Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Graco Benton 4-in-1 | Best Overall | 4.7/5 |
| Delta Children Emery | Best Budget | 4.6/5 |
| Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 | Best Premium | 4.7/5 |
| DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 | Best for Small Rooms | 4.5/5 |
| Dream On Me Aden | Best Compact | 4.6/5 |
When I bought our first crib, I picked it based on looks and regretted it within a month. The slats were loud, the mattress floated, and the hardware loosened constantly. By baby number two, I knew what to look for.
These are the five infant cribs I’d actually buy again - safe, solid, and built to last past the first year.
1. Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
The clean modern look that converts to a toddler bed and daybed. Hudson has been my top recommendation to friends for years. Check it on Amazon
2. DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
The best value convertible. Solid wood, four heights, and it converts all the way to a full-size bed. Check it on Amazon
3. Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
The most affordable safe pick. Greenguard Gold certified and assembled in under an hour. Check it on Amazon
4. Pottery Barn Kids Larkin Convertible Crib
Premium, heavy, gorgeous. If budget allows, this one is the heirloom piece. Check it on Amazon
5. Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
The pick for small nurseries. Compact footprint without sacrificing safety certifications. Check it on Amazon
What Matters Most
For me, the non-negotiables are JPMA certification, Greenguard Gold for low VOCs, and a snug mattress fit with no gaps wider than two fingers. Beyond that, I look at how the hardware feels - cheap cam locks loosen, threaded inserts don’t.
My Setup
We use the Babyletto Hudson with a Naturepedic firm mattress and a single fitted sheet. No bumpers, no pillows, no loose blankets. The wearable sleep sack is the only soft thing in there.
Common Mistakes
People buy a crib and a mattress separately without checking dimensions. The crib mattress should fit so snugly you have to work to get it in. The other big mistake is using a hand-me-down crib without checking it against the current safety standards - drop-side cribs are banned, and old ones still float around.
Final Recommendation
The Babyletto Hudson is my top overall pick. If you want the same safety on a smaller budget, the Graco Benton is the workhorse that doesn’t compromise on the things that actually matter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a convertible crib?+
Not strictly, but I do recommend one. The cost spread over toddler bed and daybed years is much better than buying a new bed twice.
How firm should the mattress be?+
Very firm. If you can press it and your hand sinks more than half an inch, it's too soft for an infant. Safe sleep guidance is strict for a reason.