A crib, hands down, is the most important item in a baby’s room. It’s the place where your baby will sleep (hopefully!) and also the focal point of the room. With so many models and safety guidelines to consider, it’s easy to get bogged down by information. If safety is your main concern, you are better off buying a brand new crib. These cribs will automatically be up to date with all the latest safety features and requirements. We know hand-me-downs are tempting, because, let’s face it, you’ll save a ton of money, but they are not always the best options. If you do end up with a used crib, it’s important that you check the serial number for any recalls, that the crib was made after 2011 and that it does not have drop-down sides. These are a big no-no, as they have caused countless injuries to babies and toddlers.

• Best Baby Crib Overall: Pottery Barn Kendall Crib
• Best Mini Crib: Da Vinci Emily 2-In-1 Mini Crib And Twin Bed
• Best Affordable Crib: Baby Relax Adelyn 2-in-1 Convertible Crib
• Best Travel Crib: BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light
• Best Crib With Storage: Graco Solano 4-In-1 Convertible Crib
• Best Stylish Crib: Storkcraft Orchard Canopy 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
• Best Convertible Crib: Babyletto Hudson 3-In-1 Convertible Crib
• Best Crib With Changing Table: Dream On Me Casco 3-in-1 Mini Crib & Changing Table
• Best Splurge Crib: Nursery Works Vetro Mini Crib

What Are the Different Types of Cribs?

If you do decide on a new crib, there are different types you can choose from. From mini cribs to convertible cribs, let’s break down all the crib options currently on the market:

• • • • Bassinet vs. Crib

A bassinet will serve you in those first few months of bringing home baby. They are small and provide a safe, cozy feel for baby to sleep soundly. They are also smaller in size, which means they can fit next to your bed or in your bedroom with you. While a bassinet is a great choice in the beginning, your baby will eventually outgrow it due to its small size and weight limits. Even if you choose a bassinet, you will need to transition your baby to a crib once they are able to sit up on their own.

• • • • Standard Crib

These cribs do just what they are supposed to and nothing more: provide a place for your baby to sleep safely. Like their name, they have a standard size that will fit a standard crib mattress. You can buy a crib skirt and crib sheet but just remember no blankets or bumpers.

• • • • Mini Crib

These cribs are smaller than a standard-size crib, which means you will need a different-size mattress and sheets. They measure around 20” shorter than a standard crib, which is great if you don’t have a lot of space but not so great if you plan on keeping the crib for a while. Your child will outgrow this crib much more quickly than a standard crib.

• • • • Travel Crib

These are great for going on trips or keeping as a backup at Grandma’s house. They fold up easily and are usually made of some material like mesh or foam.

• • • • Portable Crib

These cribs look like standard cribs, with one main difference: They fold for easy storage. They are made of wood with hard rails, but usually have lockable wheels that make transporting the crib much easier.

• • • • Multipurpose Crib

If you’re looking to deck out your baby’s room with a changing table and a dresser but don’t have a ton of space, a multipurpose crib will do all those jobs and more. Even if you have space, having your changing table, diapers and a change of clothes easily accessible is such a convenience, especially during those diaper blowouts.

• • • • Convertible Crib

These cribs grow with your child and can be converted from a crib to a toddler bed, twin, or even a full-size bed. They are a great option for parents who want to make one purchase and get the most for their money.

How to Choose a Crib

Because this is such an important purchase, it’s good to go over in advance the things that are important to you. Here’s what to consider when buying a baby crib:

• • • • Safety

Of course, you will want to keep your baby to be safe in his or her crib and, as we mentioned before, the safest cribs are the newest ones. You want a crib that’s strong and that won’t fall apart after a few years of use. Cribs need to last and hold up through all the biting, jumping, and rough play your child will put it through. You can also look for the JPMA seal of approval. This is an independent company that tests the safety of cribs and other baby gear.

• • • • Cost

Becoming a parent means that things just got a whole lot more expensive, and some cribs out there can cost thousands — yes thousands! — of dollars, depending on the materials and style. But don’t worry, most cribs will only cost a few hundred, and places like Ikea offer great, less expensive alternatives.

• • • • Style

For some, decorating a nursery is a fun project that takes months of planning and prepping. Picking a theme, a color palette, and all the right furniture can be a rewarding experience. Nowadays, cribs come in a variety of styles, colors, and models. You can choose a vintage, glam, neutral, or even acrylic crib — whatever matches your style aesthetic best.

• • • • Assembly and Convenience

When we say cribs are a big purchase, we don’t just mean important, these things are huge. You need to consider whether you will have it shipped or will pick it up, have it assembled or attempt to put it together yourself. If you plan on putting the crib together yourself, read the reviews and see what other parents thought of the assembly process — trust us, you’ll be glad you did.

• • • • Will it transition with your child?

As we mentioned above, many cribs will grow with your child, even lasting through their teenage years. If this is something that you want, then purchase all the right equipment right away. That includes conversion kits and toddler rails. Many of these products get discontinued after a few years.