Outfitting your baby’s nursery is a special time for parents-to-be. From the color palette and design theme to the furnishings and light fixtures, you’ll make many decisions — and one of the most important ones is choosing a crib. While cost, style, and durability are key considerations, safety should be at the top of the list. The Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends buying a new crib, as used cribs may not comply with current safety regulations or may be subject to recalls for safety hazards. Only cribs with stationary sides — not drop sides as found in older cribs — are currently approved for sale in the U.S. Slats, mattress supports, and hardware must also meet strict durability requirements. In addition, parents are cautioned not to put any pillows, comforters, or cushions in their crib. If you’re concerned about choosing a safe crib, we’re here to help. Explore our list of ten safety rated cribs, which meet the federally mandated safety standards.
With a variety of styles and prices, you’re sure to find the perfect crib to meet your needs. The Land of Nod Andersen crib is highly rated for safety, ease of assembly, and construction. With its simple, clean design, it complements any decorating scheme — and it’s made in the U.S.A. from solid American maple. Easily converted to a toddler bed, it’s a great choice that will provide a safe sleeping environment as your child grows. Like many models on our list, the Baby Mod Olivia easily transforms from a crib to a toddler bed, and then to a daybed to fit your changing needs. You can adjust the mattress support to four heights, and the two-tone frame — made from New Zealand pinewood with a nontoxic finish — offers versatility. Olivia’s quality construction and contemporary style come at a great price. The Graco Lauren Signature is a popular crib that converts to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size headboard. The mattress platform adjusts to three different heights, the frame is made of sturdy pine, and it’s easy to assemble.
Parents love the Lauren for its quality, style, and affordability. The crib also comes with a one year limited warranty for manufacturer defects. If you’re looking for a safety-rated crib with classic design details at a reasonable price, check out the Graco Charleston Convertible. The cherry wood construction will stand up to years of use, as it converts to a toddler bed and daybed. We especially like the hidden hardware, for extra safety, and the five-year limited warranty. For Craftsman style, look to Pottery Barn Kids. The Kendall crib is made with solid poplar materials and sturdy mortise-and-tenon construction. It’s available in white, gray, or chocolate to coordinate with your decorating scheme, and the mattress platform offers three height options. Plus, the Kendall converts to a toddler bed when needed, though the conversion kit is sold separately. IKEA is known for sturdy furniture at affordable prices. The Sundvik crib features a solid beech frame and clear lacquer finish, with an adjustable mattress support that easily converts into a toddler bed.
The crib also features rounded edges and corners for additional safety. As a bonus, a ventilated base facilitates air circulation for sleeping comfort. Packed with functional features, the Babyletto Mercer is a convertible crib with a handy storage drawer and sustainable wood construction, plus hidden hardware for extra peace of mind. Parents who prefer a “green” nursery will appreciate Babyletto’s environmentally friendly production methods, including sustainable New Zealand pine and GREENGUARD Gold certification. As the name suggests, the Bellini Mercedes is a top-of-the-line convertible crib. Turned spindles and leaf carvings on birch and beech wood bring style to the nursery and older child’s bedroom. With a large storage drawer, four-height mattress base, and four finish options, the Mercedes offers flexibility in a safety rated crib. With stationary rails, it easily converts to a junior bed without the need for an extra conversion kit. With clean lines and modern styling, the Bonavita Metro Lifestyle is easy to assemble and can be converted into a day bed, toddler bed, or full-size bed — though it requires a conversion rail, which is sold separately.
The sleigh bed styling fits a variety of décors, and the Metro Lifestyle will serve your child’s bedtime needs for years to come. With an included toddler rail, the Stork Craft Tuscany easily transitions into a daybed and full-size bed (full bed rails must be purchased separately). It features a three-position mattress base and solid cherry wood construction. Plus, you get to choose from six nontoxic, durable finishes to perfectly match your color scheme. Tuscany is a sturdy crib at a great price. With these ten safety rated cribs, you’re sure to choose wisely, no matter what your budget may be. “This is the best infant crib mattress I have seen to date.” “I love my Newton mattress. Not only is it light weight, sturdy and comfortable, it is washable.” LCSW-C, aka The Sleep Lady® “As a sleep coach and a mother, I recommend Newton Baby for a safe and healthy sleeping environment for little ones.” LCSW, Psychoanalyst and Parent Guidance Expert in Private Practice, NYC
“When parents are less anxious about their child’s health and safety everyone sleeps better…the Newton mattress takes away safety concerns.” Co-founder of Project Nursery “It's incredibly comforting knowing my baby is sleeping on a breathable crib mattress.” “Not only is the mattress completely breathable (great for sweaty little babies), but it's also springy and comfortable, which can be hard to find in an infant mattress that meets safety standards.” Jessica Pallay + Kaity Velez co-founders of Well Rounded NY “Newton's crib mattress is at the top of our list for healthy, safe sleep for baby.” “Thanks to Newton Baby’s new breathable mattress, mamas have one less thing to worry about. The Newton Mattress is the first fully breathable and washable crib mattress.” “Dr. Sara and I fell in love with this mattress from the moment we saw it. Made of a polymer that is free of toxic materials, this mattress is made of breathable, washable material—…
The inner core is 90 percent air, allowing the air to freely circulate through the entire mattress.” “The idea of safety as it relates to breathability never really occurred to me. But the Newton Crib Mattress has opened my eyes...I like the idea that she can breathe well right through the mattress.” “Made of a patented material (10% food-grade polymer, 90% air) that does not off-gas or leach toxins, the Newton provides support while allowing the mattress to have unprecedented breathability (which waterproof mattresses, even the organic ones, lack).” “Every inch of the Newton crib mattress was designed with your baby’s health, safety, and comfort in mind.” “Not only can the zip-off cover of the breathable Newton Crib Mattress be washed, but the mattress core—filled with mostly air (90%), plus also 10% food-grade polymer—can be easily hand washed, too. There's no foam, no latex, no glue, no allergens, no off-gassing.” “It’s completely washable, so your baby will always sleep on the cleanest, most hygienic surface possible…
Why not opt for a mattress that’s made with healthier materials—one that is comfortable (and it is–I’ve sampled the material), but also appropriately firm, and, most importantly, safer.” “It is definitely a game changer! Its revolutionary design is amazing! The Newton crib mattress is completely breathable.” "The mattress was developed with new technology that makes it unlike anything the baby market has ever seen. It was designed with superior crib safety in mind and created without the use of any use of adhesives, latex, foam or chemicals, allowing your baby to sleep safely and soundly!" “It allows air to circulate freely, within the mattress itself, making it much more comfortable, and (most importantly) safe. The very first of these allergen-fighting, comfy, and 100% recyclable (when you’re finished with it!) mattresses.” “This breathable mattress is made from nothing but food grade polymer and air. It also meets Greenguard gold standards-among the most rigorous in the world- for low chemical emissions.”
"The Newton Crib Mattress is 100% washable and breathable, creating a safe, healthy sleep environment. Made from 90% air volume and Wovenaire (a patented cushioning material), this combo allows air to flow freely for optimal breathability and temperature regulation. Unlike foam and latex, it’s completely safe, hypo-allergenic, and doesn’t off-gas or leach." “Completely washable from the inside out, Newton is firm enough for your baby and comfy enough for your toddler meaning you have years of sweet dreams ahead.” “Giving your baby the most comfortable surface to sleep on is a no brainer investment in our opinion. A well-rested baby means well-rested parents. If you’re new to the parent scene, you’ll understand that a good night’s sleep is as good or better than gold.” “Because it’s light and airy it helps to reduce baby overheating and is as comfortable as a cloud, made of 100% recyclable food-grade polymer. Unlike foam and latex, these materials are completely safe, hypo-allergenic and won’t off-gas or leach chemicals.”
“What I like about this mattress for my babies is that I can wash it and it doesn’t allow for bacteria to grow…My little guy just transitioned to his crib last week and he is sleeping great on his Newton. “With no foam, latex or adhesives, Newton is hypoallergenic, free of off gassing and completely washable mattress. You Can throw the mattress into the shower to clean it! Completely wash away mold and bacteria for a fresher, more hygienic crib.” “With no foam, glue, latex, or springs, Newton is 100% recyclable, however because it’s 100% washable we expect you’ll prefer to hand it down through several children.” “Newton has created the first 100% breathable, washable and recyclable crib mattress. They are here to help babies and their parents rest smarter.” “Babies will turn any otherwise sane person into a ball of nerves, so it’s nice when a company recognizes this and puts our minds at ease. Newton Baby’s crib mattress is hypoallergenic, washable and completely recyclable.”