We Asked 9 Stylish Moms and Dads: What’s the Best Baby Crib?

No matter what details your nursery includes, we can all agree that there’s only one centerpiece of every baby’s sanctuary: the crib. While it might seem like a temporary furniture choice, buying a bed for your little one is a huge deal. Aside from finding one that ticks every box on your list (style, safety, price), the crib you choose should also double as a cozy nest for your baby. After all, they’ll be spending a lot of time there (hopefully sleeping quietly through the night!). 

With so many options to choose from, landing on the perfect crib for your tot can be a daunting task. That’s why we asked a handful of stylish parents to reflect on the best baby cribs for any kind of nursery—the ones they researched, purchased, tested, and now recommend to their friends. These six picks have their tick of approval. 

Our Top Picks

• Best overall: Stokke Sleepi Crib
• Best value: DaVinci Jenny Lind Crib
• Best sustainable choice: Oeuf Sparrow Crib
• Best customizable: Studio Duc Juno Crib
• Best convertible: Babyletto Lolly Crib
• Best splurge: Kalon Caravan Crib

Best Overall: Stokke Sleepi Crib

Sleepi Crib, Stokke ($700)

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When it comes to crib fan clubs, Stokke’s Sleepi option may just have the most members. One of them is design lover and mom of two young boys Dee Eke. “It’s been about four years since I bought my first Stokke crib,” she explains. “I loved it so much that I bought another one when my second son was born. Because they’re not rectangular, they take up less space and can squeeze into awkward nooks, not to mention that from the day your baby comes home until they’re about 10 years old, you can use the same crib by expanding with extension kits available on Stokke’s website. The company even sells replacement parts online and has amazing customer service. The cribs come with optional casters, which means I can move them around my apartment easily.”

Pittsburgh-based photographer Erin Kelly agrees. “I love that the Sleepi crib is convertible and can transition from a bassinet to a crib and then to a toddler bed,” she shares. “In its bassinet form, the crib fits cozily next to the bed in the master suite. Now, four years later, our youngest daughter (who is almost 2) still has room to grow.” What’s more: The crib has proved to be seriously durable. “It’s just as much of a beauty as the day I bought it,” adds Kelly, admitting she’s not prepared to scrap the piece once the toddler stage is behind them. “I’m imagining a really cozy kids’ reading couch that will grace our space for years to come.”

Best Value: DaVinci Jenny Lind Crib

Jenny Lind Crib, DaVinci ($220)

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For Domino’s contributing design director, Rachel Lasserre, simplicity is key when it comes to not breaking the bank on furniture for her 6-month-old daughter, Frances. “We have a Jenny Lind crib in the same style that my mom had when I was a baby, and that my sister had for my nieces and nephew,” she says. “I love that it has some family history to it. It’s traditional in style, but the black hue we chose gives it some edge. I can’t get over how affordable it is, while still appearing luxe. I just swapped out the plastic wheels it came with for brass ones, and it’s turned out great.” Kelly and Jeff Mindell of design blog Studio DIY are on the same page. “I was drawn to the Jenny Lind crib because it evoked a feeling of pure childhood magic—like the crib you’d find if you walked into the pages of a classic storybook,” says Kelly. “We wanted our son Arlo’s nursery to be infused with layers of texture, and the details on the railings played into that perfectly. I can’t imagine having a different crib in his room and would absolutely choose it again.”

Best Sustainable choice: Oeuf Sparrow Crib

Sparrow Crib, Oeuf ($895)

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When Jessie De Lowe, cofounder of wellness website How You Glow, was deciding on a crib for her guest room–turned–Cali-cool nursery, she landed on a bed that was both stylish and sustainable. The Oeuf Sparrow crib is Greenguard certified, which ensures that the piece was manufactured with low chemical emissions. “I was drawn to the Oeuf Sparrow because of the beautiful, natural design. I love how the crib can fit into any space,” explains De Lowe. “We have moved since purchasing it and had no doubt that it would work perfectly in any nursery. The fact that it is eco-friendly and converts into a toddler bed sealed the deal.”

Best Customizable: Studio Duc Juno Crib

Juno Crib, Studio Duc ($775)

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“I chose a Studio Duc crib for my daughter, and two years later it still looks and feels brand-new,” says interior designer Ariel Okin. “I love it because you can completely customize your crib down to the silhouette and colors (a designer’s dream!). It’s also an eco-friendly brand with the highest standards for materials, so when your toddler starts teething and chewing off the sides of the crib like a woodchuck, you can rest easy.”

Best Convertible: Babyletto Lolly Crib

Lolly Crib, Babyletto

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“When it was time for my daughter, Row, to move into her own room, we decided to go with the Babyletto Lolly crib,” says Linda Bui, vice president of operations at clean beauty brand Ami Colé. “It’s a beautiful design that does well with any nursery decor, and a three-in-one convertible crib that easily transitions from a crib to a toddler bed to a daybed, so we don’t have to worry about another bed until she is at least 4 years old. She has slept peacefully and safely since her first night of transition, and now she’s 18 months and still sleeps through the night, so I’m not changing cribs until I have to!”

Best Splurge: Kalon Caravan Crib

Caravan Crib, Kalon ($1,495)

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Courtney Adamo, founder of lifestyle brand Babyccino, swears by one crib and one crib only. “We used the Caravan crib from Kalon Studios, and it’s the crib I recommend to everyone,” she shares. “Like all of the furniture by Kalon, it’s made in the U.S. from sustainably sourced American wood. It’s such a beautiful piece, and the simple raw wood complements any nursery decor. What I love most about the Caravan is that it can convert to a toddler bed or stylish seating platform, so you get the most use out of it, even as your baby grows.” 

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Types of baby cribs

No matter what your child’s needs are, there’s a crib out there to make life (read: getting a decent night’s sleep) easier. If you’re settled at home and know exactly where your baby’s bed will be placed, going with a conventional style might be the best option. Traditional cribs are pretty straightforward—they come without additional features like under-bed drawers and an adjustable base for different mattress heights.

Parents eager for a one-and-done purchase should consider a convertible crib. With the addition of an extra piece or the subtraction of a preexisting railing, these beds grow with your child so that you don’t have to purchase an entirely new bed every time they have a growth spurt. The best part? You can often buy optional conversion kits to make the process quick and easy.

If you’re planning to relocate in the near future or keep changing your mind on room layout, a portable crib has your name written all over it. These cribs can easily roll throughout your home or onto a moving truck (just make sure to lock them into place when not in motion). Some models are even foldable, allowing for easy storage in between homes (or kids!). 

Size

The worst surprise when buying any kind of furniture is coming home to a piece that doesn’t fit well in your space. Something to keep in mind when shopping for a crib: A standard model should measure around 28-by-52 inches and last your child their first 18 to 24 months, while a standard mattress can be transitioned to a toddler bed once your mini me learns to monkey their way out of the crib. 

If space saving is key or if the baby is sharing a room with an older sibling or twin, try a mini crib measuring 24-by-38 inches. Not only is it easier on the wallet, it’s also easier to move around if you’re trying to reconfigure your space (like this clever shared bedroom–meets–home office). 

Shape

For design-minded parents, a fun way to add unique flair to your nursery is with a nontraditionally shaped crib. Circular, oval, and pod-shaped choices are becoming more and more popular for aesthetically driven parents—peep Katy Perry’s nursery for inspiration. Just keep in mind: You’ll have to find a similarly shaped mattress to match, and your baby will likely grow out of their crib sooner, as curved cribs are often smaller than their standard counterparts. 

Safety and bar spacing

The most important factor to keep in mind when shopping for a crib is your little one’s safety, and understanding a crib’s features is the first step in making sure they’re taken care of at night and beyond. The first thing to avoid? Drop-side cribs. This style has been illegal in the United States since 2011, but if you do happen to come across one secondhand, steer clear. They’ve been known to cause harmful and potentially fatal injuries to babies.

Unless you’re opting for a clear-side crib, odds are yours will have bars. Make sure the slats are no more than 2 ⅜ inches apart (if you can fit a soda can through them, they’re too far apart!). Always check for loose hardware, that any paint or finishes on the crib are nontoxic, and that non-decor like mobiles or art hang directly above the crib for fear of falling.   

How We Vetted These Products

Every product in a Domino guide meets these criteria: 

1. They blend form and function. We believe the best-designed products reflect your personal style and are a joy to use. 
2. They’re expert approved. In addition to our team of editors, we tap a range of designers, makers, renovators, and all-around knowledgeable people to share their intel. 
3. They’re endorsed by people who actually own them. We pay close attention to real reviews to know that they pass the test IRL.