Baby Cribs

Despite the problems with recalls, experts say cribs are a safe place for babies to sleep from birth until they are ready for a toddler bed at around two or three years old. All cribs sold in the United States must conform to Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) standards designed to improve safety and reduce crib-related deaths and injuries.

Although a basic crib can be just as safe as a fancy baby crib, many cribs come with added features designed primarily to make crib use more convenient for caregivers. Inexpensive cribs usually have a two-level mattress height adjustment, while more expensive models may have four or even five levels. An adjustable mattress gives parents the option of having a very young baby sleep up high in the crib within easy reach. The crib mattress should be set to its lowest height as soon as the baby can sit or pull up (around six to eight months), so extra mattress levels are only a short-term convenience.

Some baby cribs come with single or double drop sides which make transferring a sleeping baby to a crib much easier, especially for adults who aren't tall. Most current models use knee-push mechanisms which are quieter and allow for one-handed operation. Some less expensive cribs use a double trigger mechanism. These are just as safe but they do require both hands, making them a less convenient option. Drop sides get mixed reviews from experts. While some like the convenience, others caution that adding moving parts to a crib increases the chance of malfunction, and drop sides have been part of the problem in some recalls.

Many baby cribs are also convertible, meaning they can be made into toddler beds or even full-size beds once the baby has grown out of its crib. Experts say this feature can be useful and can extend the life of your crib, but it also adds to the cost, and many parents end up using the crib for younger siblings before they get a chance to convert it to a toddler bed.

Best basic baby cribs

Experts say a basic crib can be just as safe a fancier model, and 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: five basic models with a minimalist look and few added features. Parents and experts give IKEA's cribs high scores overall. Australia's Choice magazine (similar to Consumer Reports) specifically recommends the now-discontinued IKEA DIKTAD, but the IKEA LEKSVIK (*est. $150) has almost identical features. The LEKSVIK crib is made of solid wood and veneer, has two mattress height settings and converts to a toddler bed. An even more basic option from IKEA is their budget SNIGLAR crib (*est. $80). Made of solid beech, the SNIGLAR has two height settings and one side that can be removed once the child is able to climb in and out independently. IKEA cribs fit standard-sized crib mattresses, including their 3.5-inch SULTAN BLUNDA (*est. $40) which is sold separately. However, in some reviews, the mattress is criticized for being thin and not very comfortable. But since the IKEA baby cribs are a standard size, you aren't limited to buying an IKEA crib mattress.

Another less expensive crib, the Delta Jenny Lind 2 in 1 Convertible (*est. $120) is ranked number one in an older comparative review. It also gets the only Parent's Pick rating at ConsumerGuide.com. Unfortunately, however, Delta's cribs have a history of recalls, and parent-written reviews are mixed. Many users posting at Target.com and on the Babies 'R' Us website say the Delta baby crib is generally sturdy, attractive and easy to set up and use. Those who like it say they appreciate the toddler bed conversion, the smooth drop sides, the locking wheels and the no-tool assembly. Others report less positive experiences. A few reviews mention cracked headboards and side rails, and one mother says her child was able to bite off a piece from one of the side slats. Several parents say their cribs came unevenly painted, smelling strongly of paint fumes and prone to chipping and flaking. Even ConsumerGuide.com, which gives the Delta Jenny Lind an almost perfect score for value, ease of use and features, mentions a strong paint smell. Another common theme is poor customer service. Several users say they have found Delta to be insufficiently helpful when they have called to report problems with their cribs.

DaVinci is another brand that gets mixed reviews from parents and from experts. The DaVinci Emily (*est. $230 to $400, depending on model) is made of solid pine with four mattress height settings and a stationary crib side. Reviews on BabyCenter.com, Target.com and Amazon.com are mostly positive. Most parents say it's sturdy, assembles easily and looks stylish. 3Luxe.com, a new review website, includes the Emily in its top-three crib list primarily because of its expandability: it converts to a day bed and a toddler bed with included parts, and then to a full-size bed with an optional bed rail kit (*est. $45 to $150). The most common complaints about the DaVinci Emily baby crib involve the wood and the finish. Many 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. 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.

According to the reviews we read, a better option, especially for those who don't like IKEA's minimalist design, is the Child Craft Contemporary Crib (*est. $250) . Child Craft gets a good rating from experts and parents, despite some reader complaints of poor customer service. The brand has a long history of quality, safety and value. Customers at Amazon.com and Target.com in particular like the Child Craft Contemporary, saying the locking casters work well and the knee-push drop-side mechanism is smooth and easy to use. The only common complaint is the set-up process, which some parents say is more difficult than they expected. The Child Craft Contemporary baby crib converts to a daybed and comes with a single drop side and four-position mattress height adjustment.

Designer baby cribs

In general, companies that make quality furniture get the better reviews for baby cribs. Munire, Natart and Westwood each make high-end solid wood cribs in a variety of styles that coordinate with matching bedroom furniture. The Munire Lifetime Crib (*est. $500) comes in eight styles and various finishes. Each collection has a different look ranging from the simple "Urban" to the ornate "Savannah." The Lifetime Crib does convert to a toddler and full-size bed with additional conversion kits. Interestingly, although parent reviews on the Baby Bargains discussion forum (see our All Reviews section) do say that Munire's cribs are basically of good quality, they don't match the high rating given by the book's editors. Users posting to the forum report problems with defects in the wood and finish that peels or rubs off. The Munire crib also loses points for its mattress height adjustment, which users say is awkward because it requires the removal of the crib's front panel.

Quebec-based Natart also has several juvenile furniture collections featuring traditional and convertible cribs (*est. $700 to $900). Their convertible cribs can be turned into either a 39-inch twin bed or a 54-inch double bed. Although there are few user reviews of these cribs, consumers posting on the Baby Bargains discussion forum like these cribs overall, saying Natart's cribs are well-built, sturdy and attractive with crib rails that operate smoothly. One parent notes that this is one of the few cribs that can be converted to a twin bed (instead of a full-size bed) -- a plus for parents who want a long-term solution for a smaller bedroom.

Westwood also makes both convertible and traditional (cottage) cribs (*est. $420 to $600). Both convert to toddler beds, although the guard rail that is included with the convertible models must be purchased separately for the cottage cribs. Optional bed rails can also be used to change the convertible models into full-size beds. Westwood says it uses only lead-free finishes and submits its products to extra non-mandatory independent testing to ensure that it is truly non-toxic. For safety reasons, the company has a policy of not making drop-side cribs. Parents posting to discussion sites say Westwood's cribs are beautiful and sturdy, and that the customer service is outstanding. Customers who have found their furniture damaged in shipping say it was replaced immediately and without question. The only downside mentioned is the wait; one parent reports having to wait 14 weeks for the furniture to arrive.

Babee Tenda (also known as Baby Tenda) sells baby cribs in the same price range as Munire, Natart and Westwood, but does not receive the same high ratings from reviewers. Rather than selling cribs through retail outlets, the company invites parents-to-be to what it calls "safety seminars." According to Baby Bargains, the safety information given at these events is outdated and alarmist, and the sessions end with a hard sell for Babee Tenda's own products including a high chair and a crib (*est. $600). Following complaints about the company's business practices, a U.S. federal court found Babee Tenda guilty of mail fraud. According to the judge, who called the company's practices "deceitful and reprehensible," Babee Tenda fraudulently implied that its seminars were associated with government safety agencies. In fact, Babee Tenda is simply a private company selling what experts say are fine but overpriced cribs.

Compact and portable cribs

Although there are some mentions of the same paint and denting issues affecting the full-size version, reviewers of the DaVinci Emily Mini (*est. $180 to $260) say they are pleased with it overall. Designed for homes with limited space, the Emily Mini weighs 50 pounds, making it almost a third lighter than a conventional crib. Parents say it fits well into small spaces but is still roomy enough for babies to sleep in comfortably. DaVinci also makes two other mini cribs. The Annabelle (*est. $150 to $260) , like the Emily, can convert to a twin bed with the addition of a separate bed rail kit, and the Alpha crib (*est. $150 to $270) has casters for easier moving and a round base for rocking babies to sleep.

The Delta Fold-a-Way Portable Crib (*est. $120) is another compact crib that parents say works well in small spaces. Parents on Amazon.com say it rolls easily and fits through doors. One major advantage of this design is that it allows parents to move the crib into the nursery at around six months old, when experts say babies no longer need to spend the night in their parents' rooms. Most parents posting to review sites say they use the Fold-a-Way primarily at home, but those who travel with it say it folds up well and fits into an SUV or van (but not most cars). The Fold-a-Way portable crib has a single drop side and a two-height mattress support. The mattress is included, but several parents say it's much too thin and flimsy, and some report having replaced the mattress with a higher-end model. Even with the added cost of a mattress, though, the Delta Fold-a-Way is less expensive than the DaVinci Emily Mini without the paint and denting problems.

The Stokke Sleepi (*est. $750) is an unusual baby crib that gets excellent reviews from both parents and experts. Advocates say its space saving design makes it a good choice for apartments and smaller rooms. The Sleepi starts out as a mini bassinet for babies up to six months old and expands into a crib with the included wooden sides. The Sleepi can also be converted into a toddler bed and, with additional parts, a full-size bed. When the bed is no longer needed, it can be made into a pair of matching chairs. Parents posting comments to BabyCenter.com and Epinions give the Sleepi mostly positive reviews. They like the round shape and lack of sharp edges, and they say the bassinet rolls easily from room to room and through narrow doorways. The only negative mentioned consistently is the price of linens (*est. $225 for a four-piece bedding set) which are sold separately and add considerably to the total cost. One reviewer on Baby Center complains that the mattress is five inches shorter than the crib. Stokke has since issued a recall for the incorrectly sized mattresses, shipped with about 1,000 Sleepi cribs manufactured between September 2006 and March 2007. Owners of the Stokke Sleepi crib can get more information on the Stokke website (see our Best Research section) or through their toll-free information line at 1-877-978-6553.

Round baby cribs

Although conventional rectangular cribs are still the norm, round cribs have become an alternative. Fans of round cribs say the absence of hard corners makes them safer, but according to critics, there's no evidence that they actually cause fewer injuries. Round cribs tend to be larger and roomier than rectangular models, meaning they take up significantly more space in the nursery, and they don't fit well into a corner or against a wall. They're also more expensive than standard cribs, and Baby Bargains editors caution parents considering a round crib to calculate the total price – including any specialty mattresses and bed linens -- before making a decision.

Little Miss Liberty's Millennium Wood Crib (*est. $1,000) is highly rated in About.com's review of the top ten round cribs, where Heather Corley mentions the crib's hardwood construction, the double drop sides and the locking casters. She also likes the configurable dome that can be assembled four ways: standard, canopy, fluted or round. Others say this crib is simply too expensive. Although the Millennium crib does come with a mattress, the specialized bedding, which ranges from a simple contour sheet (*est. $40) to a universal canopy set (*est. $450 to $1,000) costs extra. Little Miss Liberty does make a less expensive version, the Injection Molded Dura Crib (*est. $500). Otherwise similar to the Millennium, the Dura is made of high-impact plastic with a white finish. It has two drop sides, a multi-position base, a configurable dome and four wheels (two are locking wheels). Both the Millennium and the Dura cribs are about 45 inches in diameter, making them practical only in large spaces.

A simpler model, the Angel Line Round Baby Crib (*est. $500 to $900) , is mentioned by About.com's Heather Corley's as a top round crib. Less expensive than most other wooden round cribs, the Angel Line comes with casters, a drop side and two mattress positions. Several online retailers include both the mattress and the bedding 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 even than Little Miss Liberty's cribs. Other reviewers say the Angel Line crib is a good value if you're sure you want a round crib.

Important Features: Baby cribs

Reviewers say the following about shopping for a crib.

• Avoid used or heirloom cribs. New cribs must conform to CPSC safety standards designed to reduce the risk of crib-related injury or death. Experts warn that older cribs may come with hazards such as lead-based paint, unsafe gaps between spindles or decorative cutouts and posts that could present an entrapment or strangulation hazard. Used cribs, even up-to-date models, could have hard-to-spot damage or missing hardware, making them a less safe choice than a basic inexpensive new crib.

• Check the drop-side mechanism. Some parents like having the option of dropping the side rail to move the baby more easily in and out of the crib. Before you decide on a drop-side crib, try it out a few times to make sure you can operate it smoothly. It's also a good idea to make sure it's quiet enough not to wake a sleeping baby.

• Correct assembly and installation is important. Many injuries associated with cribs are actually the result of faulty installation. Experts suggest that unless you're confident in your ability to assemble the crib properly, it might be worth the added cost to have it professionally set up and installed.

• Consider JPMA certification. While some experts say buying a crib certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association increases the likelihood that your crib will be safe, others say the designation is overrated. In order to use the JPMA seal, manufacturers must submit their products to independent testing. Since the process costs $10,000 or more, some smaller companies opt not to pursue JPMA certification. All cribs sold in the U.S. must still meet federal standards, which are similar to those required by the JPMA.

• Simple cribs are generally best. Decorative cutouts, pillows and other soft bedding are potentially hazardous. Even crib bumpers are controversial, with some experts advising against them for babies under one year old. Although extra accessories may look nice, a simple crib with a firm snug-fitting mattress is the safest option for babies.

• Don't put off your crib purchase until the last minute. While some popular cribs can be purchased in store and taken home immediately, many higher-end models can take weeks to arrive. Experts advise parents to order a crib well ahead of the expected due date and to confirm delivery times before finalizing the purchase.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of picks	Model	Details from Amazon.com
2	IKEA DIKTAD (Discontinued)	-
2	Delta Jenny Lind ($100 to $120)	-
1 each	Stokke Sleepi , DaVinci Emily , Fantasy Carriage Baby Crib, Nursery Rhymes Hey Diddle Diddle Baby Crib , Cosco 2 in1 Convertible Sleigh Crib, Angel Line Round Baby Crib , Gro-Years Gro-Time C25 Lara, Childcare Stirling, Babi Italia, Sorelle , Munire, Natart, Westwood

The IKEA DIKTAD crib, which reviewers say is an excellent no-frills crib, has been discontinued. We've included the nearly identical IKEA LEKSVIK in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers instead. The Delta Jenny Lind does well in one older comparative review and gets a Best Buy rating from ConsumerGuide.com. Munire, Natart and Westwood brands get high ratings from experts for overall quality, and several other brands, including the Angel Line Round Baby Crib, are highly rated by About.com's Guide to Baby Products.

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