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When buying a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. You have various types of baby cribs such as traditional cribs, convertible cribs, portable cribs, and pack-n-play models. Regardless of what type of crib you decide on, crib safety is the first priority.
Sara Adam Slywka, the co-founder of Nestig, advised what to look for in a crib. “When it comes to safety, the first step is to ensure that the crib has been safety tested by an independent third party to comply with ASTM and CPSC regulations — a certification like JPMA verifies all of this firsthand so you can rest easy!” Slywka told Mom.com.
ASTM is the American Society for Testing Material and CPSC is the Consumer Product Safety Commission — both have rigorous standards for crib safety. JPMA is the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association that gives the stamp of approval for children’s products.
How to choose a crib: Economy cribs you can count on
You don’t need to spend a ton of money for a quality crib. Here are our top economy cribs to choose from:
- DaVinci Union 4-in-1 Convertible Crib: With a price point just over $119, this crib will grow with your needs all the way into a daybed and toddler bed. It’s made of durable New Zealand pine with four mattress levels to keep things ergonomically correct. This crib meets both ASTM and CPSC safety standards.
- Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 Convertible Crib: You can get this crib for as little as $129 and it will convert to a toddler bed as your baby grows all the way to 50 pounds. It’s made of pine wood and features the classic open slat design. The mattress is adjustable to one of three positions for your convenience.
- Delta Children Adley 3-in-1 Convertible Crib: As a Greenguard Gold Certified product, it meets the highest standards of chemical emissions so that you can trust that your baby is not being exposed to hazardous chemicals. Converts all the way to a toddler bed with three adjustable positions. You can get this crib for as little as $119 in gray, chocolate, or bianca.
Types of cribs: Mid-priced to high-end
For those with the budget looking for a higher-quality crib, there are a lot of options to choose from. Here are our top three:
- Dawson Scoop Convertible Crib: This crib takes a twist on a classic design and scoops the rails for an ergonomic look and feel. Made of poplar wood with a price point of $499, this white crib uses water-based, child-safe paint. The mattress adjusts to one of three positions for convenience.
- Nest Crib: At a price point of $700, this high-end crib is made of solid wood with a non-toxic lacquer here in the United States. This is a classically designed crib that will convert to a toddler bed down the road. It comes in seven different color options including slate and taupe to satisfy your design needs.
- Skylar Crib: This is a luxury crib to meet high-end needs with a price point of $1,395. The mid-century modern design offers a unique element to your nursery. There are five different color options including cognac and white. There are three adjustable settings for the mattress height.
Other crib designs (portable, pack-n-play, mini crib, etc.)
Some families need a little more than what a classic crib design offers. You may need mobility or transport, or be keen on saving space. Here are some of our top choices for other crib designs:
- Origami Mini Crib: Both a mini crib and a portable crib packed into one sleek design. The wheels on the bottom allow mobility to keep your baby close without taking up too much space. Also folds for easy storage when not in use. This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified made with New Zealand pine wood. You can purchase this for $269.
- Nuna Sena Aire Mini: For $199, you can have a pack-n-play crib that is convenient to fold with a travel cot that serves as a bedside crib. Keep your baby cool with the side-mesh ventilation. Works in any room or days when you want to be outdoors without interrupting your baby’s sleep schedule.
- Lotus Ultimate Set: The Lotus travel crib retails for $537 and is compact and convenient. Users love the simplicity to assemble or disassemble the unit making it ready-to-use on demand. The bassinet conversion kit allows this travel crib to become a rocking bassinet to lull baby to sleep.
Your crib needs may change as your family grows. “For my children, I chose two very different cribs: a convertible crib for my first, and a more traditional crib for my second,” mom of two Siobhan Alvarez told Mom.com. Her biggest desired feature, other than safety, was the ease of putting them together.
When shopping, practice raising the rails and reaching in. Try to mimic as many things that you’ll do as possible to make sure you get the crib that meets your needs.
