Designer Cribs

You'll pay more for fancy designer cribs

In general, companies that make quality furniture get better reviews for baby cribs. Munire and  Westwood make high-end solid wood cribs in a variety of styles that coordinate with matching bedroom furniture. "Baby Bargains" is the best source of reviews for designer-brand cribs; most are sold primarily through specialty retailers and aren't available on consumer sites like Amazon.com.

Despite being more expensive, these cribs are also the subject of periodic recalls by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Munire Newport line was the subject of a recall in December 2008 for exceeding lead paint standards, and spring brackets used in several models were recalled in February 2008. More specific information on these recalls can be found on the Munire website.

One mid-priced Munire model, the Baby Cache Heritage Lifetime Convertible Crib (*Est. $480), is recommended by "Baby Bargains" and selected by Babble.com in its 2011 roundup of best cribs. It's available exclusively at BabiesRUs.com, where more than 200 consumer reviews give it 4.3 stars out of 5. Owners say the crib seems very sturdy and solid with its mahogany wood construction, has a beautiful finish that matches almost any decor and is easy to assemble. The biggest complaints involve the conversion kits (sold separately) for transforming the crib to a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed; many owners say it's difficult to find these items for sale. Several advise purchasing the conversion kits along with the crib to prevent such headaches. A few reviewers also complain of scratches to the finish, and color distortion in high heat and humidity. The crib features three mattress height options and is available in three finishes.

For parents interested in mid- to high-end cribs, Westwood makes both convertible and traditional (cottage) models (*Est. $350 to $700). Both styles convert to toddler beds, although the guard rail included with the convertible model must be purchased separately for the cottage crib. Optional bed rails can also be used to change the convertible model into a full-size bed. Westwood says it uses only lead-free finishes and independently tests its products to ensure they're nontoxic. We found little feedback for Westwood cribs among our sources, but one parent-gear book calls the company's Bedford Baby Tribeca Crib (*Est. $350) a best bet for a mid-range price. The convertible crib is available exclusively at J.C. Penney, where it gets 4.7 stars out of 5 based on nearly 40 reviews.

The Oeuf Classic Crib (*Est. $940) is another designer crib mentioned in several reviews. It's Babble.com's 2011 pick for best modern crib over $500, and editors admire its "clean, minimalist, pristine" look, stylish toddler bed conversion (kit sold separately) and easy assembly. ApartmentTherapy.com also chooses the Oeuf Classic as a best bet. Besides converting to a toddler bed, the crib provides three mattress heights and occupies less space than most full-size models. Its bed base is solid birch, with side panels made of formaldehyde-free eco-MDF. "Baby Bargains" commends the company's eco-friendliness, but wonders if the "brand is worth the price tag compared to competitors that use more solid wood."

For parents looking for a "green" crib, we found a recommendation for Romina brand models (Est. $850 to $1,100). The solid beech cribs use an eco-friendly beeswax finish, and no formaldehyde, particleboard or MDF in their construction.

We didn't include designer cribs in our Best Reviewed section. Experts repeatedly say you don't have to spend so much on a crib unless you want a coordinated suite, or an heirloom crib to pass down to future generations.

Round baby cribs

Although conventional rectangular cribs are still the norm, round cribs have become a popular alternative. Fans say the absence of hard corners makes these cribs safer, but critics say there's no evidence that they cause fewer injuries. Round cribs tend to be larger and roomier than rectangular models, so they take up significantly more space in the nursery and don't fit well into a corner or against a wall. They can be used in the middle of a room without looking out of place, which may appeal to some parents who want to look in on their child from any angle. They're also more expensive than standard cribs and require special mattresses and bed linens (often including a canopy), which are an added expense.

The Angel Line Round Crib (*Est. $595, mattress included) holds the No. 1 spot in About.com's list of the top 10 round cribs, and it's included in a 2008 top-10 crib roundup at People.com. Less expensive than most other wooden round cribs, the Angel Line comes with locking casters, canopy frame and four mattress positions. Most online retailers include the mattress in the price, putting it on par with high-end rectangular cribs. One negative is its size: At 46 inches in diameter, it takes up slightly more space than other round cribs.