1. Stork Craft Portofino
Best Overall Baby Crib
There is an attached changer with this crib that was designed with safety in mind, with an extra deep surface that enhances stability and security when you’re changing your baby. This crib adds to your overall nursery look when you add many accessories such as dresser, chest, and ottoman, all made by Stork Craft to accompany this crib. It’s easy to set-up this luxurious crib thanks to the easy-to-follow directions. Give your baby the most perfect, delicate slumber with this amazing bed that also comes with waterproof vinyl change pad. The entire piece is backed by a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty, and it’s completely JPMA certified.
– Linda Krantz
2. Delta Canton
Best Overall Baby Crib – Runner Up
There’s a number of reasons why this is a top rated crib, and to add to all the marvelous features, it’s also JPMA/ASTM certified and completely free from lead. There is a bit of assembly required for this crib, but the tools and instructions are included, so you can be sure that it won’t take much time or effort. This crib matches perfectly with the Canton dresser that is sold separately, but when you purchase them together, you’re getting the best possible matching furniture for your baby’s room. You can be sure that you’re making a smart decision when you purchase this crib from Delta Children, because you’re buying an investment piece that grows with your child.
– Linda Krantz
3. Stork Craft Tuscany
Best Budget Baby Crib
It’s so easy to assemble this crib, and there are clear directions that come with your purchase to assist you along the way. If you want a crib that is a sound investment, and also gives you the utmost in safety and comfort, then purchasing this top rated crib from Stork Craft is a fantastic choice. Customers absolutely love how secure this crib is, while still being affordable and easy to assemble. Purchase something for your baby that will grow and change as your baby grows and changes.
– Linda Krantz
Baby Crib Comparison
 Stork Craft Portofino 4-in-1 |  Delta Children Canton 4-in-1 |  Stork Craft Tuscany 4-in-1 |  Union 4-in-1 |  DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 |  Stork Craft Verona 4-in-1 |  Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 |  Dream On Me 3 in 1 |  Graco Lauren Convertible |  Dream On Me 4 In 1 | |
| Material | Wood, Vinyl | Cherry Wood | Cherry Wood | Pine Wood | Pine Wood | Cherry Wood | Wood, Metal | Pine Wood | Cherry Wood | Pine Wood |
| Type | Non Drop Side, Convertible, Crib & Changer Combo | Crib; Day bed; Full sized bed; Toddler bed | Crib; Day bed; Full sized bed; Toddler bed | Crib; Day bed; Full sized bed; | Crib; Day bed; Full sized bed; | Crib; Day bed; Full sized bed; Toddler bed | Crib; Day bed; Full sized bed; Toddler bed | Daybed and twin size bed | Crib; Day bed; Full sized bed; Toddler bed | Crib; Day bed; Full sized bed; Toddler bed |
| No of Conversions | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 71 x 32.5 x 43 | 54.5 x 34.5 x 43.5 | 54.2 x 33 x 43 | 53.5 x 30.5 x 33.5 | 54.5 x 34.5 x 42 | 54.3 x 32.9 x 43.1 | 58 x 32.5 x 7 | 39 x 23 x 36 | 60 x 41.2 x 4.8 | 39.5 x 28 x 37.5 |
| Weight (pounds) | 130 | 62 | 79.8 | 39.6 | 74 | 59.5 | 59.2 | 20 | 58 | 28 |
| Finish | Espresso | Espresso Cherry | Espresso | Espresso | Ebony | White | White | Cherry | White | Espresso |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year |
Baby Crib Buying Guide
What is a Baby Crib?
Did you realize that babies spend more time in their cribs than anywhere else? Well it’s true. So, consider the fact that comfort is certainly important, but safety is absolutely essential. Most children will sleep in their crib until it’s time to move into an actual bed, and this happens between the ages of 2 and 3. This means that it’s important to find the sturdiest crib possible, and possibly one that will convert into a bed when the time is right.
Some moms get into the spirit early, and they want a crib that is set up several months before the baby is born. It is fun to have the baby nursery fully decorated and ready to go when the baby arrives. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect crib before your little bundle of joy has come home, then it’s best to do some research to find the best possible crib for your child. When setting up your crib, find a nice spot away from the windows, blinds, and draperies. It’s best to keep your child away from cords and direct sunlight.
Features to Look For
- Mattress Specifications: Choosing a crib with the right mattress is essential. Look for a foam mattress, because it is the least expensive and the lightest option you’ll find. You can find these in a variety of thicknesses, and usually between 3 and 6 inches. Even more important than thickness is density. The higher quality foam mattresses are going to be high in density, at about 1.5 pounds per cubic foot. Sadly, many foam mattresses won’t list density on the packaging, so sometimes it’s hard to know for sure.
- Slats: You want the slats on your crib to be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart. You want the slats to be close enough to prevent your child from slipping through or getting stuck. As long as the slats are closer together than 2-3/8”, you’ll be in good shape.
- Corner Posts: You want the corner posts to be as safe as possible, and this means they should be no higher than 1/16 on an inch. If your corner posts are higher, clothing can catch on them and possibly injure or choke your child.
- Mattress Height: Look for an adjustable mattress height, as most cribs will allow you to change the height of the mattress by simply raising and lowering the support mechanism. You want to lower the mattress when your child is starting to sit up. When your child becomes more active and starts to pull up or stand, you don’t want them to fall out of the crib.
- Stability: The best way to check the stability of your crib is to give it a good shake in the store or after you have assembled it. If you find that it wobbles a bit, then perhaps you didn’t put it together properly. However, this can also be a sign that you need to purchase a sturdier crib.
- Frame Size: The interior of your crib should comfortably and snugly accommodate a standard crib mattress, at about 51-3/4”long by 27-3/4” If you are able to fit more than two fingers between the crib and the side of the mattress, that means the mattress is too small. This can pose a serious danger as babies can possibly get trapped in this space.
- Versatility: There are so many cribs today that are designed to convert into a toddler bed, when the time is right. They can even be used as a child’s bench or headboard/footboard for a full size bed. You want to always make sure that it’s easy to make these conversions and that you find the look of the new furniture appealing.
Important Safety Considerations
When it comes to purchasing a crib, safety trumps aesthetics. Keep in mind that most cribs today will comply with mandatory and voluntary safety standards, and it’s always important to make yourself aware of the latest safety tips posed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Every year millions of cribs by major brands are recalled, so if you’re buying a new crib, be sure to check BabyCenter’s Product Recall Finder to make sure you’re not purchasing one of these.
- Cribs with Drop Sides: It’s very important that you not use cribs with drop sides. These movable railings pose a hazard to your baby. Should the drop sides detach or become loose your baby can become trapped and possibly strangle or suffocate in the space between the sides and the mattress.
- Bumpers: Crib bumpers are the padding material which attach to the inside railings of the crib to cushion all four sides. These can pose a hazard and are no longer recommended in cribs. Bumpers are still a standard feature of crib bedding sets, however many organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, discourage them as a SIDS risk.
- Old Cribs: Any crib that was made before 1973 is more likely to pose safety risks, because they were made before federal guidelines went into effect. Secondhand cribs may be charming in appearance, and will save you money, but they can also have splinters, lead paint, dangerous features, or slats that are too wide apart.
- Decorative Touches: You want to avoid fancy decorations on your crib, even though the temptation might be great. These can pose a choking hazard, or might trap your baby’s limbs.
- Anything Structurally Unsound: The CPSC receives many reports of cribs that come apart. If you sense anything unsound about the structure of your crib, report the issue and find a new one.
Conclusion
You need to do a lot of research when you’re looking for the right crib. Safety is paramount, but you also want to find something that makes your baby comfortable and is easy to assemble. Cribs can be quite expensive, but there’s no reason to spend a fortune when you’re looking for a high quality crib. Be sure to choose something that fits perfectly into the decor of your nursery. Choosing one of the top rated cribs mentioned above is a smart choice, but should you wish to find something different, the buyer’s guide will assist you in finding something that is just right for your baby.
Resources
- Stork Craft: http://storkcraftdirect.com/
- Delta: http://www.deltachildren.com/
- Stork Craft Tuscany: http://storkcraftdirect.com/
