Budget-friendly crib option.

Cons:

• Base of the crib takes a few days to off-gas.

Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard

Pack It Up

This playard crib is convenient and highly portable, as well as safe.

Best Travel Crib

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For a portable crib, Graco Pack ‘n Play On the God Playard consistently receives rave reviews among seasoned parents and experts alike. First, it hits the safety feature points that are important in any crib, let alone a portable crib. Second, it’s insanely easy to set up and take down, is compact for easy storage, and cleans without a hassle, too. There’s a removable full-size bassinet that also comes with this crib, that’s appropriate for even the littlest sleeper.

Pros:

• Highly portable–even comes with a carrying bag–and is 23 pounds.
• Bed can raise or lower, depending on age or size of baby.
• Bassinet included.

Cons:

• Included mattress isn’t really a mattress. If traveling or using for a longer term, you’ll want to find an appropriate

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there certain safety features every crib should have?

Aside from being a sturdy, solid crib, side crib bars should not be wider than 2 3/8 inches apart. The slats that go under the mattress should be of sturdy construction–sturdy, so that it holds a firm mattress and a baby or toddler. Once you’ve deemed a crib solid and sturdy enough, what goes inside your crib is also what matters for safety. There should be just a firm mattress and a sheet; no toys, pillows, blankets, or bumpers. You’ll also want to make sure that your crib allows for a tight fit of your mattress.

Is it safe to use an antique or hand-me-down crib?

Sure, as long as it meets current safety requirements or standards, is of sturdy construction, and doesn’t have any missing or broken parts. One further note: ditch the drop-side cribs. These are considered particularly dangerous cribs, and should never be used.