One of the greatest pleasures as a parent is watching your child sleep well in their own crib. It does matter if you have a portable crib, one that is solid or even one that you can convert into a toddler’s bed. One thing is for sure that a healthy, sleeping baby is a parent’s dream. We are going to help you choose the best crib for your baby in 2020.
The cribs that we have mentioned in this article are some of the best cribs that you can find on Amazon to date. They are all safe for your child. They can help make your lives a bit easier, depending on what your needs and wants are for your crib.
Comparison of Table
| Name | Convertible? | Type of Crib |
| Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit | Yes | Modern crib |
| Pottery Barn Kids Kendall Crib | No | The classic crib |
| Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Easy Folding Portable Crib, Grey | No | Co-sleeping type of crib |
| Graco Pack ‘N Play Playard | Yes | Multi-functional crib |
| Graco Dream Suite Bassinet | No | Classic looking crib/bassinet |
| Dream On Me, Carson Classic 3 in 1 Convertible Crib in White | Yes | Classic crib |
Do you need a crib?
Besides a bassinet, a crib is the safest place for your baby to sleep. Please make sure that you follow all the instructions that come with your crib. You need to make sure that the crib has enough space so that there is no clutter around your baby. Toys, bumpers, stuffed animals, as well as blankets, can become suffocating hazards.
If you are buying your crib brand new out the box, then the crib will follow the current safety standards. Keep in mind that if you are going to buy second hand, you need to do your research about the crib. Make sure that it complies with safety regulations and that the model does not have any recalls. Rather be safe than sorry.
There are so many different types of cribs out there for you to choose from. We will cover them later on in the article.
Now that you have realized the importance of having a crib, the next question is when to get one?
When do you need a crib?
You can use a crib at the very beginning if you wish. A lot of moms and dads choose to only start using a crib from 3-4 months. If you do not want to use a crib right away, there is nothing wrong with that. Keep in mind though that you want to keep your eye on cribs. They can be pricey. Some of your friends and family members might want to pitch in for the cost of the crib.
When it comes to how long your child can stay in the crib, it depends on the weight and height of your baby. Some parents keep their babies in a crib until they are 4 or 5 years old. Others into a bed around 2 or 3 years old. These are some guidelines and not law. Keep in mind that if your child is starting to climb, you might want to make that switch.
Features to Consider in Good baby cribs:
When it comes to buying a crib, you should consider that there is more to a crib than the way that it looks. The appearance will drive the consumers to buy. Keep in mind that the crib needs to be safe and comfortable as well.
The latest cribs have new technology which will make your life as a parent a lot easier. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to consider…
Bedding and mattress:
Mattress support
- A metal spring base will be better support for your baby as well as for a jumping toddler than a wooden base one.
Adjustable mattress height
- This is ideal! This allows you to lower the mattress as your baby gets older. This will help you keep the toddler from climbing out of the crib.
Casters
- This is a standard feature on mini and portable cribs. They allow you to move the crib around.
Crib shape
- Round or oval-shaped cribs are stylish and look gorgeous. Keep in mind that it might be hard to find mattresses and covers for this shape.
Safety features:
The safety of your newborn baby should always come first. Keep in mind that drop downsides have been banned because they were deemed unsafe.
- The slats must be strong
- The frame should not flex a lot
- The matter should never tilt
- The corners need to be square
- Make sure the materials used on the crib, as well as fabrics, are non-toxic, and safety approved.
Crib design:
The crib you choose must be comfortable and yet safe for your newborn baby. Ask yourself a few questions before you buy the crib:
- Can you reach your baby?
- Does it fit into the baby room?
- What other features do you want on the crib?
- Do you want to reinforce the crib as your baby gets older, or do you want to buy a crib that’s designed for ages 1-3 years old?
Size of the crib:
Make sure that you take into consideration the size of the crib as well as the size of the room. Do not feel ashamed by taking a tape measure with you when you are choosing the right crib. There needs to be space in the crib for the baby as well as space around the crib for you to have easy access to your baby.
Lifespan:
If you have a tight budget, then it might be a good idea for you to buy a crib that you can use for a few years. Some cribs have a longer lifespan than others. They can function as your baby goes from being a newborn to a toddler. Look at the lifespan of your crib and make sure that it meets your needs as well as budget.
Other features:
Companies are becoming more aware of parents and their wants and needs. You can now customize your cribs to suit your unique wants and needs. If you want a crib that you can turn into a one of a kind bed for your child, then go for a crib that comes with a lot of options!
Do you need a standard, convertible, mini or portable crib?
There are 3 basic types of cribs that you can choose from. They are the same, but they have their own features to help suit your needs.
1. Standard crib: They are safe, comfortable, and sturdy. They are more traditional type cribs that come with hinged size, which makes it easier to reach your baby.
2. Convertible crib: These are lifetime cribs. You can turn this crib into a toddler bed and even a full-sized bed if you want. This crib is the best value for money if you’re going to buy a mattress that your child can grow up in for a few years to come.
3. Mini or portable crib: If you go away a lot or you have a smaller place, then a mini crib is best for you. They don’t take up a lot of space and you can fold it up and move it to another location. Your baby will always feel happy in their own bed wherever they are!
Let us have a look at the options that are out there. The cribs are in no particular order, but they are the best on the market at the moment.
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit
$379.00 on Amazon
This crib’s made for a modern looking nursery. It is a bit lower than other cribs, which are ideal for parents who are shorter than others. The best part about this crib is that it will last you for years. There is a toddler bed included. This will make the transition from crib to bed easier on your child as well as on you.
PROS
CONS
Easy to assemble
Shorter than other cribs
Modern looking
A bit more pricy than other cribs
Safe for your baby
Ideal for shorter parents
Convertible from crib to toddler bed
Extra Specs
Dimensions
53.625” x 29.625” x 34.875”
Usage
Crib: Stop using when a child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches; toddler bed up to 50 lbs.
Convertible?
Yes, converts to a toddler bed and a daybed with an included conversion kit.
Mattress settings
4 adjustable mattress levels
Pottery Barn Kids Kendall Crib
$399.00 on Amazon
The pottery Barn crib is a real wooden crib which is perfect for any nursery design that you might have in mind! As an added bonus for your baby’s safety, the crib comes with teething guards. This ensures that the paint on the crib stays on the crib and not in your child’s mouth. This crib can change into a toddler bed later on. This kit can be bought at a later stage if you want. This is going to add an extra cost in the long run that you might not want to spend.
PROS
CONS
Easy to assemble
Toddler bed as an added kit
Has a more classic look
Sold as only a crib for babies
Safe for your baby
Comes with an added safety feature
Extra Specs
Dimensions
57” x 32” x 44”
Usage
Until child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches.
Convertible?
Yes, converts to a toddler bed with conversion kit (priced around $129-$139)
Mattress settings
3 adjustable mattress levels
Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Easy Folding Portable Crib, Grey
$149.99 on Amazon
I love this crib because it can attach to the side of your bed! This makes co-sleeping with your baby a lot easier. You can have your own bed, your baby can have their own bed and you both can sleep well next to each other. It is safe for your baby. You can buy mattresses, sheets and blankets that are designed for this crib. It’s recommended that you only use items intended for this crib.
PROS
CONS
Easy to attach to your bed
Works best with fitted sheets and products from the company only.
Portable
Not suitable for every nursery design
Safe for your baby
Cant convert to a toddler bed
Allows co-sleeping
7 height positions to fit your bedside
Extra Specs
Dimensions
37.5” x 24.5” x 6.3”
Usage
Until the baby begins to climb or reaches 35 inches.
Convertible?
No
Mattress settings
1 mattress level
Graco Pack ‘N Play Playard
$98.00 on Amazon
This is the ultimate space-saving crib! This crib allows you to put your baby to sleep, or you can convert the crib into a baby changing station. How cool is that? There is a lot of storage space for you. This crib will grow with your child. That means that this crib can be with your baby from the day they born into their toddler years. It is as easy as pushing a button when it comes to changing the crib into the different features.
PROS
CONS
Folds to give you storage as well as its portable
The button can stick and can become hard to put up and down
Grows with your child
Gives you a play yard, changing station and crib
Safe and solid
7 height positions to fit your bedside
Extra Specs
Dimensions
Usage
Newborn until toddler years or until the baby is ready to climb.
Convertible?
Yes. Changes from a crib to play area and changing station.
Mattress settings
Graco Dream Suite Bassinet
$159.00 on Amazon
So this is an adorable and pretty looking crib for your baby girl. It can become a changing station as well, which is helpful for parents who have limited space in the baby room. If your baby is battling to fall asleep, don’t worry! This crib comes with a dual-speed vibration to help soothe your baby. The wheels can be locked into place, which is good from a safety point of view. To protect your baby from excess sun, there is a canopy to help with that. As an added bonus, every sale gets a surprise baby toy at no extra cost!
PROS
CONS
Comes with storage space
Some say the mattress is a bit too hard
Dual speed vibration
Switches from crib to changing station
Easy to move around
Comes with a free toy
Extra Specs
Dimensions
23.5” x 35” x 42”
Usage
Until the child begins to climb or reaches 30 pounds.
Convertible?
Yes. From crib to changing station
Mattress settings
1 mattress level
Dream On Me, Carson Classic 3 in 1 Convertible Crib in White
$150.31 on Amazon
If you are looking for a classic looking crib, then here is your answer. This crib is made from wood and comes with a mattress pad. You are going to need to buy the mattress separately. It is a multi-functional crib that can be stored flat! That’s right; all you need to do is fold the crib and store it away. There is no disassembling and reassembling required. The wheels on the bottom of the crib come with safety locks so your baby will not run away during the night.
PROS
CONS
Classic looking crib
Mattress sold separately
Safety locking wheels
2 positions
Folds away
Easy to find accessories for this crib
Comes in 6 different non-toxic finishes
Extra Specs
Dimensions
54” x 31” x 40”
Usage
Until the child begins to climb or reaches 50 pounds.
Convertible?
No
Mattress settings
2 mattress levels
As you can see, there is a lot more thought that has to go into the crib process than you think. There are a few main things you need to keep in mind when buying your crib.
- The size of the baby room
- What type of sleeping arrangement you want to have
- Buying a crib brand new is always the best option
- Make sure that the finishes on the crib is non-toxic
- Is the crib safe for your baby?
- Does the crib meet your financial needs?
- Do you want a crib that will last you till the toddler years?
End of the day, it is your choice to decide which is the best crib for you and your baby. I would highly recommend any of the cribs that we have mentioned above. The best value for money crib, as well as space saver, has got to be the Graco Pack ‘N Play Playard. The reason being is that it is everything you are going to need in your baby room and it is safe for your child. It will save you space in the room and you can travel with it. This will keep your child happy and feel at home, no matter where you are in the world.
Happy shopping!