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Cribs

Babies outgrow bassinets around six months. Start here to find the best crib for your nursery.

Frequently Asked Questions


What should I consider when choosing a crib for the nursery?

Watching your little one peacefully snoozing in their crib is one of the greatest pleasures of parenting. Whether you use a crib from day one or transition into one later, most parents get years of use out of this nursery essential. A crib is more than just a safe place for your little one to sleep—it’s also one of the biggest pieces of nursery furniture you’ll invest in and a chance to show off your personal style. When choosing a crib, consider factors such as safety features, mattress support, adjustable mattress height and the crib’s design and materials. Our baby crib shopping guide includes 40+ options to chose from that meet safety standards and provide a comfortable and secure sleeping environment for your baby.

What should I look for in a crib mattress?

Crib mattresses are one of the items that Babylist parents tell us they’re the most confused about—and we completely understand why. Babies spend a lot of time asleep (even though it may not seem that way), making a crib mattress something you’ll use a lot—and for many, many years. There are safe sleep guidelines to think about, plus questions around concerns like chemicals and off-gassing. And with seemingly hundreds of crib mattress options out there, from innerspring to foam and touting everything from breathability to temperature regulation, there’s a LOT to think through. Bookmark this crib mattress shopping guide for when you’re ready to tackle crib mattress research.

Should I get a mini crib?

A mini crib is a smaller version of a full-size crib. Mini cribs share many of the same features as full-size cribs, just in a reduced size. Does thinking about how to fit a crib—along with all the other baby gear—into your home throw you into a panic? Consider a mini crib. It’s a major space saver and sometimes a multitasker, too, doubling as a bassinet or transitioning into a toddler bed down the road. Our list of the best mini cribs are expert-tested and parent-approved.

What is a smart crib?

Baby tech is making new parenthood easier than ever before. Smart cribs bring tech into the nursery and can help your baby sleep better and longer—and that is something we’re always here for. Smart cribs often include features like motion, sound, lights and vibrations. Some smart cribs detect your baby’s cries and respond with motion and sounds; others learn your baby’s sleep patterns and can even start soothing them before they fully wake up. (Many also offer sleep analytics so you can track and analyze your baby’s sleep over time.) Most smart cribs are Bluetooth compatible and can be controlled via an app on your phone or other devices, and some can be linked to Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Babylist’s picks for the best smart cribs will help you find an option that has all the tech-y features you are looking for.

What are the best travel cribs?

Traveling with babies and kids can be so rewarding, but there’s one thing you need when you get going: gear. The best travel cribs are super portable to make your job as carrier-of-all-the-stuff a tad easier. To maximize your packing efficiency, you may want to have a travel stroller (or maybe your usual travel system will work just fine) and a travel car seat, but no matter how lightly you want to pack, your little one will need a safe place to rest.

What furniture items are essential for a nursery?

For being such small people, babies really tend to collect a lot of stuff! The essential furniture items for a nursery are pretty straightforward and usually include a crib or another safe sleep space, a changing table or dresser with a changing pad, and a comfortable chair or glider for feeding and soothing your baby.

How many crib sheets do I need?

It’s recommended to have at least 2-3 crib sheets on hand so that you can have a spare while one is in the wash. Babies can sometimes have diaper leaks or spit-up incidents, so having extra sheets ensures a fresh and clean sleeping surface.