How to Buy the Perfect Crib for Your Baby

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Cribs. There are SO many options. The bottom line? Choose a safe and secure place for your child to sleep. Other than that – picking a crib can be a super fun exercise in preparing for baby! When picking a crib there are a couple of other factors to ponder over:

  1. Budget
  2. Space / Size
  3. Longevity
  4. Style

Budget

Cribs costs vary by brand and style, distributor and if you are buying old verse new (hello craigslist or facebook marketplace!). When thinking of your budget, remember that it is not just the crib you need to factor into your finances but a good mattress, a few sets of sheets, and potentially other safe sleep accessories like a monitor, sound machines, night lights, swaddles, pajamas, and sleep sacks. Who knew sleeping could hit your wallet so hard?

When thinking about the cost there are a few things to reflect on. If this is your first baby and you are planning to have more kids, perhaps the dollar will be stretched over a long period of time and this big purchase might be divided by a factor of 5-8 years. Additionally, your child will be spending a lot of time in their crib over the next few years and it is really important that whatever you choose is a safe and secure option. Shaving a few dollars is never worth it if your crib is on a recall list (like from a second-hand seller), or poses any other risks that make you uncomfortable (like paint type or other chemical compositions).

If you are rolling like Kim K – you could spend upwards of 5K on a crib just like hers (and Beyonce’s!). I have also heard great things about the ‘Pod but it is still a little too rich for my baby’s blood. A more fiscally conservative, yet still modern and solid option is the Babyletto with clear slats or the Ubabub with clear sides if that is the style you prefer.

Check out Project Nursery and Bloom Baby for amazing, stylish cribs of all shapes and sizes.

Stylish Cribs by Price Range:

$999 and Up: (The Ferraris of Cribs)

Pod 2-in 1 Convertible Crib ~$3200: Advanced Design features include low-height profile, clear acrylic sides with unique cut-outs, and two adjustable mattress levels, includes custom-fitted mattress and toddler bed conversion kit, made with Eco-friendly wood sources and non-toxic finishes; lead and phthalate safe.

Nursery Works Vetro Crib, Clear Acrylic ~3000-$5000 (mini and full) 100% recyclable, non-toxic acrylic. Three adjustable mattress level, limited edition and specially numbered, hand-made with care. You can get this same crib from Project Nursery instead of Amazon if that’s your preference.

ROH Crib: ~$1699: The use of a durable half-inch, BPA free, phthalate free, 100% recyclable, clear acrylic framed by inch thick solid walnut. The combination creates a truly stunning and innovative design for the modern nursery.

Skylar Crib: ~$1295 Wooden, retro/modern, solid hardwood and toddler crib conversion.

Novella Convertible Crib ~$1200: “Designed to be with your child from the infant years well into elementary school, Novella converts from crib to a toddler bed to daybed to reading nook. The American made solid ash frame with bridle joinery and solid steel legs mean it can hold up to years of playing, climbing, napping and jumping.”

Uptown Crib: ~$1200: Stylish/cic solid hardwood crib with Brass or nickel hardware customization. Converts to a toddler bed with the purchase of the toddler guardrail.

Nifty Clear 3-1 Crib: $999: Super chic crib with clear acrylic sides with unique laser cut-outs, Low-height profile, Made with American Poplar hardwood, walnut veneer, and CARB II compliant particle board, Easy to clean and assemble. Four adjustable mattress positions.

Mod 2-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit: ~$1200: Metal and wood construction. Easily accessible height with upper and lower mattress positions. Converts to toddler bed (conversion kit included). Lead and phthalate safe, non-toxic finish.

Cribs Under $700

Harlow Acrylic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib by Babyletto $649: Made with clear recyclable acrylic, sustainable New Zealand pine wood. Converts to daybed + toddler bed with included toddler bed conversion kit. Four adjustable mattress levels. Lead + phthalate safe with non-toxic finish.

Jubilee 3-in-1 Convertible Metal Crib $599: A modern take on a golden oldie! The Jubilee 3-in-1 Convertible Metal Crib combines sleek lines, curved edges and a polished gold color to create a statement crib that is the ideal centerpiece to any glam babe’s nursery.

Winston 4-in-1 Crib: $499 : Hand finished in a non-toxic multi-step staining and painting process. Made from Iron. Hidden hardware design. Converts to a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed (Toddler bed conversion kit and Full-size bed conversion kit sold separately). Four adjustable mattress positions. Lead and phthalate safe.

Ellie Crib: (On Sale for) ~$499: A golden dream! Expertly crafted with chrome-dipped aluminum in rose gold. Features stationary side rails at 40″. Two mattress heights.

Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib: ~$380: The best-selling Hudson’s iconic turned-out foot, rounded spindle design, and open modern silhouette make it a versatile choice for any modern nursery; Eco-Conscious Design: Made with solid New Zealand pine wood, one of the most sustainable and renewable woods available

Under $250

Storkcraft Rosehill Upholstered 3-in-1 Convertible Crib ~$119: The Storkcraft Rosehill 3-in-1 Convertible Crib converts easily from crib to toddler bed/day bed & even full bed! This versatile crib will provide your child with a comfortable, peaceful place to sleep from infancy through adolescence.

Suite Bebe Palmer 3-1: ~$129 : Converts from a crib to a toddler bed, and a daybed with the addition of the guardrail. Lead and phthalate safe, non-toxic finish.

Delta Children Archer 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib: ~$160: Converts from a baby crib to a toddler bed, daybed and full size bed (Daybed/Toddler Guardrail Kit

Graco, Carter’s and Delta all make really solid, appealing and affordable products – read the review and consider the right crib based on color, style, price, and taste.

Cribs don’t have to set you back hundreds of dollars. If you are on a tighter budget, there is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing a more portable option like a pack n’ play that can be folded up in toddlerhood and easily put away. You don’t have to rob a bank to buy a good pack n’ play – they range from $50-200 for simple ones with various bells and whistles. This is also a great option for those living in studios or 1-bedroom apartments as pack n’ plays can be tucked away when you have guests.

Space / Size

Standard Crib:

Standard size cribs are great for babies of all sizes, and many versions are convertible cribs (i.e. 3-in-1 or 4-in-1) which means they grow with your child (into toddler beds and so on!). Standard size cribs take up a bit of space, of course. Consider their height when exploring your options – some of these beds have really high rails or sit higher off the floor which are much harder for smaller mamas (or dads, or grandparents for that matter). I love the Babyletto for it’s lower profile to the floor but plenty of friends have no problem with the heights!

Mini Crib:

Sometimes call a portable crib, mini cribs can be made of wood or metal and have a great solid frame but are just much smaller than a standard crib and don’t always grow with baby (though some do – look for the word ‘convertible’). They are perfect for families who currently live in small spaces and know they will be either moving or adjusting their home before the baby needed a bigger bed (like waiting for their older sibling to move to a ‘big kid’ bed and give up their standard crib). Mini cribs are perfect for a short amount of time but don’t last as long as a standard crib – it just depends on your needs!

4 Mini Crib Options:

Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib$269
Dream on Me Convertible Mini Crib$147
Dream on Me Violet Mini Crib$129
Davinci Autumn 4 in 1 Convertible Mini Crib$152

Portable Crib:

There are two kinds of portable cribs. You can purchase a collapsible crib that is easy for storage (my in-laws have these for our visits!) but is still made of wood or metal, or an actual transportable crib you can throw in your car. Both of these options are fine for baby long-term as well – especially for a family who is moving, travels a lot or is on a tighter budget.

Standard & Mini Solid Portable Crib:

Bloom Alma Max Modern Folding 3-in-1 Convertible Crib ~$978

Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Crib with Mattress ~$99

Dream On Me Full Size 2 in 1 Folding Crib ~$189.99

Travel Portable Cribs

Lotus Travel Crib ~$200

BABY JOY Baby Playpen, Ultra-Light Aluminum Portable Travel Crib ~$90

BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light ~$300

JOOVY New Room2 Portable Playard $125

Graco Pack n’ Play ~$150

Longevity

When considering which crib to purchase, think about your use case. Is this crib just for one child and will grow with them? Picking a convertible crib might be a great choice with that in mind. You could also decide to get a 1-1 standard crib and have your child grow into a toddler bed or real bed from there, selling your crib in great shape after baby! If you are planning to have multiple children, think about the phases the crib will go through with each child. We got the Babyletto cribs – thinking we would need the convertible features! However, with baby number three on the way, these cribs are only lasting in crib form and have yet to convert!

Style

A crib is a big piece of furniture – all things considered in a nursery. You also might have this piece for a long time, so consider a style that will fit your home over time, and is perhaps gender neutral (if that matters to you). If your crib is going to act as a focus piece in the room, ensure you aren’t on the fence about it from color to shape, or height. Think about how the crib will look as your family grows and the accessories in the room change from baby to toddler to child (if you are purchasing a convertible crib).

By the way, your baby doesn’t have to start in a crib – and frankly might be cozier in a bassinet in the early days. Check out my post here all about bassinet options!

Current research demonstrates that the best way to reduce the chance of SIDS is to create and maintain a safe sleep environment for your baby. This means alone, in their own sleeping space with no other people in the crib or bassinet; on their backs on a firm sleep surface; and in a crib or bassinet free of pillows, blankets, bumpers, sleep positioners, and other objects.