11 Best Cribs, According To Our Parent Testers

Finding the best crib for your nursery is important because it plays a big role in building good sleep hygiene for both you and your baby. (And let’s face it—it needs to look cute, too.) So to find the best cribs, our team spoke with parents, gathered expert advice and leaned into firsthand experience putting our own little ones to sleep.

We chose the convertible Babyletto Hudson as our top favorite: It’s vouched for by experts and our parent testers, has a modern design and is constructed with safe and sustainable materials. Another parent tested option we recommend is the highly functional and elegantly designed Nestig Cloud Crib , which converts from a wheeled mini crib all the way to a toddler bed.

One of the best cribs available is the Babyletto Hudson, a solid wood, GreenGuard Gold certified ... [+] option under $500. We’d be remiss not to mention how finding the right crib can make your life as a parent a lot easier. While sleep is indeed vital for babies—it plays a big role in their cognitive development, emotional regulation, immunity and physical growth, according to pediatric consultant Kelly Murray —if caretakers aren’t getting enough sleep, either, it takes a toll on everyone’s physical and mental health.

To identify the best cribs for your little one (and you), we made sure to take into account a range of family needs, especially in terms of size, style and features. Looking for an accompanying crib mattress ? We’ve done extensive testing to round up the best options for those, too. Best Crib Overall Target Materials : New Zealand pine wood | Dimensions: 53.8 x 29.8 x 35 inches | Weight capacity: 50 pounds | Convertible: Yes | Warranty: 1 year limited “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,” shares 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 four different height settings for the mattress to adjust up and down.” In addition to being a beautiful, safe and adaptable option for your child’s room, the Babyletto Hudson is beloved because a conversion kit is included.

This allows families to transition from a full size crib to a toddler bed to a day bed as their child grows. It comes in eight stunning neutrals, perfect for maintaining a Zen like ambiance in your nursery. As a plus, 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 pretty much anything baby related.

What our parent testers say: Karen Tietjen , Forbes Vetted senior updates editor, has the Babyletto Lolly , a similar style. She shares, “When researching cribs, I specifically picked a Babyletto design because it combines safety and style at a fantastic value. In addition to having a modern and minimalist aesthetic, I wanted a crib that was solid wood and non toxic (of course).

Babyletto cribs also transition into toddler beds so you'll get your money's worth, plus they come with the conversion kits—an additional purchase with many other cribs. I also love the color options; I opted for the Grey/Washed Natural combo that's neutral but unique. And all for about $500, a reasonable, if not bargain price compared to many other cribs out there.” Pros: Cons: Best Convertible Crib Nestig Materials : Brazilian pine, steel and eco engineered wood | Dimensions: 31 x 30.3 x 22 inches (mini); 36 x 54 x 30.3 inches (full) | Weight capacity: 50 pounds (mini) | Convertible: Yes | Warranty: 60 day free trial, 18 year limited warranty It’s easy to see why the Nestig Cloud crib is a cheery addition to any nursery, but the real charm of the crib is in its functionality.

While many convertible cribs change from a full crib to toddler bed, the Nestig stands out because it can also be used as a mini crib (with wheels) for infants, then a full size crib with three adjustable heights and finally, it converts into a toddler bed. Another differentiating factor of the Nestig is that it includes both a conversion kit and the mini crib mattress; however, you do need to purchase the crib mattress separately.

It also comes with an 18 year limited warranty and is handmade to order with non toxic materials. To note, one parent we spoke with did say that the crib’s lower profile was a little harder on her back than expected, given her height at 5 foot 9. What our parent testers say: “While I was pregnant, I went back and forth on whether to buy a bassinet or skip that step given that babies seem to outgrow bassinets quickly,” explains Sholeen Damarwala , a home and shopping editor with Forbes Vetted.

“I decided on Nestig's convertible crib. I used the mini size for almost three months and we’ve already dropped the crib height nearly to the floor because my tall baby is standing at 6 months old.” Damarwala notes that while the crib may seem expensive in upfront costs, she believes the thoughtful conversion options “ended up saving me a lot of money.” Pros: Cons: Best Value Crib Amazon Materials : Pine wood | Dimensions: 54 x 29.5 x 34 inches | Weight capacity: 50 pounds | Convertible: Yes | Warranty: 2 year (purchased separately) It seems the moment the word “baby” enters the equation, things get expensive really fast.

According to over 2,700 Amazon ratings and an overall 4.8 out of 5 star rating, this Delta crib is a beautiful and budget friendly nursery option. It’s made of solid pine and the mattress can be adjusted to three heights as your baby grows. It can also convert to a toddler bed, day bed or couch as your child gets older.

The downside is that it is only available in white and the conversion kit to make it a toddler bed is sold separately ($80). What the reviews say: One Wayfair reviewer says, “Love this crib! Assembly was easy and all tools were provided. It was even better than I expected it to be. When I ordered, I couldn't find anything that said there were the different levels for the crib mattress, but when I assembled it I was pleasantly surprised that there were!” Pros: Cons: Best Smart Crib Happiest Baby Materials: Organic cotton, nylon and polyester mesh | Dimensions: 19 x 35.8 x 31 inches | Weight capacity: 25 pounds | Convertible: No | Warranty: 30 day free trial, 1 year limited warranty It may seem a little crazy to splurge on a bassinet that babies only use for a few months—but there’s a scientifically backed reason the Snoo is so popular.

Designed by famed pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp (author of Happiest Baby On The Block ), it plays white noise and gently rocks to soothe tired, cranky babies. If your child starts to fuss, it automatically responds with motion and white noise. The Snoo mobile app offers sleep insights, a daily sleep report and age appropriate tips.

It’s also made from GOTS certified cotton and is JPMA certified. In short, it offers a lot, but if the price tag is off putting, you can directly rent the Snoo for $159 a month. Occasionally, you’ll also find the Snoo on sale , especially during holiday sales events like Black Friday. All said, Murray cautions against letting your baby become too dependent on the rocking feature, and you will eventually need to transition from it when you stop renting or upsize your crib.

The Snoo app’s weaning feature helps you to prep your baby for a traditional crib. What our parent testers say: Writer and mom of five Alexandra Frost recently tested 10 bassinets for Forbes Vetted and declared the Snoo the best overall—she also wrote a detailed Snoo review . “For me and my postpartum mental health, a brilliant and pretty cute robot bassinet soothing my baby through shorter wake ups that didn’t warrant feeding, changing or rocking meant significantly fewer wake ups, more rest and a better parent in the daytime,” she says.

Frost adds that the Snoo is an “excellent stand in for a nanny” and deems it well worth the price, especially with the rental option. Pros: Cons: Best Acrylic Crib Delta Children Materials : New Zealand pine wood and acrylic | Dimensions: 54.5 x 34 x 30.3 inches | Weight capacity: 50 pounds | Convertible: Yes | Warranty: 1 year limited No, it’s not exactly like the futuristic, all acrylic versions the Kardashians have, but Delta Children’s acrylic offering is still super stylish and will pop in your baby’s nursery (bonus: It also won’t cost nearly as much).

If the aesthetic of your space is modern or minimal, the pine wood lined Sloane will fit right in while the clear acrylic bars give it a fresh, whimsical feel. In addition to its looks, this crib is JPMA certified and converts from a crib to a toddler bed, sofa and daybed. Several Wayfair reviewers report that the crib is relatively easy to assemble, sleek and sturdy.

What our parent testers say: Forbes Vetted sales manager Haley Hauk, single mom to a 2 year old, praises the Sloane Acrylic crib: “We love it! My daughter especially loved being able to see through the acrylic crib slats. And I loved the ease of being able to convert it into a toddler bed with her still being able to see out of the slats easily!” Pros: Cons: Most Versatile Crib Babyletto Materials : New Zealand pine wood | Dimensions: 53.8 x 29.8 x 32.6 inches | Weight capacity: 50 pounds | Convertible: Yes | Warranty: 1 year limited Bassinet.

Midi Crib. Junior Bed. The 8 in 1 convertible Yuzu can do it all—and the conversion kits are included. Plus, you’ll be able to choose from four mattress heights (which helps with co sleeping) and roll it from room to room with the removable locking caster wheels. Despite all the configurations, the Yuzu is no slouch when it comes to design.

Not only does it come in four attractive neutral colors, but it also features a modern shape with slightly curved corners and hidden screws; it also has a low profile to make it easier to reach into the crib for your baby. As with the other Babyletto picks on this list, you can expect a reliable construction of sustainable New Zealand pine wood, a nontoxic finish and a Greenguard Gold certification.

What our parent testers say: Rose Gordon Sala , Vetted’s deputy kids and baby gear editor, tells us, “I saw the Yuzu at a large baby gear trade show and was impressed with the amount of conversions available, the quality and the price.” Pros: Cons: Best Crib With Storage Target Materials : Pine wood and composite | Dimensions: 35.9 x 71.8 x 29.5 inches | Weight capacity: 50 pounds | Convertible: Yes | Warranty: 1 year limited warranty No matter the size of your home, it’s easy to feel like there’s baby stuff everywhere .

That’s why we love the Graco Remi, a crib that offers additional organizational support. It 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 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.

Talk about a space saver. But this crib’s all in one functionality extends far past its convenience and storage capabilities: It also 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 classic shades, so you have a couple of options in terms of looks.

It’s also GreenGuard Gold and JPMA certified. What the reviews say: A Target reviewer reports, “The color of the wood (espresso) goes perfectly in my son's nursery and with his Lion King décor. It is very easy to move and a lot lighter in weight than we thought it would be. Plenty of storage space for diapers and extra little items.

It was overall easy to assemble. We are very pleased with our purchase!” Pros: Cons: Best Travel Crib Guava Family Materials : Polyester fabric, plastic frame | Dimensions: 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches | Weight capacity: None (mattress sits on floor) | Warranty: 60 day free trial, 2 year warranty Traveling with a baby can cause all kinds of disruptions to their routine—especially when it comes to sleep.

The Guava Lotus combines good design, simplicity and versatility into a travel crib that can lighten your load. It packs into a compact backpack that only weighs 13 pounds (less than some babies). The popular travel crib is easy to set up, has a sturdy frame with strong hinges to handle toddler strength and rests on the ground, so there’s no weight limit.

The crib also has mesh sides to ensure your baby breathes easy, a side opening for helping baby to sleep and soft and cushy side rails for baby and parent comfort alike. It’s our favorite travel crib and one of our favorite pack and plays . What our parent testers say: “It’s seamless to set up and break down,” says Alex Tenney, mom to a 1 year old girl.

“I particularly love that it’s basically one touch to collapse and also really lightweight. Our baby prefers it to her normal crib.” Pros: Cons: Best Crib For Twins Pottery Barn Kids Materials : Poplar wood | Dimensions: 57 x 32 x 44 inches | Weight capacity: 75 pounds | Convertible: Yes | Warranty: Not listed The Pottery Barn Kids Kendall Crib is narrow enough that two cribs in one shared space won’t feel as cramped as it might with some wider options, making it ideal for twins.

This pick can convert into a toddler bed with an add on conversion kit (an extra $199), is sustainably made and comes in four neutral colors of varying prices. It includes three height adjustments, is GreenGuard Gold certified and matches perfectly with the rest of the PBK Kendall furniture set, taking the stress out of outfitting your nursery and allowing you to focus on the things you’ll need once your twins arrive.

What our parent testers say: Mom Natasha Hanasab shares, “Our Pottery Barn Kids cribs work wonderfully for my twins. They can reach each other through the slats as they fall asleep, but thanks to the higher head and foot handrails they can’t climb into one another’s cribs.” Pros: Cons: Best Mini Crib Babyletto Materials : Solid pine wood and MDF | Dimensions: 25.5 x 39 x 34 inches | Weight capacity: 30 pounds | Convertible: No | Warranty: 1 year limited warranty One downside of a bassinet is how quickly babies grow out of it.

The Babyletto mini crib, however, offers more longevity for growing babies and its small, streamlined size makes it ideal for tight spaces or for secondary locations like Grandma’s house. Its lightweight yet sturdy frame folds for easy storage and wheels lock in place or release for movement from room to room.

It includes two adjustable height settings, comes in five nursery perfect colors and is GreenGuard Gold certified. It also comes with a 1 inch pad, but we recommend purchasing a separate mini crib mattress to keep your baby extra comfortable. What our parent testers say: “It fit beautifully into our closet size Brooklyn apartment’s nursery nook,” says Sala, who borrowed this crib from a friend for several months.

“I appreciated the clean line, as well as the wheels and folding option, which made it a breeze to move and maneuver in the apartment. It also felt really sturdy and my big baby slept comfortably in it for a long time. I didn’t want to return it.” Pros: Cons: Best Luxury Crib Modern Nursery Materials : European ash wood | Dimensions: 54.4 x 30 x 34 inches | Weight capacity: 50 pounds | Convertible: Yes | Warranty: 5 year limited warranty The Kalon Studios Caravan Crib is sustainably made and beautifully crafted.

While it’s certainly a splurge starting at $1,495, the handmade European craftsmanship, oiled ash finish and contemporary design come together to create an heirloom worthy crib. The crib includes two height adjustments. Convert it into a rail free platform style toddler bed and your youngster grows or nab a conversion kit (also pricey at $795) to turn it into a day bed.

In addition to the eye catching design, Kalon also uses nontoxic and food safe material. What our parent testers say: Katie Tucciarone, a mom in Brooklyn Heights, New York, says this crib is her all time favorite. “I appreciate its simple, classic and incredible quality and the company’s sourcing transparency.” Pros: Cons: Why Trust Forbes Vetted How We Chose The Best Cribs What Should I Look For When Choosing A Crib? From size to convertibility to safety certifications, there’s a lot to think about when choosing the best crib for your family.

Consider the following factors to help you decide. Cribs are available in several different sizes, from convenient minis to larger convertible models. Think about what works for your home. “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 that your baby sleeps in the 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 use a mini version that can roll between rooms.” Some cribs can convert into toddler beds (others also morph into twin size beds) to use past the first few years of a child’s life.

This can be more convenient and cost effective for parents who don’t want to pick out another piece of furniture once their child is ready to move out of the crib. If you want a convertible crib, check whether the model you choose comes with conversion parts or if you need to purchase a conversion kit separately.

If the kit is separate, it’s a good idea to pick it up when you buy your crib (instead of waiting until you need it) in case your crib model is discontinued, which does happen as one of our editors can attest. Safety is the most important factor to consider when choosing a crib. All cribs sold in the United States must be compliant with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations that focus on the crib’s structural safety.

It’s important to remember to fill out that little registration card that you receive with any baby product, including your crib, too. If a recall happens, you’ll hear about it sooner if you register your item. You can also check the CSPC recall database periodically. Other seals to look for include the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification, which means the crib has met the highest safety requirements as determined by a third party.

When it comes to materials, a crib that’s Greenguard Gold certified has been tested to possess negligibly low amounts of volatile organic compounds, meaning there is a low risk of pollution and chemical exposure. Consider other features that might make your life a little easier. Some cribs offer built in drawers for storage, which is great for organization but can make them bulkier and less portable.

Some smaller cribs are on wheels so they’re easier to move around the house, making it a breeze to get your sleeping baby from one room to the next. Built in changing tables simplify middle of the night changes and foldable cribs can be a great way to save on storage space. Do I Really Need A Crib? Simply put: Yes.

Even if you intend to co sleep, a crib is essential in creating a safe sleep environment for your baby. When choosing a crib, consider whether your child will be sleeping in their own room or in your bedroom. Will your child have a dedicated sleep space, or will the crib need to be moved on occasion? Because a crib is often an investment piece, 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.

Which Crib Is Best For Newborn? Cribs are regulated and safe for newborn use from day one, but 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.

You may also prefer to opt for a bassinet before you move your baby to a full size crib. A bassinet is best suited for newborns and infants up to 6 months old but sometimes for less time. Typically, they’re used for a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months, depending on the size and activity level of your child.

A crib, however, can be used from day one of baby’s life up until they’re ready to transition to a toddler bed and later a twin mattress and maybe even a bunk bed . For some, the transition from the crib happens around 18 months, but most parents try to keep their little ones in a crib until they have the emotional maturity to understand when it’s playtime and when it’s time to sleep, so closer to 3 years old.

That said, a bassinet is more of a temporary sleep solution and often easier to have in a caretaker’s room, while a crib is essential for much longer. It really depends on each family’s specific needs. Which Crib Brand Is Best? We selected the Babyletto Hudson as the best crib overall for a number of reasons, including its clean lines, convertible options and midrange price point.

However, you may prefer another crib for another reason, such as the best travel crib to tote along on your next trip; the best mini crib to tuck into your bedroom, apartment nursery or at the grandparents’ house; or the incredibly flexible Nestig Cloud Crib for its many conversions. More Baby Stories To Shop.