How to choose cribs
A crib is your baby's main sleep space for years, so safety and longevity matter more than looks. Every new crib sold in the U.S. must meet the CPSC's 2011 standards, which banned drop-sides — so the real choice is size, how long it lasts, and the right firm mattress.
See our top cribs →Types of cribs
Standard / full-size
The classic crib sized to a standard 28-by-52-inch mattress; the most stable, longest-lasting choice for a dedicated nursery.
Convertible
Converts from crib to toddler bed, daybed, and sometimes a full bed — more upfront cost, but years of use from one frame.
Mini crib
A smaller footprint for tight rooms or shared spaces; baby outgrows it sooner and it needs a mini-sized firm mattress.
Portable / travel crib
A lightweight, foldable crib that meets play-yard safety standards for naps and trips away from home.
What to look for
- ✓Buy new or verify a used crib meets the post-2011 CPSC standard — never use a drop-side crib.
- ✓Pair it with a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly; you shouldn't fit more than two fingers between mattress and frame.
- ✓Check slat spacing is no more than 2 3/8 inches (about a soda can's width) so a head can't slip through.
- ✓Decide on convertibility — a 4-in-1 lasts into the toddler years but costs and weighs more.
- ✓Confirm the height adjusts: a lower mattress setting keeps a standing baby from climbing out.
- ✓Keep the crib bare per AAP safe sleep — no bumpers, pillows, blankets, or sleep positioners inside.
Why trust Robin Cove
How we make our picks
We test against real standards
Every crib is scored on safety, ease, value, durability, comfort, and features — safety weighted heaviest.
Reviewed by certified experts
A CPST-certified editor and our medical advisory board check safety claims and certifications.
No paid placements
Brands can't buy a ranking. We earn a commission on purchases, never on which product wins.
Continuously updated
Recalls, certification changes, and owner feedback trigger a rescore within 24 hours.
Frequently asked
Are convertible cribs worth it?
If you want one frame to carry you from newborn through the toddler years, yes — a convertible crib becomes a toddler and sometimes a full-size bed, often offsetting the higher price. Just confirm the conversion kit is included or available, since some brands sell it separately. For a short-term or guest-room setup, a standard crib is simpler and cheaper.
Is it safe to use a secondhand or hand-me-down crib?
Only if it was made after June 2011, when CPSC standards took effect and banned drop-side rails, and it has no recalls, no missing or damaged hardware, and all assembly instructions. Drop-side cribs are linked to infant deaths and are illegal to sell. When the history is unclear, buy new — the crib is not the place to cut corners.
What kind of mattress goes in a crib?
A firm, flat crib mattress that fits the frame snugly with no gaps, per AAP safe-sleep guidance. Soft or contoured surfaces and any gap a baby could slip into raise the risk of suffocation and SIDS. Always lay your baby on their back on the bare mattress with a fitted sheet and nothing else.
When should I lower the crib mattress?
Lower it before your baby can push up on hands and knees or pull to stand, usually around 5 to 8 months. Set it to the lowest position once they can stand, and move to a toddler bed when the rail reaches their chest or they try to climb out — typically around 35 inches tall.
Glossary
- Drop-side crib
- An older crib with a lowering side rail — banned by the CPSC in 2011 after being linked to infant deaths.
- Slat spacing
- The gap between crib bars, which must be no wider than 2 3/8 inches so a baby's head can't pass through.
- Convertible (4-in-1)
- A crib that transforms into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed as your child grows.
- Safe sleep
- AAP guidance: baby on their back on a firm, flat, bare surface with nothing else in the crib.