Wirecutter: The Best Cribs

 

A great crib will be versatile and solidly constructed, as well as an attractive centerpiece in your child’s room.

We spent 15 hours researching hundreds of cribs, and three days assembling and converting 10 of them, before concluding that the DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is the best choice for most families. This sturdy crib converts to a daybed, toddler bed, and twin bed, offering the potential for years of use.

We found that most parents don’t want to spend much more than $200 on a crib. The solid, sturdy DaVinci Kalani offers more versatility and value than any other crib we could find at that pricing level. This traditional-looking crib is made of solid wood (sustainable New Zealand pine) and is Greenguard Gold certified for low emissions. You can add a half-width rail (sold separately) to turn it into a toddler bed. Unlike most of the cribs we tested, it can also be converted into a twin bed (also by purchasing an additional kit). This crib is widely available, with plenty of options to buy it without a hefty shipping fee. It comes in seven colors: white, gray, black, and four wood finishes.



The DaVinci Jenny Lind crib is distinctive in both style and design, with retro spindle posts and wheels that make it much easier than any other crib we tested to move around a room, or pull away from a wall for cleaning. Of all the cribs we tested, it’s the only one with either of these features. It’s also the easiest of our four picks to assemble and convert to a toddler bed (with a kit, purchased separately), and it comes in more bright color options than any other crib we tested, including emerald green, cherry red, coral, navy, and lagoon blue, as well as white, black, and two shades of gray. It’s made of the same New Zealand pine as our pick and like our pick is Greenguard Gold certified for low VOC emissions. It doesn’t seem as sturdy, though, with spindle slats and legs.
 

 

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