Cribs

What's behind our crib Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 14 models in cribs to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is based on safety, construction and ease of use.
Safety
Safety score incorporates compliance with federal and voluntary safety standards, drop side saftety (where applicable) and mattress support security. CR's tests do not address the durability issues associated with recent recalls that could impact safety.
Construction
Construction incorporates drop side hardware, general construction quality (including tpes of hardware used, e.g. the use of allen bolts, barrel nuts and the like; use of screw insert sleeves rather than placing screws directly into wood, etc.), sample and design defects, if any, and ease of assembly (which includes ease of following instructions for assembly). After testing, all cribs were examined for degraded operation (for example, the drop side movement had become stiff or got stuck), wobbliness or other wear.
Ease of assembly
Ease of assembly is based primarily on the amount of time required to assemble the crib, clarity of the instructions, whether or not the correct hardware was included and whether there was easy access to areas where fasteners must be tightened securely.
Can convert as child grows
Indicates that a crib can convert, with or without additional parts, to a toddler bed (TB), day bed (DB), or full-sized bed (FB).

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Recommended cribs

Recommended cribs are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended cribs

Crib buying guide

To find the crib that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Cribs Ratings

Find out which Cribs scored the best on our tests. Our tests are based not only on government and industry standards but also on standards our specialists think should apply, which re-create the experience you will have with the product.

Latest crib ratings

Of all the items you'll need for your baby, a crib is one of the most challenging to choose. There's a wide array of styles and price ranges. Unlike bassinets, cradles, and bedside sleepers, cribs are the only beds for babies that are required to meet federal government mandated standards. If you're looking for information about cribs, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ crib reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our crib buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and crib reviews to help you choose the best crib for your needs.

Ratings & recommended cribs

Cribs (14)

We judged most of the tested cribs Very Good to Excellent overall. New Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for full-size and portable cribs require the elimination of drop-side models that have been related to at least 32 deaths over the past few years. The standards also include rigorous new durability testing, and require improved warnings and labeling.

The stationary-side cribs were all Excellent overall. Every one was made of wood, though of varying quality. Many were in the $400 range. Many share a classic look, avoiding "cutesy" styling.

If you're not tall, you may favor a crib with a folding side--a sensible compromise between a stationary and drop side. We tested only one such crib--the Baby's Dream Ocean, $450--a heavy wooden model with a simple craftsman look. But the folding side requires two hands to fold and raise. This is a safety feature, to prevent the child in the crib from operating the folding side, but it is a disadvantage for a parent holding a baby.

Crib buying guide

A crib may seem like a big place to put your tiny newborn, but it's the safest place for her to sleep. While some parents use a cradle, bassinet, or bedside sleeper for the first few months, you can save money and worry by sticking with a crib. They're regulated by the federal government, and many are also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). There are currently no federal standards for bassinets, cradles, co-sleepers, or Moses baskets. (While some bassinets are certified by ... Read more

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