Shopping for Baby? the Best Budget Cribs on the Market

Cheapism.com
morguefile.com/enfinite5
morguefile.com/enfinite5

Between strollers, car seats, diapers, clothes and toys, outfitting a baby is a big expense. Even if you don't get caught up in mommy mania and purchase a designer diaper bag or titanium stroller, getting the right gear for your new little bundle can add up quickly. So when you're shopping for a piece of furniture that will only be in your home for a few years, you want to make sure you don't overspend. The good news is, you can find affordable and reliable cribs that offer safety, style, and even a brand name at low prices.

Related:Crib Reviews

Cheapism researched dozens of cribs and identified these three models as the best cheap cribs on the market:

  • The DaVinci Emily crib is a 4-in-1 convertible crib that starts at $180. It can be turned into a full-sized bed and features a toddler guardrail and options for four mattress levels. Customers praise its sturdiness and ease of assembly.

  • The Graco Lauren crib is also a 4-in-1 convertible model and offers three mattress heights. Parents like the design, stability, and relatively low price -- it starts at $135 -- of this name-brand crib.

  • The Baby Relax crib is a Walmart-exclusive, standard crib that comes with a matching dresser. Like the DaVinci Emily, it offers four different mattress heights. Reviewers like the look of the set and its solid build. Prices start at $169 for the set.


With everyone looking for a bargain these days, convertible cribs are dominating the baby crib market. These versatile cribs can be used long after your toddler graduates from his baby bed. Two-in-one, 3-in-1, and 4-in-1 models all grow with your child, converting from crib to toddler bed, daybed, and/or full-size bed and offering years of use. Some models may require a separate conversion kit, which can cost $100 or more, so check each model before purchase.

Luckily for babies (and parents' peace of mind), new cribs must conform to rigorous standards set in 2011 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. All models sold in the U.S. undergo safety testing, and the CPSC has outlawed traditional drop-down sides, which allow parents to lower a side of the crib to lift the baby out. To adapt to the new policy, many cribs, including all three of our recommended cribs, offer adjustable mattress heights, so parents can set the mattress high to easily lift out infants or low to prevent toddlers from climbing out.

Related: Budget Child Car Seats

Most cribs don't include mattresses, which cost between $40 and $150. The standard crib mattress size fits most models, but make sure to purchase a compatible mattress and crib. A well-fitting mattress should allow no more than two fingers to fit in any gaps between the mattress and the crib's sides.

More from Cheapism.com:
Low-Priced Baby Carriers
Cheap Diapers
Best Affordable Double Strollers

For more ways to save, follow Cheapism on Twitter and Facebook.
To stay on top of the latest posts, read the Cheapism Blog.