Disclosure: We may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post, but we only recommend brands that we truly love and trust.

Looking for a crib but unsure of which one is the best? I’m here to help! In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the top-rated cribs on the market and explain their features, certifications, and why you should get them for your nursery.

Types of Crib 

When buying a crib for your precious one, it’s helpful to know the types available. Here are of the most popular: 

• Standard Crib: A traditional, full-sized crib that stays in one place. They’re sturdy, durable, and often the most affordable option, but they don’t usually come with any extra features. Basically, what you see is what you get. 
• Convertible Cribs: These grow with your child by converting from a crib into a toddler bed, daybed, or even a full-sized bed. They save money long-term but often require separate conversion kits, costing between $35 and $75. 
• Portable/Folding Cribs: Designed with wheels or collapsible frames, these cribs are lightweight and easy to store when not in use. 
• Cribs with Changing Tables: Combo cribs that come with an attached changing station and storage drawers or shelves. 
• Mini crib: Looks just like a standard crib but smaller, measuring around 24 x 38 inches, compared to the 28 x 52 inches of a full-sized crib. It’s often used in small nurseries or as a temporary crib in the parents’ bedroom.

Benefits of Having a Convertible Crib

Out of all the cribs available, I favor the convertible crib the most. They’re more expensive than a standard crib, but they often save you money in the long run.

Here are some of the benefits of a convertible crib: 

• Grows with your child from infancy through toddler and even early teen years. 
• Reducing the need to buy multiple beds as your child transitions, saving you hundreds and potentially thousands of dollars in the long run.
• Since it’s made for long-term use, it’s often made with durable materials and features a sturdy construction.
• Higher resale value than most cribs because of higher demand in second-hand markets. 

Top 5 Cribs For Newborns and Toddlers 

Here are my top 5 recommendations for the best cribs, chosen for their durability, safety, and style. 

1. DaVinci Charlie 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib w/Changing Table – Best Pick 

The DaVinci Charlie 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is one of the best cribs money can buy. 

It’s what I use for my little one, and it ticks all the boxes for a versatile, premium crib: it’s durable, GREENGUARD Gold Certified (meaning it’s been tested for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs), and converted to a toddler bed, daybed, full-sized bed, AND a bunkie board with an easy-to-use conversion kit. 

The DaVinci Charlie Crib is available in two colors and two sizes, plus it features a changing table with drawers to keep all your baby essentials within arm’s reach. Paired with the Organic Cotton Contoured Baby Changing Pad, it creates a safe and comfortable space for quick diaper changes without taking up extra room in the nursery.

The crib supports up to 135 pounds, so you can continue using it as your child grows into the toddler or even preschool years before transitioning it into a bigger bed. 100% recommended!

2. Delta Children Essex 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib – Runner Up 

If you’re looking for a no-frills convertible baby crib that matches just about any decor, the Delta Children Essex is worth considering. 

Available in 5 colors, the Delta Essex Crib can be converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or even a kid sofa, so you don’t have to store it away when the big-kid bed arrives. 

It’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified, JPMA Certified, and Baby Safety Alliance Verified, certifications that meet some of the most trusted industry benchmarks, and it’s durable enough to hold up to rigorous daily use. 

For the perfect fit, I recommend using a Delta Children mattress like the Twinkle Galaxy Dual Sided Mattress topped with a Konssy Muslin Crib Sheet. The mattress is waterproof, hypoallergenic, and has a lengthy 7-year warranty.

3. Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib – Most Flexible Option

Next up is the Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib, which is available in 5 variants: standard crib, crib and changer, and crib with drawer. It converts from a baby crib to a toddler bed, a daybed, a full-sized bed with headboard, and a full-sized bed with headboard + footboard. 

The mattress can be adjusted to four different mattress heights, making it easier for parents to get newborns in and out of the crib and for toddlers to stay secure once they begin standing. 

As for the craftsmanship, it’s pretty top-tier. It’s made from a combination of pine wood, TSCA-compliant engineered wood, and wood composites, backed with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. 

4. Soho Baby Everlee 3-in-1 Island Crib – Most Durable 

If you value durability over anything else, the Soho Baby Everlee 3-in-1 Island Crib is for you.

It’s made almost entirely from solid wood and crafted to meet the highest safety standards, with certifications from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to back it up.

It’s also tested by third-party labs to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe-sleep environment. It’s GREENGUARD GOLD Certified, too, which is a huge plus! 

As a convertible bed, it can be transformed from a crib to a toddler bed or daybed. 

5. Dream On Me Full-Size 2-in-1 Folding Baby Crib – Best Foldable Crib 

The Dream On Me Baby Crib is an excellent choice for parents who need mobility without sacrificing style. The built-in wheels let you roll the crib from room to room for nap-time supervision or easy cleaning, and the locking mechanism keeps it safely in place while you’re away. When not in use, you can fold it and store it away. 

The crib is available in six colors, including natural, white, black, and cherry, and is built with ASTM & CPSC standards. It’s super sturdy, slides easily on the carpet, and is pretty compact overall. Top it off with the Dream On Me Honeycomb Orthopedic Mattress and your baby (and your own sleep schedule) will thank you for it!

The only thing I dislike about the crib is that it only holds a maximum weight of 50 pounds, so your child may outgrow it sooner compared to the convertible cribs mentioned on this list. 

Still, I consider it deserving of the “best cribs” list because of its portability and foldable design, which not many manufacturers can properly pull off. 

Final Thoughts 

And that wraps up my roundup of the five best cribs on the market today! 

If I had to recommend a favorite, my choice goes to the DaVinci Charlie 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib w/Changing Table. 

It converts from a newborn crib to a full-sized bed and features a changing station (complete with drawers) right alongside it, perfect for storing everyday essentials like diapers, clothes, and wipes.