We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
A crib should provide a baby with a safe place to sleep. Cribs should have firm support, be free of loose or poorly fitted parts, and be gap-free to prevent the baby from getting trapped. A range of cribs are available for purchase online.
This article discusses what to look for in a crib and how to create a safe sleep environment for an infant. It also reviews nine crib options and answers some common questions.
A quick look at 9 of the best baby cribs:
- Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
- DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
- Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
- Pottery Barn Kendall Convertible Crib
- Million Dollar Baby Abigail 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
- Delta Children Cambridge Mix and Match 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
- Dream On Me Springfield 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
- Nestig Wave Crib
- dadada Soho 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
Medical News Today’s methodology
MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:
- Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
- Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
- Firmness: MNT selects mattresses that are available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
- Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
- Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products that carry warranties and clear returns policies.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
The Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib follows all U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International (a global safety standards organization similar to CPSC) guidelines.
The crib converts into four different layouts, including a crib, toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. The model does not come with a mattress or conversion kit. Customers can buy these separately.
The pros of this product include its simple design, affordable price, and adaptability.
Cons include online reviewers detecting holes and exposed screws, which can pose safety hazards.
The Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib retails for $169.99.
DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
The Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib also changes from a crib to a toddler bed or daybed. The crib features several mattress positions as the baby grows to keep them safely inside.
The mattress and conversion kit do not come with the crib.
It also has wheels on the bottom to make it easier to move between rooms when needed.
In addition to meeting both the CPSC and ASTM standards, the Jenny Lind crib meets the criteria for Greenguard Gold Certification, which means it is free from various chemicals that may pollute indoor air.
Positive features of this crib include lockable wheels for easy portability and a relatively low price.
Negative reviews address stocking problems with unusual colors and the potential need to purchase a safety guardrail to make the unit a safe toddler bed.
The DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib retails for $229.
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib converts from a crib to a toddler and daybed.
According to the company, it meets the CPSC and ASTM requirements and has Greenguard Gold Certification.
It comes with the conversion kit to transform the crib when ready, but the company sells the mattress separately.
Positive reviews praise the eco-friendly and nontoxic materials, and the adjustable levels of mattress support.
Negative comments mention the potential for scratches and the potential visibility of a metal mattress support in higher positions.
The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib retails for $499.
Pottery Barn Kendall Convertible Crib
The Kendall Convertible Crib from Pottery Barn offers several safety certificates, including meeting ASTM, CPSC, Greenguard Gold, and CertiPUR-US standards. CertiPUR-US regulates the use of flame retardants in foam mattresses.
The crib converts into a toddler bed and has adjustable heights for the mattress to accommodate a growing baby.
Positive reviews of this crib include its durability, safety standards, and built-in plastic teething rail.
Negative reviews mention the relatively high price tag and lengthy shipping times.
The Pottery Barn Kendall Convertible Crib retails for $599.
Million Dollar Baby Abigail 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
The Abigail 3-in-1 Convertible Crib meets ASTM and CPSC requirements. The bed can adjust into a daybed or toddler bed with a conversion kit that customers can buy separately.
The company adds that the crib has four adjustable mattress positions to allows room for the baby to grow.
The company sells the nontoxic mattress and waterproof cover separately.
A parent or caregiver can lower the mattress position as the baby grows.
Positive reviews mention the ease of assembly and reportedly sturdy construction.
Negative reviews mention poor support for larger infants and risk from sharp metal points in some places and cases.
The Million Dollar Baby Abigail 3-in-1 Convertible Crib retails for $499.
Delta Children Cambridge Mix and Match 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
The Cambridge Mix and Match 4-in-1 Convertible Crib meets the requirements of the ASTM and CPSC. It also passes tests for lead and other chemicals.
The company uses nontoxic paint that is lead and phthalate safe.
It converts from a crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. The crib comes with a toddler bed conversion.
However, customers who require the other conversion kits will need to buy them separately.
The pros of this convertible crib include the use of nontoxic paint, high safety standards, and its ability to transform into a full-size bed.
Negative reviews include one user commenting on a strong smell of varnish when it arrived.
The Delta Children Cambridge Mix and Match 4-in-1 Convertible Crib retails for $279.99.
Dream On Me Springfield 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
The Springfield 3-in-1 Convertible Crib meets all the standards for CPSC and ASTM. It also meets all standards of the Canadian Cribs and Cradles Regulations.
It converts from a crib into a toddler bed and daybed. According to the company, the crib has three adjustable height positions for the mattress.
The conversion kit does not come with the crib.
Positive reviews mention the compact design and good value for the price.
Negative reviews mention products scuffed or damaged during shipment.
The Dream On Me Springfield 3-in-1 Convertible Crib retails for around $300.
Nestig Wave Crib
The Nestig Wave Crib can start as a mini-crib, suitable for newborns and young infants. It has lockable wheels, making it easy to move from room to room.
It comes with lockable wheels which make it easy to move from room to room.
The crib comes with a mini-crib mattress and the materials to convert it into different forms.
Positive reviews of this mattress mention the conversion features and the sustainably-harvested materials.
Negative reviews mention the higher price and the need for assembly.
The Nestig Wave Crib retails for $699.
dadada Soho 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
This updated version of mid-century modern design is made from solid beech wood. It features a sturdy frame, inclined legs, and good air circulation. It is Greenguard Gold certified and has a baby-safe finish.
This crib converts from a crib to a toddler crib to a daybed with conversion kits sold separately. It can accommodate children weighing up to 50 pounds.
Positive reviews mention its sturdiness and ability to adapt to a growing child.
Negative reviews mention the high price and the lack of toddler bed guardrail.
The dadada Soho 3-in-1 Convertible Crib is available for $499.90.
The table below compares the baby cribs in this article on key features:
| Price | Standards met | Convertible uses | Converter kit included | Wheels | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib | $169.99 | CPSC, ASTM International | Crib, toddler bed, daybed, full-size bed | No | No |
| DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib | $229 | CPSC, ASTM International, Greenguard Gold Certification | Crib, toddler bed, daybed | No | Yes |
| Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib | $499 | CPSC, ASTM International, Greenguard Gold Certification | Crib, toddler bed, daybed | Yes | No |
| Pottery Barn Kendall Convertible Crib | $599 | CPSC, ASTM International, Greenguard Gold Certification, CertiPUR-US | Crib and toddler bed, adjustable heights | No | No |
| Million Dollar Baby Abigail 3-in-1 Convertible Crib | $499 | CPSC, ASTM International | Crib, toddler bed, daybed; Adjustable mattress positions | No | No |
| Delta Children Cambridge Mix and Match 4-in-1 Convertible Crib | $279.99 | CPSC, ASTM International, plus tests for leas and other chemicals | Crib, toddler bed, daybed, full-size bed | Toddler bed conversion included | No |
| Dream On Me Springfield 3-in-1 Convertible Crib | $300 | CPSC, ASTM International, Canadian Cribs and Cradles Regulations | Crib and toddler bed, adjustable heights | No | No |
| Nestig Wave Crib | $699 | Meets JPMA standards | Mini-crib, crib, toddler bed | Yes | Yes |
| dadada Soho 3-in-1 Convertible Crib | $499.90 | Greenguard Gold Certification, Meets JPMA standards | Crib, toddler bed, and daybed | No | No |
Sleep is an important part of a baby’s development and is crucial for cognitive and physical growth. Infants tend to wake up during the night in their first
However, parents or caregivers should pay attention to particular safety aspects of buying a crib.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates the manufacture and importation of cribs made or sold in the United States. Companies that manufacture, import, or sell cribs must comply with these safety standards.
When looking at used cribs, a person should avoid older cribs, particularly any crib with drop-side rails. The CPSC banned the sale or manufacture of drop-side rail cribs over safety concerns.
The CPSC also recommends that a person avoids buying a crib if:
- the corner posts are over 1/16th inch high
- pieces are broken, missing, loose, or improperly installed
- the posts are more than 2 3/8 inches apart
- the headboard or footboard has cut-outs
People should also ensure that the crib has a tight-fitting mattress that leaves no space between the mattress and the crib.
When putting a baby down for a nap or bedtime, the
- always placing the baby on their back to sleep
- not putting soft blankets, mattresses, stuffed animals, or other loose objects in the crib
- using only safety-approved mattresses and cribs
The following are common questions and answers about baby cribs:
What is the safest crib for a baby?
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, safe cribs have the following features:
- firm mattresses that fit the crib tightly
- all hardware, such as screws and brackets, is properly installed and tightened
- if slat-sided, slats are spaced so narrowly a baby’s body cannot fit through
- low corner posts that will not catch a baby’s clothing
- not holes or cutouts that could trap a baby’s head
- if mesh-sided, the mesh is small enough not to catch buttons on the baby’s clothing
- mesh is intact and securely attached
- no exposed sharp objects, such as staples
What types of cribs are best?
The best cribs should be safe and sturdy, free of toxic chemicals, sharp edges, and choking hazards.
Some people may prefer portable or lightweight options for movability.
Convertible cribs are adaptable to meet the evolving needs of a growing child, so they may be useful for longer. However, they typically cost more than standard cribs.
When shopping for a baby’s crib, a person should keep in mind basic safety features, such as sturdy sides and a firm and flush fitting mattress.
A person should avoid older used cribs and cribs with drop-side rails. When placing the baby down to sleep, do not place any bedding, toys, or other objects in the crib.