Best Cribs for Baby: Safety Guidelines and Top Picks

Safety standards for baby cribs

Types of baby cribs

Standard baby cribs

• These are simple, sturdy cribs that are typically easy to put together.
• They are generally well constructed and long lasting, as well as inexpensive.
• As with the other crib types, the mattress can adjust to different heights, but the crib as a whole won’t move easily from room to room and can be used only as a crib.
• These cribs are actually becoming more difficult to find, as most cribs can be converted into at least a daybed.

Convertible baby cribs

• These are long-lasting cribs that can be used as a standard crib, then potentially adapted as a toddler bed with a guardrail, a daybed with one open side, or even as a full-size bed with the long front and back railings of the crib becoming the headboard and footboard (the side rails are usually sold separately).
• Because these cribs are meant to be used for a long time, they are generally made with very sturdy, long-lasting materials (such as real wood).
• They may be more expensive than other types of cribs, but the long-term investment makes them a good value for the money.
• The other consideration is that styles and trends (and tastes) may change over time, so you may want to choose something neutral rather than bright, trendy colors.

Portable baby cribs

• Also known as folding cribs, portable cribs fold in on the sides so they can be collapsed and stored easily, and they are particularly used by daycare centers and hotels.
• They have wheels and are easy to move from room to room. Theoretically, this means you can keep an eye on your baby throughout the day as you move the crib to where you are, though this won’t work as well if your house has multiple levels.
• You’ll also need to consider what type of flooring you have, as some wheels work better on carpet versus hardwood floors, and be sure to check the locks on the wheels regularly to make sure they are working correctly.

Baby crib recommendations

We’ve collected our top recommendations for cribs based on safety and quality. We discovered that most standard-size cribs on the market can at least convert to a daybed, making convertible cribs far more common than standard cribs. Convertible cribs are also more highly rated because they are made to last a long time, so all the cribs on our recommended list ended up being convertible cribs rather than standard ones. We also have three portable cribs to take a look at if you need something that can be stored or moved easily. However, keep in mind that if you don’t have those specific needs, a convertible crib will be sturdier and last longer, so we generally recommend those over collapsible cribs.

As you consider which crib is right for you, don’t forget to take into account how much space you have for this rather large piece of furniture. The standard crib size is 52 x 27.8 inches, but models can vary by several inches, both smaller and larger. You’ll also need to consider what your price range is. You can find cribs that are much more expensive than the ones listed here, as well as cribs that cost much less. These represent a pretty average range as far as cost goes, but keep in mind that as long as a crib meets all the basic safety guidelines, you can find something at a price you can afford.

Best Portable Baby Cribs

If you have limited space in your home for a crib, if you need a crib for a second home, or if you want to be able to store your crib easily, you may want to consider a portable or folding crib. Many portable cribs are a smaller than the standard crib size, and most have a lower child weight limit than standard cribs, so they can’t be used for the same child for as long as a convertible or even a standard crib. The shorter sides of a portable crib fold in to collapse the crib and store it very compactly, but keep in mind the mattress will need to be stored as well.

There are few extra safety measures that need to be taken with portable cribs, which is why we generally recommend convertible cribs over collapsible cribs. However, if a portable crib is what fits your family’s needs, be sure the folding sides are completely locked in place before putting the mattress board and mattress back in, and be sure to check the locks on the wheels frequently.

Best Travel Baby Cribs

In addition to buying a standard-size crib for your home, you may want to find a travel crib for when you are away from home. Travel cribs are smaller, lightweight, and easy to carry. They are collapsible and quick to set up, and most of them can double as a playpen. They are not extremely sturdy and are not suitable as a full-time crib, but they work wonderfully when you’re on the road.

There are a few safety standards to look for when choosing a travel crib. Look for mesh sides with holes that are less than 1/4 inch in size (smaller than the tiny buttons on a baby’s clothing). The mesh should be securely attached at the top and bottom without rips, holes, or loose threads. The top rail shouldn’t have holes or tears, either, and all of the rails should lock securely.

As you’re choosing a travel crib, take into consideration both your price range and how frequently you’ll be using it. If you do a lot of traveling, you’ll want something that’s especially easy to pack up and transport. If you need it for occasional use at a second location (like grandma’s house), that won’t be as important.

What to Look for in a Used Baby Crib

• Mattress—The mattress should be no more than 6 inches tall and should fit snugly inside the crib. If you can fit more than two fingers between the crib sides and the mattress, that is an unsafe gap. The danger is that babies could roll or scoot to the side of the crib and get trapped in the gap.
• Slat distance—Slats should be no more than 2 3/8″ apart to prevent babies from getting their heads stuck between the bars.
• Corner posts—The corner posts should be no more than 1/16 inch higher than the end panels and no more than 16 inches tall. The concern is that if the posts are higher, a child’s clothing could get caught on them and cause injury.
• Quality materials—All of the crib materials should be non-toxic, as in no lead-based paint, and there should be no cracked or peeling paint. (If you have a concern, you can purchase a home testing kit for lead paint for under $20.) There should also be no cracks or splits in the wood and no sharp or rough hardware edges.
• Decorative cutouts—There should not be any cutouts in the head or foot board so a baby’s head or other body parts cannot get trapped.
• Wheels—If the crib has wheels, they should ideally be caster wheels in order to provide additional stability, and they should lock securely when you’re not moving the crib.
• Drop-side cribs—No drop-side cribs, period. Between 2005 and 2010, there were 11 recalls involving more than 7 million drop-side cribs due to over two dozen deaths between 2000 and 2010 associated with the drop-side attachments. The problems occurred when the drop-side attachments broke, were poorly repaired, or weren’t put together properly to begin with. Although these types of cribs are no longer manufactured, it’s important to know about them because many are still being used and you may run into them at yard sales or as hand-me-downs from well-meaning family or friends.

• Clear the area around the crib. Make sure there are no blinds or baby monitor cords that your child could reach from inside the crib, and move the crib away from windows in general.
• Remove any soft bedding like pillows or thick blankets from the crib to avoid the chance of suffocation. Make sure crib sheets fit snugly and securely on the mattress, and use a firm mattress (no water beds, cushions, or pillows). If you want to use a crib bumper around the sides, use a breathable mesh one, not a thick padded one. Experts also recommend placing babies on their backs while they sleep without using sleep positioners.
• Consider adding teething bumpers or rails to the sides of the crib. Once your child can stand up, the crib sides will probably be chewed on, and you don’t want any wood splinters in your baby’s mouth.

Final thoughts

Purchasing a crib is a big investment, especially when you’re trying to plan for your first baby. There are lots (and lots) of choices to make about the size, style, type, and color of your crib, but the most important things to keep in mind are the safety guidelines that will put you at ease while your baby is sleeping. Once that is checked off, it’s really just a matter of finding something that fits your budget and preferences. All of our top picks on this list are safe, solid choices to consider as you plan and prepare for your new baby.