Basic Baby Cribs

Best less expensive baby cribs

Experts say a basic crib can be just as safe as a fancier model, as well as a better value. Some reviewers actually prefer a no-frills design, pointing out that static sides improve stability, while simple lines reduce the risk of injury. At the top of this category in reviews is Ikea's crib line: six basic models with a minimalist look and few added features. Parents and experts give Ikea's cribs high scores overall.

We found professional recommendations specifically for the Ikea Gulliver crib (*Est. $100 to $140, depending on finish). The Ikea Gulliver crib is a basic crib, with two mattress-position heights. You'll use the higher height for infants, and when your child is old enough, you can drop the mattress height and remove one side of the crib to convert the Gulliver crib to a toddler daybed. The Gulliver crib in white finish is made from solid beech, while the natural finish is made from solid birch. This baby crib is also listed as a favorite pick in a review by Cookie magazine. A similar basic crib is available, the Ikea Sniglar (*Est. $80), which is made of solid beech and also offers the ability to remove one side when a child is able to climb in or out of bed. The cheaper Sniglar crib has narrower legs and slats, but is otherwise similar in design to the Gulliver crib.

Australia's Choice magazine tested the Ikea Leksvik (*Est. $160), and although it wasn't listed as a recommended model, this crib did pass all essential safety tests. The Leksvik crib is a more substantial crib, with solid-panel ends and slatted sides. It's made of solid wood and veneer, has two mattress-height settings and converts to a toddler bed. Although Ikea does offer crib mattresses, their cribs will fit any standard-size mattress.

We also read good reviews for two less expensive Graco baby cribs: the Graco Sarah 4-in-1 Dropside Crib (*Est. $160) and the Graco Lauren 4-in-1 Dropside Crib, which is being discontinued. The Graco Sarah crib converts to a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size headboard, although an additional purchase of rails is necessary for use as a headboard. The Graco Sarah crib is available in several finishes, although the price may vary slightly depending on the finish. The Sarah crib features three mattress-height settings and a one-handed drop-side operation. Graco nursery furniture is actually manufactured by LaJobi through a partnership.

DaVinci is another well known brand of budget cribs. DaVinci cribs are more expensive than Ikea cribs, but cost a lot less than some of the designer brands. The DaVinci Emily 4-in-1 Convertible Crib (*Est. $250) is a strong favorite among the reviews we read. This crib is more flexible than the cheaper Ikea cribs, with four mattress-height settings. It has fixed sides rather than a drop side, so there are no moving parts. When your child grows older, the Emily crib can convert to a toddler day bed, or, with the addition of an accessory kit, a full-size bed.

The DaVinci Emily crib is the top pick on 3Luxe.com, and is rated very favorably on consumer review sites such as Diapers.com and Target.com. Reviews on Amazon.com are also mostly positive, resulting in an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars, based on over 80 consumer reviews for the white-finish version of this crib. Over 120 consumers on Diapers.com give an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars as well, with most parents appreciating the crib's classic appeal, styling and easy assembly.

The most common complaints about the DaVinci Emily baby crib involve the wood and the finish. A few parents say the wood dents easily and can be easily damaged by teething babies. There are also several reports of the finish chipping off easily and even bleeding off completely when the baby sucks on the crib. One parent notes that it would be helpful to purchase teething guards when your baby begins teething to avoid potential dents in the wood or damage to the finish. Million Dollar Baby, the manufacturer of the DaVinci crib line, says that although they don't recommend letting babies chew on their products, the paint used is non-toxic and will not cause harm.