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Shopping for a baby crib can be so confusing ‒ different sizes, prices, portable baby cribs, changing tables with baby cribs, even round baby cribs?
But which is the best for your baby?
Well, you’re the only one who can answer that one, mama.
But we asked our Peanut moms about their favorite baby cribs, so you can make an informed decision that works for you and baby.
Sleep tight!
In this article: 📝
- What are the best baby cribs?
- What age does a baby need a crib?
- What can I use instead of a crib?
- How much should you spend on a baby crib?
- How to get baby to sleep in crib
- Do you really need a crib?
What are the best baby cribs?
So, which were the best baby cribs of 2024, according to our Peanut mamas?
Let’s break it down.
Best baby crib with changing table
1. Graco Remi 5-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib & Changer
The Graco baby crib is one of the highest-rated among our Peanut moms.
Why? Well, it’s not just one of the best baby cribs with changing tables ‒ it’s not even just a 4-in-1 baby crib.
It’s a 5-in-1 baby crib! Changing table, toddler bed, daybed, full-size child’s bed, and baby crib with plenty of storage.
Ideal for newborns through to toddlerhood and beyond!
The Graco Remi baby crib does it all!
Colors: Espresso, gray, white, white/pebble gray
Dimensions: 71.77” x 29.53” x 35.94”
Suitable for: Up to 50lbs
Price: $388.99+
Best portable crib for baby
2. BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
BabyBjörn cribs are always among the best baby cribs on the market ‒ and, according to our Peanut mamas, this is the best of the best.
If you’re after a travel crib for baby while you’re on the go or staying with friends and daily, this is the baby crib for you!
Colors: Black, great blue, silver, white
Dimensions: 44” x 24” x 32”
Suitable for: Up to 33lbs
Price: $299.95
Best small crib for baby
3. Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Baby Crib
If space is at a premium, a small crib for baby is on the cards.
And this mini baby crib by Dream On Me is rated as the best small baby crib by our Peanut mamas.
The best part? It can convert to a mini daybed and a twin-size bed, so it grows with baby.
Colors: Black, cherry, espresso, French white, gray, natural, steel gray, white
Dimensions: 39” x 28” x 37”
Suitable for: Up to 40lbs
Price: $140.00+
Best cheap baby crib
4. DaVinci Alpha Mini Rocking Baby Crib
Looking for a budget-friendly option for a baby crib?
The DaVinci rocking baby crib is Greenguard Gold certified, portable, and has three adjustable mattress positions to grow with baby.
Colors: Ebony back, slate, white
Dimensions: 38.38” x 26.13” x 35”
Suitable for: Up to 50lbs
Price: $135+
Best round baby crib
5. Stokke Sleepi Round Baby Crib and Bed
If you’re looking for more unique baby cribs, you’re in the right place.
The Stokke Sleepi crib is the best of all the luxury round baby cribs on the market, according to our Peanut moms.
It’s on the pricey side, but can be used from birth to 10 years old, with sleep extension kits.
Round baby cribs supposedly create a more ‘nest-like’ environment, something more familiar for baby to sleep more easily in ‒ but in our opinion, they just look so stylish!
Colors: Hazy gray, white
Dimensions: 50” x 29” x 33.5”
Suitable for: Up to 176lbs
Price: $749.00+
Best white baby crib
6. Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib
White baby cribs are some of the most popular among our Peanut mamas, and the Babyletto baby crib is the top of the tots!
It’s another convertible baby crib that can be used well into toddlerhood, made with sustainably-sourced pine wood, and it’s coated with non-toxic paint ‒ lead- and phthalate-free.
Colors: White, espresso, espresso/white, gray/white, gray, washed natural, black, white/natural
Dimensions: 55” x 31” x 35.25”
Suitable for: Up to 50lbs
Price: $499.00
Best black baby crib
7. Storkcraft Pacific Convertible Baby Crib
Another convertible baby crib on our list, adjustable to grow as baby enters toddlerhood.
A black baby crib can look oh-so-stylish in baby’s room ‒ we particularly love the idea of a black and white themed baby room, which could be one of the most engaging things for baby to see as a newborn.
Colors: Black
Dimensions: 53.75” x 33.5” x 29.25”
Suitable for: Up to 50lbs
Price: $199.99
Best gray baby crib
8. Dream On Me Synergy 5-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib
Fancy a soft gray crib for baby’s nursery?
Our Peanut mamas love this cool gray baby crib by Dream On Me, made with sustainable New Zealand pine, tested for all safety standards, and Greenguard Gold certified, so you know baby’s safe as houses.
Colors: Cool gray, steel gray, aqua sky, black, cherry, espresso, mint, natural, white
Dimensions: 53” x 29” x 39”
Suitable for: Up to 50lbs
Price: $136.36+
Best natural wood baby crib
9. Dream On Me Jayden 4-in-1 Mini Convertible Natural Wood Baby Crib
Made with sustainable New Zealand pine, the Dream On Me Jayden baby crib is a great option if you’re after a natural wood baby crib.
Going for a boho theme for baby’s nursery? Pair it with some sage green crib bedding (no blankets or pillows for newborns) and add some hanging plants out of baby’s reach.
Colors: Natural, black, cherry, espresso, white
Dimensions: 56.75” x 29” x 41”
Suitable for: Up to 50lbs
Price: $268.99+
Best unique baby crib
10. Storkcraft Orchard 5-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib
If you’re after a truly unique baby crib that still meets safety requirements to keep baby secure and sleeping soundly, you’ll love the Storkcraft Orchard convertible baby crib.
The unique house frame adds an extra touch of quirkiness to baby’s crib without intruding on their space ‒ gorgeous!
Colors: White/pebble gray, white, white/driftwood
Dimensions: 57.28” x 30” x 60.65”
Suitable for: Up to 50lbs
Price: $499.99
What age does a baby need a crib?
Some Peanut moms choose to use a crib from birth until they’re ready for a toddler bed ‒ although most of the baby cribs on our list can be converted into toddler beds so they grow with baby.
Others prefer to use a bassinet from birth until 4-6 months (when baby starts to roll over) before transitioning
to a baby crib.
Can newborns use cribs?
Yes, newborns can sleep in baby cribs, as long as you follow the safe baby sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- No blankets, pillows, bumpers, or cuddly toys.
- Keep baby swaddled correctly while they’re in the baby crib (until they roll over).
- Keep baby on their back.
- Use a firm baby crib mattress.
- Make sure baby is dressed appropriately for sleep and within the normal baby temperature guidelines.
Can newborn sleep in crib right away?
Yes, newborns can sleep in a baby crib, or you can choose to use a bassinet until baby starts to roll over.
Can baby sleep in crib at 2 months?
Yes, 2-month-old babies can sleep in a baby crib ‒ they can actually sleep in a baby crib, as long as you follow the AAP safe sleep guidelines, from birth.
What age can baby climb out of crib?
At about 12 months old, baby may start trying to climb out of their crib ‒ once they can stand, they may try to escape!
It’s a normal baby development milestone, and nothing to be concerned about, but you will have to make sure baby can’t actually climb out of their baby crib, as that can be dangerous.
There are some things you can do to try to stop baby from climbing out of their crib ‒ once baby starts trying to escape, it’s worth putting these measures in place, just in case:
- Lower their crib mattress ‒ most baby cribs have adjustable heights, so lower it as far as it can go to make it more difficult for baby to climb out.
- Try a sleep sack so they can’t move their feet as much when they’re in their crib.
- Take out anything that baby may use to stand on to get out of the crib.
- Set up a baby monitor to see how baby climbs out of their crib, then take specific measures to deal with it.
How long do babies sleep in cribs?
Babies can sleep in cribs from birth to about 18 months to 4 years old.
It’s worth checking what the baby crib manufacturer guidelines are, to make sure your baby’s weight is within the safe weight capacity.
What can I use instead of a crib?
If you’d rather avoid a baby crib, you can choose a baby bassinet instead, although they are only suitable for babies up to 4-6 months old (or when they start rolling over).
Baby cribs are the safest option for baby sleep from 6 months old ‒ other alternatives may not be a secure option for babies.
Can I use a playpen instead of a crib?
Generally speaking, no, it’s not advised to use a playpen instead of a crib for baby to sleep.
However, if baby’s playpen is also built-in with a crib mattress and is specified by the manufacturer that it can be used as a baby crib, then it should be okay.
However, if baby’s playpen doesn’t come with a mattress and doesn’t clearly state that it can be used as a crib, it’s not safe for baby to sleep in.
How much should you spend on a baby crib?
Most baby cribs tend to fetch around $100-$1,000, but generally speaking, our Peanut mamas spend an average of $300 on their baby crib.
How to get baby to sleep in crib
From sleep regressions to sleep training, teething to tantrums, getting baby to sleep in their baby crib can be… a challenge.
So we asked our Peanut mamas for their tips and tricks on how to get baby to sleep in a crib, for sound snoozing:
- Check the room temperature ‒ if it’s too hot or too cold, getting baby to sleep in their crib will be near-impossible.
- Start baby sleeping in rooms that aren’t pitch-black, so they can sleep anywhere.
- Try white noise to settle baby for sleep.
- Make sure baby is swaddled snugly until they’re rolling over.
- Establish a bedtime routine so baby knows it’s time to sleep.
- Try singing a lullaby ‒ sometimes, just hearing your voice can soothe baby.
- Rock baby to sleep for a few minutes, then transfer them to their crib as gently as possible.
- Put baby down to sleep when they start to get drowsy, not when they’re asleep.
After more tips? Check out our guide: How to Get Your Baby to Sleep in a Crib
Do you really need a crib?
Yes, it’s advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics.) to invest in a safe, secure baby crib for baby to sleep in ‒ whether you use it from birth or from 6 months (using a bassinet beforehand) is up to you.
But, to reduce the risk of SIDS or suffocation, the AAP does recommend using a baby crib until they’re ready for a toddler bed.
What kind of crib do you need for a newborn?
Most baby cribs can be used for newborns ‒ they’re usually adjustable, so you can raise their mattress for easier access for their feedings.
If you’re unsure whether your baby crib is suitable for newborns, check with the manufacturer.
What is the safest crib for a baby?
It depends on the space you’re planning to put baby’s crib and how you use it.
Most baby cribs are built to safety standards, so they are safe to use.
But if you’re planning on using a crib from birth, it’s worth checking with the manufacturer that the crib is suitable for small babies.
Good luck with your search for the perfect baby crib for you and your little snoozer!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask our veteran mamas of Peanut ‒ they’ll be happy to help!
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