Only moms (and moms to be) know that very few things bring excitement and joy as nesting does, specially during your first pregnancy. As the belly grows, you start to obsess about getting the absolute best things for your baby. And with the era of the internet, the criteria for something to be called the ‘best’ of anything grows by the minute. However, since I’ve been there (and done that), I want to give you my two cents and make your search for the best baby crib easier.

Before looking at specific cribs, I recommend you get a good understanding of what makes a good crib purchase. There are a few elements that I consider to be essential to making this decision and I have shared them below with you. Once you have those in mind, you will be able to make a more informed decision of what’s the best crib for your baby. I also picked six top baby crib choices to make your search easier.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Crib for your Baby

  • First-time parents should never purchase a used crib as safety standards are always evolving, and getting an old crib could be hazardous. Here are some crib safety standards for reference:
    • A crib that has wheels must have a safety lock
    • Crib bars should not be more than 2 ⅜ inches apart
    • Other elements that translate into a big ‘no’:
      • Screws or nails that poke out
      • Peeling paint
      • Slivering wood
      • The crib wobbles and is not stable
  • Cribs with a drop-side are now banned as they have been linked to many accidents
  • The crib mattress must be firm and smooth to the surface.

Now that you are better informed and have a higher confidence on making a good purchase decision, let me introduce you to what I believe are solid baby crib options to consider today.

6 Best Baby Cribs of 2020:

Dream On Me 4 in 1 Aden Convertible Mini Crib

The Dream On Me 4 in 1 Aden Convertible Mini Crib is made with solid pine wood, and it features a 3-position mattress system for support. This is a solid crib that meets and even exceeds the safety standards by ASTM, CPSC, and the government. The crib comes in 7 colors, including this beautiful cherry tone, and it is designed to look great in any bedroom style. The dimensions of the crib are 39 inches in length, 28 inches in width, and 37 inches in height, it weights 20 lbs, and can hold up to 40 pounds. It does not contain toxins such as lead. 

Pros:

  • The instructions for the assembly of the crib are very easy to follow.
  • The crib will convert to a toddler or twin size bed
  • It exceeds government safety standards.

Cons (real user feedback):

  • The bed frame and twin size rail are not included.
  • Some customers have noted that the paint comes off easily when teething infants bite the rails (yep, that happens).

Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

This Graco Benton 4-in-1 crib has many functions as it has a mattress support base for 3 adjustable positions. It is also a convertible bed that can turn into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. Includes a headboard.

Graco Benton crib comes in 5 different colors:

  • White
  • Espresso
  • Driftwood
  • Whitewash
  • Pebble gray

It meets and exceeds safety standards by CPSC and ASTM. The crib is 57 inches long by 30 inches wide by 42 inches high and weighs 41 lbs. It can hold up to 50 pounds. 

Pros:

  • Assembly is easy and has instructions that are easy to follow.
  • It is straightforward to convert from crib to bed.
  • The style matches any decor and there are many colors to choose from.

Cons (real user feedback):

  • Customers have said that the paint does chip off. 
  • Customer service has been known to be less than stellar. 

Dream On Me, Carson Classic 3 in 1 Convertible Crib in Espresso

This Dream On Me crib is a folding crib that is a 2-position one, and this one comes in an espresso color. It features a stationary rail, which means it does not drop on the side; it has safety lock wheels, which is an important feature that any crib should have. It is also dual-hooded and includes a mattress pad. The Dream On Me standard mattress is the best fit for this crib, and it is sold separately. This crib meets the safety standards for ASTM and CPSC, and it measures 54 inches long by 31 inches wide by 46 inches high. It weighs 36 lbs. 

Pros:

  • The crib is very easy to assemble, and this is a point that customers have raved about. 
  • The Dream On Me Crib is lightweight, which makes it easy to move around if needed. 
  • This crib is stylish and will look great in any type of bedroom.

Cons (real user feedback):

  • The crib must be disassembled partially in order to raise it and to lower the mattress.
  • When it comes to converting the crib to a bed, additional parts need to be purchased. 

Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit

Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit

The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 convertible crib has a very modern design, and it is made with pine wood that is from New Zealand. It features 4 adjustable mattress positions, which is a necessity as the baby grows, the mattress and rail need to be adjusted. The wood that the crib is made from is renewable and sustainable, and it has been tested for VOCs and other chemicals. 

The crib can turn into a day bed, and it meets and even exceeds the CPSC and ASTM safety standards. It is certified by GREENGUARD Gold. The measurements are 54 inches long by 30 inches wide by 35 inches high and weigh 56 lbs, and it can hold up to 50 pounds. 

Pros:

  • Assembly is simple, and it is easily convertible.
  • The crib is made with eco-friendly materials.
  • Beautiful mid-century modern style, available in 6 colors.
  • Customer service has been said to be excellent.

Cons (real user feedback):

  • Might need more maintenance as screws have been said to fall away over time. 
  • The wood doesn’t seem to be the most sturdy.

Delta Children Canton 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib

The Delta Children Canton 4-in-1 crib is convertible as it transforms from a crib to a toddler or daybed, which features a footboard as well as a headboard. It features a guardrail as well for a toddler bed. The mattress height can be adjusted in 3 positions, so it keeps the baby safe as he or she begins to grow and to stand up. The crib exceeds and meets the CPCS, ASTM, and JPMA safety standards.

This crib been tested for toxins, which include lead. It will fit crib mattresses that are of standard sizes, and the dimensions of the crib are 54.25 inches wide by 35.25 inches deep by 43.25 inches high. This crib comes in this beautiful dark chocolate, but also has other color options including black and white.

Pros:

  • The crib is easy to assemble and comes with easy instructions.
  • The wood is quite sturdy.
  • The design of the crib goes well with any nursery decor. 

Cons (real user feedback):

  • The distance between the bars in the gate is smaller than it is in the rest of the crib.
  • Customer service has been said to be poor by many reviewers.

Graco Solano 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer

Graco Solano 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer - Gray

The Graco Solano 4-in-1 convertible crib features a drawer at the bottom, and it features an adjustable height mattress that can be positioned in 3 points. It can convert to a toddler bed or even a full bed; however, the bed frame is sold separately. It has a change table and shelves attached as well. It is JPMA certified and meets the safety standards by CPSC and ASTM. The dimensions of the crib are 56 inches long by 30 inches wide by 41.6 inches high and weighs 61 lbs. 

Pros:

  • The crib is very convenient has it has a drawer as well as a changing table attached to it.
  • Assembly and conversion are simple and features easy to follow instructions.
  • The style goes well with any decor, and the frame can last a lifetime when it is converted to a full bed. 

Cons (real user feedback):

  • At times, the drawer cab get in the way and prevent you from getting close to the crib.
  • Top rail has been said to be sturdy, but the drawer has been reported to be flimsy.

I hope you enjoyed my six baby cribs recommendations! Please consider the Pros and Cons of each one carefully and determine which crib is the best fit for your baby and your home. 

Congratulations on your pregnancy and happy nesting!

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