We ideally wanted the best convertible crib with changing table that was easy to put together and had clear assembly instructions
Because babies sleep a lot, a firm mattress in a safety-certified crib is the safest place for them to close their eyes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Most parents initially find a place for a new baby's crib in a corner of their own room and buy it, and others immediately make it the focal point of a newly decorated nursery. In our research, we found that most families remove the front panel to convert the crib into a toddler bed or day bed when the child is 2 to 3 years old and use the crib for about four years. Some parents prefer to buy the best cribs for small spaces that also convert to a full-size bed with a full-size mattress that the child can use into their teens and possibly even beyond.

We opened a new spreadsheet and listed every crib manufacturer we could find in alphabetical order to begin the process of determining which crib to check: about 30 entries. Our test team did some background research on the different types of cribs each manufacturer offers in terms of price and availability, and read online reviews. The Consumer Reports crib guide has also been used as a cross-reference by us.

We went through and eliminated about 15 brands after completing this initial spreadsheet because their offerings are only available at specialty stores, are available in limited quantities, or have mostly negative reviews. We add the best nursery sets models to our consideration list after going through our condensed list of brands. Some brands have picked three or four different cribs on that list.

For each crib, test team members collected additional information about materials, sizes, color options, convertibility into toddler and full-size beds, price, and stackability, user ratings, and other special features. I also put out a call on Facebook as I filled out this spreadsheet for parents to share what they've bought for their baby's crib and ask about crib-buying experiences from parents I know. I even sometimes hear about specific models and hear the same brands appear over and over again.

Best Cribs

Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib

The crib must comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements to be safe for an infant or toddler to sleep in

Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib

Crib converts to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed DOM Toddler guardrail (Style# 692) sold separately Toddler guardrail and full-size rail each sold separately Bed frame and mattress not included Tested for lead and other toxic elements to meet or exceed government and ASTM safety standards Assembly required Assembled dimensions: 53.5 in. L x 32 in. W x 44 in. H All tools for assembly included Product weight: 49 lbs. 4-position mattress support system Weight capacity: 50 lbs. Constructed out of New Zealand pine wood

Tested for lead and other toxic elements to meet or exceed government and ASTM safety standards
Assembly required
Constructed out of New Zealand pine wood
4-position mattress support system
All tools for assembly included
The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib is the top choice for so many parents today as this lifetime crib helps their baby grow gracefully from birth to adulthood. Fort. It is sure to be a great addition to your nursery with its beautiful look and sturdy frame. For maximum product safety, the Dream On Me 5 In 1 Convertible Crib features a fixed rail design. It sits low to the floor and has the convenience of a four-position adjustable mattress support system that gives you easy access to your baby.

We ideally wanted a crib that was easy to put together and had clear assembly instructions. Dream On Me 5 In 1 Crib that has a simple process for changing mattress height and easily converts into a toddler bed is a great idea. An option that has become so popular over the past few years is considered the "new neutral" by children's furniture makers, although many prefer a crib that comes in a variety of colors with a combination of stains.

This adorable nursery furniture cone grows with your child in a durable yet stylish way by easily converting it into a toddler bed, day bed, and king-size bed. All the tools to assemble the Dream On Me Portable Crib are included so you can finish it easily. The room containing the standard Dream on Me crib mattress is sold separately, so you need to consider if you want to own it. All Dream On Me cribs is well received by customers as they meet all applicable ASTM and CPSC standards.

Delta Children Gateway 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

We wanted Delta Nursery Set because it was easy to put together and had clear assembly instructions

Delta Children Gateway 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Weight limit: 35 lbs or 35", whichever comes first as a crib; up to 50 lbs as a toddler bed Converts to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed with headboard Daybed rail included; toddler guard rail and crib conversion rails sold separately Strong and sturdy wood construction Non-toxic finish tested for lead and other toxic elements to meet or exceed government and ASTM safety standards 3-position mattress height adjustment JPMA certified to meet or exceed all safety standards set by the CPSC & ASTM Easy assembly Available in: White, Dark Chocolate, Gray, Cabernet, Warm Honey, and Black Bedding not included Mattress sold separately

Converts to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed with headboard
Daybed rail included; toddler guard rail and crib conversion rails sold separately
Strong and sturdy wood construction
Non-toxic finish tested for lead and other toxic elements to meet or exceed government
ASTM safety standards
We delivered Delta Convertible Crib in flat boxes to the office where I worked to put them together with an editorial assistant with above-average furniture assembly experience. To see how long it took us to put them together, we started the timer as soon as we put the box on the ground. I can honestly say it's my first time tackling a job like this while my assistant says he loves putting things together.

We take into account the number of pieces placed on the ground after unpacking everything in the box. We worked together to assemble Delta Portable Crib and, of course, consulted the written instructions. We stop the clock when we're done, jotting down some notes about the process and timing. I emphasized when we made mistakes when putting the crib together or when the instructions were too confusing. Overall, we found that the crib assembly changed a lot through this process. Delta Children Gateway 4-in-1 Convertible Crib took us more than 15 minutes to put together.

I order a crib mattress to confirm it fits when each crib is assembled and go through the checklist to see how sturdy and well-built Delta Children Gateway 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is. Our test team members moved it around the room, pulled the rods, shook it, and noted where it easily cut or broke. We converted Delta Children Gateway 4-in-1 Convertible Crib into toddler beds by varying the mattress height for most cribs, and back again to see how easy that process is.

Dream On Me Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

Some parents prefer to buy Dream On Me Crib that also converts to a full-size bed with a full-size mattress that the child can use in their teens

Dream On Me Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

Cribs convert into a daybed and full-size bed Toddler Guardrail, Stabilizer, and Full-Size Rail each sold separately Tested for lead and other toxic elements to meet or exceed government and ASTM safety standards. Bed frame and Mattress not included Matching changing table with a storage self takes a standard size Dream On Me mattress, sold separately Meet the CPSC and ASTM standard All tools for assembly included Wheels Changing table L17 1/4 x34H Gender Unisex Material Wood Assembled Product Weight 36 lbs Manufacturer Part Number 675-E Assembled Product Dimensions (L x W x H) 40.00 x 31.00 x 54.00 Inches

Cribs convert into a daybed and full-size bed
Toddler Guardrail, Stabilizer, and Full-Size Rail each sold separately
Tested for lead and other toxic elements to meet or exceed government
Matching changing table with a storage self takes a standard size Dream On Me mattress, sold separately
All tools for assembly included
The Dream On Me Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib is a beautiful addition to any nursery thanks to its non-falling side rail design that provides maximum product safety. Because babies sleep a lot, a firm mattress in a safety-certified crib is the safest place for them to close their eyes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Most parents initially find a place for Dream On Me 3 In 1 Crib in a corner of their own room and buy it, and others immediately make it the focal point of a newly decorated nursery.

We appreciate the 3-tier mattress that supports the beautiful finish that comes standard in this Classic 3-in-1 Converting Cot. Our test team did some background research on the Dream On Me Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib and manufacturer offers in terms of price and availability, and read online reviews. The Consumer Reports crib guide has also been used as a cross-reference by us. We add Dream On Me Convertible Crib to our consideration list after going through our condensed list of brands.

As your baby gets older than the crib, you can simply convert it to a toddler day bed and to a large baby bed as your baby grows taller and taller. In our research, we found that most families remove the front panel to convert Dream On Me Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib into a toddler bed or day bed when the child is 2 to 3 years old and use the crib for about four years. Some parents prefer to buy Dream On Me Crib that also converts to a full-size bed with a full-size mattress that the child can use into their teens and possibly even beyond.

Graco Solano 4 in 1 Convertible Crib with Drawer

Graco Portable Crib is one of the products worth considering if you are looking for a cot with a child-friendly design to grow with your baby

Graco Solano 4 in 1 Convertible Crib with Drawer

Crib converts to a toddler bed (no guard rail), daybed, and full-size bed (bed rails not included) Convenient large under-crib storage drawer for your baby's belongings 3-position adjustable mattress heights to accommodate your baby's growth Made of high-quality pine wood and composites Available in multiple baby-safe, non-toxic finishes (White, Espresso, Gray, and Pebble Gray) Expert-tested by independent laboratories to guarantee this product meets the highest standards for your child's safety JPMA Certified Assembly required Graco crib conversion kit available separately Assembled Product Weight 52.9 lb Graco Deluxe Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress available separately Backed by a 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty High-quality pine wood and composites Gender Unisex Manufacturer Storkcraft Manufacturer Part Number 04521-33F Assembled Product Dimensions (L x W x H) 55.91 x 29.61 x 41.42 Inches

3-position adjustable mattress heights to accommodate your baby's growth
Available in White, Espresso, Gray, and Pebble Gray
Safe, non-toxic finish
Made of high-quality pine wood and composites
JPMA Certified
Based on our basic research and interviews with experts and parents, as well as personal experience, we've determined that a good crib should have the following qualities. The crib must comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements to be safe for an infant or toddler to sleep in. This is what all cribs sold in the United States adhere to. Graco Solano 4 In 1 Convertible Crib with Drawer is made with quality materials to last a minimum of four years for a child. Since the crib can be passed on to other family members or converted into a full-sized bed, good materials can last even longer.

We also note that Graco Convertible Crib has a non-toxic finish tested for lead and other toxic elements to meet or exceed government and ASTM safety standards. These certifications mean that an independent third-party organization has tested and ensured that a product used around children or the elderly emits low levels of VOCs or volatile organic compounds. Products such as plywood in some cribs, vinyl floors, dresser drawers, crib mattresses, and plastic toys often emit VOCs. Some parents may find it reassuring although there is no health data to back up the need for this certification on cribs and we don't know what impact VOCs have on children's health.

Graco Portable Crib is one of the products worth considering if you are looking for a cot with a child-friendly design to grow with your baby. It completes the nursery in a sophisticated style with a sleek design featuring clean, clean lines and a slightly curved headboard. The Graco Solano 4 In 1 Convertible Crib with Drawer easily takes your child from baby to adult with its ability to convert into a toddler bed, day bed, and king-size bed with a nightstand.

Best Cribs Reviews: Factors to consider

Factors to consider

Based on our basic research and interviews with experts and parents, as well as personal experience, we've determined that a good crib should have the following qualities. The best full-size folding crib must comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements to be safe for an infant or toddler to sleep in. This is what all cribs sold in the United States adhere to. We want a crib made with quality materials to last a minimum of four years for a child. Since the crib can be passed on to other family members or converted into a full-sized bed, good materials can last even longer.

We focus on the type of wood and laminate products such as fiberboard used in the construction of individual components considering durability. We also note when the best nursery furniture collections are Greenguard Gold certified - formerly known as Child and School certified - even though it was not part of our selection criteria. These certifications mean that an independent third-party organization has tested and ensured that a product used around children or the elderly emits low levels of VOCs or volatile organic compounds. Products such as plywood in some cribs, vinyl floors, dresser drawers, crib mattresses, and plastic toys often emit VOCs. Some parents may find it reassuring although there is no health data to back up the need for this certification on cribs and we don't know what impact VOCs have on children's health.

We ideally wanted the best convertible crib with changing table that was easy to put together and had clear assembly instructions. A crib that has a simple process for changing mattress height and easily converts into a toddler bed is a great idea. Ideally, a crib has at least three levels of crib mattress height — one high for infants who cannot move; a third option somewhere between the time the infant can begin to stand, but cannot actually walk; and a platform for an older infant or toddler who can stand up and try to climb out. We also took into account special features such as wheels or plastic tooth guards when considering versatility.

Best Cribs Reviews By TopFreeReviews

An option that has become so popular over the past few years is considered the "new neutral" by children's furniture makers, although many prefer a crib that comes in a variety of colors with a combination of stains and wood shades like black, white, and gray. We've noted many lines that include a dresser, side table, and/or dressing table when the best cribs with storage are part of a larger collection of furniture that some parents consider very important to them. We took care when the crib was low profile, meaning the handrails were closer to the ground, not taking personal aesthetic preferences into account when selecting our top picks and when it was converted into a large bed.

How we tested

We delivered 15 cribs in flat boxes to the office where I worked to put them together with an editorial assistant with the above-average furniture assembly experience. To see how long it took us to put them together, we started the timer as soon as we put the box on the ground. I can honestly say it's my first time tackling a job like this while my assistant says he loves putting things together.

We usually take into account the number of pieces placed on the ground after unpacking everything in the box. We worked together to assemble each crib and, of course, consulted the written instructions. We stop the clock when we're done, jotting down some notes about the process and timing. I emphasized when we made mistakes when putting the crib together or when the instructions were too confusing. Overall, we found that the crib assembly changed a lot through this process. Some cribs have four parts that took us more than 15 minutes to put together. Most models have a few extra parts that will take about half an hour to assemble.

I order a crib mattress to confirm it fits when each crib is assembled and go through the checklist to see how sturdy and well-built the crib is. Our test team members moved it around the room, pulled the rods, shook it, and noted where it easily cut or broke. We converted some of our top picks into toddler beds by varying the mattress height for most cribs, and back again to see how easy that process is.

Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
Crib converts to a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed DOM Toddler guardrail (Style# 692) sold separately Toddler guardrail and full-size rail each sold separately Bed frame and mattress not included Tested for lead and other toxic elements to meet or exceed government and ASTM safety standards Assembly required All tools for assembly included Assembled dimensions: 53.5 in. L x 32 in. W x 44 in. H Product weight: 49 lbs. 4-position mattress support system Weight capacity: 50 lbs. Constructed out of New Zealand pine wood
View Deal $169.99
Delta Children Gateway 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Delta Children Gateway 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Delta Children Gateway 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Weight limit: 35 lbs or 35", whichever comes first as a crib; up to 50 lbs as a toddler bed Converts to a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed with headboard Daybed rail included; toddler guard rail and crib conversion rails sold separately Strong and sturdy wood construction Non-toxic finish tested for lead and other toxic elements to meet or exceed government and ASTM safety standards 3-position mattress height adjustment JPMA certified to meet or exceed all safety standards set by the CPSC & ASTM Easy assembly Available in: White, Dark Chocolate, Gray, Cabernet, Warm Honey, and Black Bedding not included Mattress sold separately
View Deal $149.00
Dream On Me Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
Dream On Me Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
Dream On Me Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
Dream On Me, Carson Classic 3 in 1 Convertible Crib 675, is a beautiful addition to any nursery. It features a stationary (non drop side) rail design which provides the utmost in product safety. The 3 level mattress support this beautiful finish come standard in this Classic 3 in 1 Convertible Crib. When your baby outgrows the crib, simply convert to a toddler day bed and watch your youngster light up at the idea of graduating to a big kid bed. Accommodates a Dream On Me Standard Mattress, sold separately. All tools for assembly included. Meets all ASTM and CPSC applicable standards.
View Deal $124.99
Graco Solano 4 in 1 Convertible Crib with Drawer
Graco Solano 4 in 1 Convertible Crib with Drawer
Graco Solano 4 in 1 Convertible Crib with Drawer
Crib converts to a toddler bed (no guard rail), daybed and full-size bed (bed rails not included) Convenient large under-crib storage drawer for your baby's belongings 3-position adjustable mattress heights to accommodate your baby's growth Made of high-quality pine wood and composites Available in multiple baby-safe, non-toxic finishes (White, Espresso, Gray, and Pebble Gray) Safe, non-toxic finish Expert tested by independent laboratories to guarantee this product meets the highest standards for your child's safety JPMA Certified Assembly required Graco crib conversion kit available separately Mattress not included. Graco Deluxe Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress available separately Backed by a 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty
View Deal $199.99