Best Baby Cribs

Top 10 Rated Baby Cribs 2024

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There are oodles of infant cribs out on the market and the sheer number of brands and styles can boggle the mind. Many of them are fairly homogenous with similar or identical features, but close scrutiny reveals a few key differences which make some brands a better bargain than others. The decisions were based on:

1. Price of the crib
2. Construction quality
3. Safety certifications and features
4. Features like changing into a toddler bed or having wheels
5. Weight of the crib
6. Recall history
7. How well all these are used together

Dimensions:
57.25 inches x 31.5 inches x 44 inches

Parents reluctant to spend big bucks buying more than one bed as their kids grow can rest easy with the Eastland Lifetime. This crib, which received the highest rating…
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Dimensions:
43.62 inches x 57 inches x 30.62 inches

The Graco brand is one widely recognized by parents not only for its infant cribs but also its strollers and other products. The Graco Lauren Classic converts from a crib…
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Dimensions:
39 inches x 29 inches x 53 inches

The Dream on Me Madison is similar in construction to other brands of convertible cribs, but has a few more extras. This crib has two adjustable settings for the…
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Dimensions:
56.22 inches x 30.4 inches x 46.06 inches

Carter’s is already well-known as a manufacturer of baby and children’s clothes, and the Carter Manchester 4-in-1 is a good bargain. This crib has four mattress…
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Dimensions:
54 inches x 32 inches x 43 inches

The Orbelle Trading Sleigh Crib converts from a crib to a toddler bed to a day bed, and then to a full size bed when needed. The mattress can be adjusted…
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Dimensions:
54.2 inches x 33 inches x 43 inches

This sleigh style convertible crib is a wonderful addition to any nursery. It is missing the large drawer that many cribs offer at the bottom. That shouldn’t be a problem…read more


Dimensions:
72 inches by 41 inches by 30 inches

The AFG Baby Daphne Convertible crib, billed as “perfect for the space conscious family,” is like two pieces of furniture in one. The Baby Daphne…
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Bloom Alma Papa  7.5/10

Dimensions:
49 inches by 35.75 inches by 25.5 inches

The Bloom Alma Papa Crib has modern lines, with open slats on all four sides to maximize air flow around the baby. The crib mattress can be adjusted…
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39.6 pounds
53.5 x 30.5 x 33.5 inches
Converts to daybed, toddler bed, and full-sized bed (conversion kits sold separately)

This Union model crib has its good points but some drawbacks as well. The crib frame is made of New Zealand pine wood with a non-toxic finish free of lead and phthalate…
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Dimensions:
44 inches by 76 inches

Parents wanting a crib radically different from the traditional can consider the Dragon Fly Finial Round Crib. It’s something not normally seen in stores…
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Baby Crib Buying Guide

So you’ve got a bun in the oven and you need a good quality crib. There are so many on the market, which one to choose? Measure what you want in a crib, how much you have to spend, and the track record of the individual model you’re considering. Then add a pinch of what others are saying about the crib, for comparison, a dash of online research and a helping of in-person store shopping. The end product can help narrow down hundreds of cribs to your favorite two or three.

How safe is it?

Safety is the number one concern. Online marketers are trying hard to sell their cribs, but beware of frilly, cute product descriptions that leave out information like Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification. Many websites plainly reveal if the crib is JPMA certified, but consumers interested in a particular product sometimes may have to dig a little to find out if it’s certified at all. Although drop side cribs are now banned, every so often a website turns up marketing cribs billed as having drop sides. When shopping in person, ask the salesperson for proof of JPMA certification.

Recalls have been issued for lots of cribs, so checking the recall list compiled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) can shed some light on the search. Drop side cribs are no longer sold because of the high number of recalls. The CPSC has recalls on its website dating as far back as 1978. The most recent recalls listed from 2011 are all for drop side cribs. The brands include Dutailier, Yu Wei, Dream on Me, ducduc, Delta Enterprises, IKEA and The Land of Nod. Recalls of fixed-side cribs include Albee Baby, Child Craft, Simplicity, Stork Craft and SunKids brands.

How expensive is it?

There are cribs to fit every budget. Some are less than $100, mid-range cribs fall somewhere in the $100 to $250 price range, and the high end cribs run upwards of $300. Some custom-made cribs cost in the thousands, but those of us who aren’t celebrities will focus on how practical the crib is. Inexpensive, portable cribs aren’t necessarily less safe than their pricier counterparts. Much depends on how well they are constructed. Some families prefer a more lightweight, collapsible crib that’s easier to move. Others prefer a more modern style. Still others look for a crib that’s easy to assemble, convertible to a toddler or day bed as the baby grows out of infancy and long-lasting and durable to accommodate younger siblings when they come along.

How easy is it to find?

Online research yields lots of brands, but not all of them will be available when you walk into your local brick-and-mortar store. Some brands are sold at major retailers like Target, Sears, Wal-Mart, K mart, Babies R Us and Toys R Us. Others you won’t find at any store but are easy to order online. That’s fine, although you won’t get a chance to closely inspect the merchandise before you buy it. Some consumers don’t mind ordering their child’s crib online, but others prefer to shop the old-fashioned way. Some cribs can be ordered from overseas manufacturers, but details – such as safety information – can be sketchy.

What are others saying about it?

The most confusing aspect about shopping for a crib can be weighing what others are saying about it against what you want. Some consumers report a particular brand is hard to assemble, while others say just the opposite. Some will say the construction is shoddy and the finish scratches easily, while others will trumpet the praises of that brand. There may be recall information out on a certain brand, yet some parents will report it’s a wonderful crib that looks beautiful and fits their budget.

A thorough search can take weeks, or even months. Even the most popular brands can, over time, have issues. Some brands or styles that were considered safe a few years ago may have had recalls issued over the past few years. Checking your choice against the CPSC website can help clear up confusion. Remembering what’s at stake when purchasing a crib can help you stay focused.

Valerie Baldowski is passionate about writing about everything from childrens safety and juvenile products to gardening tools. She is the mother of a high energy 8 year old child so she is accustomed to researching childrens products and services. Her writing and researching began at an early age… See more about Valerie

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