The American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, doesn’t have a preference over bassinets or cribs as long as safety standards are met. When selecting a crib, find a style, size, and price point that fits your family. Most cribs are sold without a mattress, which will be purchased separately. We carefully looked over design, value, age, height, and weight recommendations, and crib safety guidance from the AAP when reviewing products. The metal mattress platform can be placed at four different heights as a crib, so it easily accommodates your growing baby. Stylish parents will appreciate the six color options, ranging from single standard colors to two-color options, to match any nursery decor. Dimensions: 53.5 x 29.5 x 35 inches | Weight: 54 pounds | Max Child Weight: 50 pounds | Price at time of publication: $499 Dimensions: 29.50 x 54.25 x 35 inches | Weight: 39 pounds | Max Child Weight: 50 pounds | Price at time of publication: $170 Dimensions: 54.5 x 35 x 42 inches | Weight: 50 pounds | Max Child Weight: 50 pounds | Price at time of publication: $230 Dimensions: 54 x 30 x 36.5 inches | Weight: 83 pounds | Max Child Weight: 200 pounds | Price at time of publication: $580 Dimensions: 39.75 x 26 x 35 inches | Weight: 40 pounds | Max Child Weight: 2 years old or 35 inches tall | Price at time of publication: $299 It’s suitable from birth until about three years old (or when your kiddo can climb out) and comes with a mattress, mattress cover, and compact carrying case. Dimensions: 44 x 32 x 24 inches | Weight (including carrying bag): 13 pounds | Max Child Weight: Up to 3 years old | Price at time of publication: $300 Due to the unique oval shape, the accompanying oval Stokke mattress is required. Dimensions: 29.1 x 33.6 x 50 inches | Weight: 44 pounds | Max Child Weight: 176 pounds | Price at time of publication: $749 The three-position mattress keeps pace with a growing baby. Available in five colors, this crib comes with a 1.5-inch mattress pad that stores flat in the crib when folded. Purchasing an additional crib mattress will be necessary. Dimensions: 38 x 26 x 36 inches | Weight: 36 pounds | Max Child Weight: 50 pounds | Price at time of publication: $160
What to Look for in a Baby Crib
Size
Prior to purchasing, check the measurements of your crib and the designated space in your child’s room the crib will go. Standard cribs typically measure around 28 inches x 52 inches, while mini cribs usually measure between 24 to 28 inches x 36 to 43 inches.
Standard vs. Convertible
While you may not know from the moment your child is born, try to think about how your child will use the crib and if you already own a toddler or bigger beds. There are many types of cribs on the market, so it’s important to know the difference between them and what will work best for your family’s lifestyle. Standard: A standard crib typically measures around 28 inches x 52 inches and may not convert into a toddler or full-size bed. A standard crib can be used immediately once a baby is born and usually until a child begins trying to climb out or has reached the crib’s milestones. If it does not convert to a toddler bed, you will have to purchase one separately. Convertible: Convertible cribs can transform a regular crib into a toddler and full-size bed. These are perfect if you want to save money, as they can be used from birth to adulthood. Mini: Mini cribs can only hold babies up to a certain size as they are smaller and are not designed to hold the weight of an older child like standard cribs. Once a baby reaches the weight or age limit, it’s time for a new bed. However, if you need a safe sleep space that’s small and compact, mini cribs are a great option. Dropside: Dropside cribs were banned 10 years ago after the deaths of dozens of babies. They are unsafe to use, even secondhand, and it is illegal to sell them.
Bar Spacing Safety
Just like checking for size is important, it’s also vital to check the spacing between the crib’s slats. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the space between the crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches or six centimeters. Double-checking this spacing ensures your child’s body cannot slip through. Additionally, always look for missing or cracked slats.
Mattress Height
Before putting your child in their crib, check how tall the crib’s sides are in relation to the top of the mattress to prevent your tot from climbing out and potentially hurting themselves. According to the regulations outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics, raised crib sides should be at least 26 inches about the top of the mattress.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year old daughter. Her beloved grandmother was honored to buy the crib for her first grandson, and three kids later, that crib is enjoying life as a toddler bed.
