Best Cribs: Convertible and Budget Picks That Meet the Federal Standard
Your baby will sleep in a crib for naps and nights for a couple of years or more, so it's worth getting right. Every full-size crib sold in the US since June 28, 2011 has had to meet the same federal standard, which means the cheapest crib here and the most expensive one pass the same safety tests. The differences are in looks, materials, how they convert and what you pay.
The five cribs below run from $100 to $399. All of them need a crib mattress bought separately.
| Best for | Pick | Price checked |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib | $189.99 |
| Best budget | Dream on Me Synergy 5-in-1 Convertible Crib | $99.99 |
| Best looking traditional | Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Crib | $244.00 |
| Best value | Delta Children Heartland 4-in-1 Convertible Crib | $138.99 |
| Best modern design | Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib | $399.00 |
Best Cribs
#1 · Best overall
Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
| Converts to | Toddler bed, daybed, full bed |
|---|---|
| Kits | Sold separately |
| Material | Pine and wood composites |
| Certification | GREENGUARD Gold |
| Size | 29.2 x 55 x 41.7 in |
| Model | 04530-217 |
The Graco Benton has the most reviews of the cribs we checked, about 9,500 with a 4.6 rating, at a middle price of $189.99 from Amazon.
The listing describes it converting from a crib to a toddler bed, a daybed and finally a full bed with a headboard and optional footboard. The toddler guardrail and the full-bed kit are sold separately. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions and made from pine and wood composites.
It weighs 42 pounds and measures about 29 by 55 by 42 inches.
Good for
- Huge review base at a fair price
- Grows into a full bed
Watch Out for
- Wood composites, not all solid wood
- Conversion kits cost extra
#2 · Best budget
Dream on Me Synergy 5-in-1 Convertible Crib
| Converts to | Toddler bed, daybed, full bed |
|---|---|
| Mattress heights | 3 |
| Material | Solid pine, steel support |
| Certification | GREENGUARD Gold |
| Size | 53 x 29 x 39 in |
| Model | 657-W |
The Dream On Me Synergy is the cheapest crib here at $99.99 from Amazon, with about 9,600 reviews and a 4.4 rating.
It's made from solid New Zealand pine with a steel mattress support that sets at three heights, according to the listing. It converts to a toddler bed, a daybed and a full bed with or without a footboard; the toddler guardrail and full-bed rails are sold separately. The listing says it's GREENGUARD Gold certified and needs no tools to assemble.
Its rating is the lowest of the five, and the warranty is one year.
Good for
- About $100
- Solid pine with a steel mattress support
Watch Out for
- Lowest rating here
- Rails for later stages cost extra
#3 · Best looking traditional
Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
| Converts to | Toddler bed, daybed, full bed |
|---|---|
| Included | Daybed rail |
| Mattress heights | 3 |
| Certification | JPMA, GREENGUARD Gold |
| Size | 55.75 x 30.25 x 43.75 in |
| Model | 7380-100 |
The Delta Children Emery is a classic arched-top crib with a 4.7 rating from about 3,800 reviews. The listing says it's JPMA certified, which means it was tested to the CPSC and ASTM standards.
It converts to a toddler bed, a daybed and a full bed with a headboard. Unlike most cribs, it includes the daybed rail; the toddler guardrail and full-bed frame are sold separately. The mattress sets at three heights so you can lower it as your baby learns to sit and stand.
At 43.75 inches tall, it's the tallest crib here. It was $244.00 from Amazon.
Good for
- 4.7 rating, includes the daybed rail
- Traditional arched look
Watch Out for
- Pricier than the Graco and Delta Heartland
- Tall headboard takes visual space
#4 · Best value
Delta Children Heartland 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
| Converts to | Toddler bed, daybed, full bed |
|---|---|
| Mattress heights | 3 |
| Certification | JPMA, GREENGUARD Gold |
| Size | 54.25 x 29.5 x 35 in |
| Crib weight | 38.7 lb |
| Model | 555140-130 |
The Delta Children Heartland has the same 4.7 rating as the Emery, from about 4,100 reviews, for about $105 less at $138.99 from Amazon.
It has a simple flat-top design and converts to a toddler bed, a daybed and a full bed, with the guardrail kit and full-bed frame sold separately. The mattress sets at three heights. The listing says it's JPMA certified and GREENGUARD Gold certified.
It measures about 54 by 30 by 35 inches and weighs 38.7 pounds.
Good for
- 4.7 rating for about $139
- Low, simple profile
Watch Out for
- Guardrail kit sold separately
- Plain design
#5 · Best modern design
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
| Converts to | Toddler bed, daybed |
|---|---|
| Included | Toddler conversion kit |
| Mattress heights | 4 |
| Material | FSC-certified pine |
| Size | 53.63 x 29.63 x 34.88 in |
| Model | M4201N |
The Babyletto Hudson is the design pick, with round spindles, turned-out feet and an open look. It has a 4.7 rating from about 2,300 reviews.
It converts to a toddler bed and a daybed, and unlike the others it includes the toddler conversion kit. The mattress sets at four heights. The listing says the frame is FSC-certified New Zealand pine with a lead- and phthalate-safe finish, and it's GREENGUARD Gold certified.
It doesn't convert to a full bed, and at $399.00 from Amazon it's the most expensive pick. Only 18 were left in stock when we checked.
Good for
- Modern look, toddler kit included
- Four mattress heights
Watch Out for
- The most expensive pick
- No full-bed stage
Compare the 5 Picks
| Pick | Price | Converts to | Kit included | Mattress heights | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib | $189.99 | Toddler, daybed, full | No | Not listed | 4.6 (9,544) |
| Dream on Me Synergy 5-in-1 Convertible Crib | $99.99 | Toddler, daybed, full | No | 3 | 4.4 (9,554) |
| Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Crib | $244.00 | Toddler, daybed, full | Daybed rail | 3 | 4.7 (3,776) |
| Delta Children Heartland 4-in-1 Convertible Crib | $138.99 | Toddler, daybed, full | No | 3 | 4.7 (4,085) |
| Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib | $399.00 | Toddler, daybed | Toddler kit | 4 | 4.7 (2,332) |
Prices and Amazon ratings (with review counts) as checked on October 17, 2026.
Crib Safety: The Federal Standard and Safe Sleep
The CPSC approved new mandatory standards for full-size and non-full-size cribs in December 2010, and since June 28, 2011 every crib sold in the US has had to meet them. The full-size rule, 16 CFR 1219, tests slat strength and spacing, corner posts, hardware, side latches and the mattress support. Cribs made after October 28, 2019 must meet the 2019 version.
A full-size crib's inside measures about 28 by 52 3/8 inches under the rule, and a full-size crib mattress is made to fit that space. The AAP says the mattress should be designed for your crib and fit tightly.
CPSC and AAP safe sleep basics: place your baby on their back for every sleep, on a firm, flat mattress with only a fitted sheet. The CPSC calls it "Bare is Best": no pillows, blankets, bumpers or toys, and no weighted blankets or swaddles.
The AAP recommends keeping your baby's crib or bassinet in your room, but not sharing your bed, for at least the first 6 months.
Old and Secondhand Cribs
The CPSC says a crib bought before June 28, 2011 that has no tracking label or registration form is unlikely to meet the current standards. A receipt alone doesn't prove it does. The AAP adds: don't use a crib that's missing its instructions or hardware, or that's broken, and check CPSC.gov for recalls.
Our article on checking baby gear for recalls explains where to find the label and how to search recalls.
How to Choose a Crib
Convertible Stages
Deciding between a crib and a bassinet for the first months? See bassinet vs crib.
All five convert to a toddler bed and a daybed; four also become a full bed. Most need extra kits for the later stages. The Emery includes its daybed rail and the Hudson includes its toddler kit.
Mattress Heights
A high mattress setting makes it easier to lift a newborn in and out. Lower it as your baby learns to sit and pull up. The Hudson has four heights; the Delta cribs and the Synergy have three.
Materials and Emissions
All five cribs say on their listings that they're GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions. The Synergy and Hudson use solid pine; the Benton uses pine and wood composites.
Budget for a Mattress
Our crib mattresses guide compares five firm, tight-fitting options.
None of these come with a mattress. Choose a firm full-size crib mattress that fits snugly; crib mattresses have their own federal rule, 16 CFR 1241.
Crib Questions
When Should I Lower the Crib Mattress?
Check your crib's manual. The listings for the Delta cribs say to lower the mattress as your baby begins to sit or stand.
Are Crib Bumpers Safe?
No. The AAP lists bumper pads among the soft items to keep out of your baby's sleep space, and the CPSC says nothing but a fitted sheet should be in a crib.
Can I Use a Hand-Me-Down Crib?
Only if you can confirm it meets the current standard. Look for the label and date, search CPSC.gov for recalls and make sure no parts are missing or broken.
The Bottom Line
The Graco Benton is the best all-round crib, with a huge review base and a full-bed stage for about $190. The Dream On Me Synergy costs about $100, and the Delta Children Heartland matches the top rating for about $139. Choose the Delta Children Emery for a traditional look or the Babyletto Hudson for a modern one. Whichever you buy, add a firm, snug mattress and a fitted sheet, and nothing else.