How to choose 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.