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How Much Does a Crib Cost? (Based on Materials and Features)

How Much Does a Crib Cost? (Based on Materials and Features)

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A crib provides your little one with a safe environment so you both can sleep soundly. Though a crib is one of the most important purchases you will make, crib shopping can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it can be hard to know how much you should be spending on a new crib.

On average, parents spend somewhere between $150 and $450 on a new crib; however, pricing can vary from under $100 to well over $1000. Factors that may influence a crib’s price include the quality of the materials, convertibility options to extend the crib’s usefulness into toddlerhood and beyond, overall design or aesthetics, and extra features.  

Keep reading to learn more about different crib options, pricing, and recommendations.

What is the average cost of a new baby crib?

Crib pricing can range anywhere from $100 to well over $1000. This variability can make it hard to set a budget while you’re searching for the perfect crib.

Ultimately, the amount you spend will depend on factors like quality, functionality, and design. On average, most parents find themselves spending an average of $150 to $450 on their baby’s crib. 

The design, materials, convertibility, and even special cutting-edge features that allow it to connect to your smartphone will influence the cost of your crib.

The average cost of a budget baby crib

According to CostHelper, the average price for a budget crib is $100-$150.

Features of Top Budget Cribs (According to Amazon Reviews)

CribAverage Rating (Number of Ratings)MaterialGreenGuard Gold CertifiedJuvenile Products Manufacturer Association (JPMA) CertifiedNon-toxic Paint/FinishAdjustable Mattress PositionsConvertibleOtherCost
Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Baby Crib4.7
(3,635)
New Zealand pine wood and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) compliant engineered wood2n/aDesigned for small spaces,
Easily foldable and portable
$99.00
Dream On Me 2-in-1 Folding Portable Crib4.6
(1,169)
New Zealand pine and TSCA-compliant MDF2
(lower position is classified as playpen height)
playpenPortable and easily storedstarts at
$114.99

DaVinci Union 4-in-1
4.6
(2,307)
100% New Zealand Pine4toddler bed,
day bed,
full-size bed
Clean, simple lines ensure the crib looks both contemporary and timeless$119.00
Dream On Me Carson Classic 3-in-14.6
(2,197)
New Zealand pine wood and TSCA-compliant MDF3toddler bed,
daybed
Includes a teething rail and lockable wheels$124.99
Dream On Me Chelsea 5-in-14.6
(1,734)
New Zealand pine4toddler bed,
day bed / kids sofa,
full size bed (with and without footboard)
Conversion kits need to be purchased separately$131.03
Delta Children Heartland 4-in-14.7
(1,537)
Wood3toddler bed,
daybed
Conversion kits need to be purchased separately$135.00
Dream On Me Aden 4-in-1 Mini Crib4.6
(1,467)
Solid pinen/amini daybed,
twin-size bed (with or without footboard)
Compact, perfect for small spaces$138.65
DaVinci Charlie 4-in-14.6
(1,177)
New Zealand pine3mini daybed,
twin-size bed
Comes with a 1" OEM mattress pad$149.10
Dream On Me Addison 4-in-14.6
(1,298)
Wood3mini daybed,
twin size bed
Comes with a 1" OEM mattress pad$149.99

At this price range, I recommend the Delta Children Heartland 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, which retails for $135. The design of this crib is simple and versatile, making it a great fit for any nursery.

It also comes with many features that you find in higher-priced cribs, including:

  • GreenGuard Gold Certification
  • JMPA Certification
  • Converts to a toddler bed or a daybed
  • Three mattress positions

With a rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon, reviewers appreciate its clean design and ease of assembly.

The average cost of a mid-range baby crib

The average price for a mid-range crib is $150-$450.

CribAverage Rating (Number of Ratings)MaterialGreenGuard Gold CertifiedJuvenile Products Manufacturer Association (JPMA) CertifiedNon-toxic Paint/FinishAdjustable Mattress PositionsConvertibleOtherCost
Graco Benton 4-in-14.7
(2,065 )
High-quality pine wood and wood composites3toddler bed,
daybed,
full-size bed
Conversion kits need to be purchased separately$159.99
Graco Benton 4-in-14.7
(2,065 )
High-quality pine wood and wood composites3toddler bed,
daybed,
full-size bed
Conversion kits need to be purchased separately$159.99
Dream on Me Violet 7-in-1
4.6
(2,557)
New Zealand pine4toddler bed / kids sofa,
day bed,
youth bed (with and without footboard),
full-size bed (with and without footboard)
Conversion kits need to be purchased separately$159.99
Delta Children Canton 4-in-1
4.8
(1,034)
Solid wood3toddler bed,
daybed,
full-size bed
Toddler guardrail and daybed rail included; full-size bed rails must be purchased separately$199.99
DaVinci Kalani 4-in-14.7
(3,372)
100% New Zealand Pine4toddler bed,
daybed,
full-size bed
Conversion kits need to be purchased separately$199.00
Dream on Me Ashton 5-in-14.6
(2,340)
Solid reclaimed New Zealand pine4toddler bed,
daybed,
full-size bed (with and without footboard)
Lightweight$169.99
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-14.8
(1,143)
100% New Zealand Pine4toddler bed,
day bed
Includes toddler bed conversion kit$399.00

At this price range, I recommend the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit, which retails for $399. This crib has a modern, contemporary design that comes in seven different color options.

Notable features include:

  • GreenGuard Gold Certification
  • Converts into a daybed and toddler bed
  • Conversion kit included
  • Four adjustable mattress positions
  • Made of solid New Zealand pine wood

With a 4.8 rating on Amazon, many reviewers love the design and quality of this crib.

Average cost of a premium or high-end baby crib

The average price for a high-end baby crib is $450-$1000.

At this hefty price range, I recommend getting something that is multifunctional and long-lasting. I love the Motherly by Storkcraft Timeless 5-in-1 Convertible Crib with Bonus Playhouse, which retails for $499.99. This crib has a clean, functional design that can transform into a playhouse!

Here are some of its features:

  • JMPA Certification
  • Converts into a daybed, toddler bed, full-size bed, and playhouse
  • All conversion pieces are included
  • Three adjustable mattress positions
  • Made of New Zealand pine wood (frame)

With a rating of 4.8 stars on Target, most of the reviewers are thrilled with their purchase, and more than one referred to it as “perfect.”

What makes baby cribs so expensive?

Your little one’s crib will likely be one of the priciest items you purchase for their nursery. Cribs can vary a great deal in price.

Here are some factors that may influence the price of a crib:

  • Convertibility
  • Safety Certifications
  • Brand and design
  • Materials
  • Extra features

Convertible cribs are more expensive

Nowadays, many cribs can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds, and even full-size beds. This means your baby’s crib may last them well into their teen years.

Convertible cribs tend to be higher in price, especially those that include the conversion kit. These convertible cribs may, however, save you money in the long run.

Safety Certifications

Safety is the most important factor when choosing a crib. Cribs that have been deemed unsafe, such as drop-side cribs, cannot be sold due to federal regulations.

Aside from federal requirements, there are voluntary certifications that are given to cribs that have gone through rigorous testing and are shown to exceed safety standards. Due to the extra care put into manufacturing these cribs, they may have a higher price tag.

Here are the two most common certifications:

    • JPMA Certification is based on ASTM, CPSC, and other federal, state, and retail standards. The JPMA uses third-party testing to assess the safety and performance of products to make sure they meet high standards.
    • GreenGuard Gold Certification ensures a product has passed strict third-party volatile organic compound (VOC) emission standards, which improves the quality of indoor air.

Though these certifications can be beneficial, it is important to remember that they are voluntary. If a product does not have these special certifications, it does not necessarily mean that it falls short of safety standards.

Some crib designs are more expensive than others

The crib tends to be the central part of most nurseries, so the design is very important to many parents. Here are some popular crib styles and their characteristics:

Characteristics and Cost of Popular Crib Designs

Design StyleCharacteristicsExample
Contemporary- Focuses on current trends

- Simple designs with clean lines and smooth surfaces

- Oftentimes use light-colored woods such as birch or maple
Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Price: $329
Traditional- Doesn’t go out of style

- Predictable, yet cozy

- Sometimes includes adornments and intricate details
DaVinci Charlie 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Price: $199
Mid-Century Modern- Popularized in the 1930s to 1960s

- Frequently combines sleek lines and organic shapes

- Functional and efficient
West Elm Mid-Century Convertible Crib

Price: $599
Boho- An earthy, laid back aesthetic

- Often incorporates greenery and flowing textured fabrics

- Uses unfinished woods, bamboo, and rattan
Pure Salt Charlotte Crib

Price: $698.00
Vintage- Refers to styles over twenty years old

- Can encompass many different design elements

- Unique, delicate, and nostalgic
Million Dollar Baby Classic Abigail 3-in-1 Convertible Crib in Vintage Gold

Price: $399.99
Rustic- Has a connection to the outdoors

- Warm and cozy

- Often incorporates natural textures and reclaimed woods
Child Craft Redmond 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Price: $299.90

While you’re shopping for a crib, you may discover that you have an expensive taste.

Design style can have a large impact on the price of a crib. Here are some reasons why:

  • Sleek styles with clean lines seen in Contemporary and Mid-Century Modern require more precision to manufacture.
  • More eclectic designs like boho may not be mass-marketed, making them rarer and more expensive. Conversely, traditional styles are typically more affordable.
  • A design style can influence the materials used to manufacture a crib, which can greatly affect price.
  • Trendy styles may have a higher price tag because consumers will pay a higher price tag.

Premium brands often have a higher price but less value

Looking at popular baby forums such as The Bump, many parents are happy with budget or mid-range cribs.

Though not all parents are unhappy with cribs purchased from premium brands, many agree that high-priced cribs are not necessary.

Many premium crib brands offer the same features as lower-priced cribs. In most cases, you are paying for the brand appeal, which

Cribs made from solid wood are priced higher

Manufacturing a crib from solid wood is more expensive than using composite wood such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, or particleboard.

Solid wood cribs are sought after because they tend to be more sturdy and durable.

Additionally, the glue used in composite wood is concerning to some parents. This glue can contain formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued formaldehyde emission standards for composite woods to ensure these wood products are safe; however, some parents are still more comfortable using solid wood.

If you are looking for an affordable, solid wood crib, I recommend IKEA’s SNIGLAR Crib, which is made from solid beech wood and is only $79.

Extra crib features raise the price

Extra crib features may entice parents to spend a little bit more on their crib.

Here are common features that tend to increase the cost of cribs:

  • Bassinet attachment – Bassinets tend to fit more easily at parents’ bedside, and they are more size appropriate for newborn babies. Bassinet attachments are common in pack-n-play cribs such as the Baby Trend Deluxe II Nursery Center, which retails for $149.99.
  • Changing table attachment – A crib and changing station combo provides parents with everything they need in close proximity. It’s also a great option for small spaces. Though a changing table attachment increases the cost of a crib, it may be less expensive than purchasing a matching crib and changing table separately. Amazon reviewers call the Dream On Me 5-in-1 Brody Convertible Crib with Changer in White, which retails for $290.00, a “great value.”
  • Extra storage – Additional storage is always useful in a nursery. The Storkcraft Moss Convertible Crib with Drawer, which is priced at $299.99, has a large drawer underneath the crib. Amazon reviewers say this drawer is perfect for storing extra sheets.
  • Smart capabilities – The Cradlewise Smart Crib costs around $1500 and is a great alternative to smart bassinets like the Snoo Bassinet, which babies grow out of quickly. This smart crib has a built-in monitor, tracks a baby’s sleep patterns, and has a quiet bouncing mechanism.

How much should I pay for a used crib?

The 50-30-10 rule is a common strategy for pricing used items that can also be useful for buyers. This rule suggests the following pricing based on condition:

ConditionPercentage of the retail cost
Unused50%
Lightly used30%
Well used10%

Experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend exercising caution when purchasing a used crib.

If you are buying a secondhand crib, look for one that is lightly used or in “like new” condition. Though purchasing a well-used crib may save you money, it can be a safety concern.

Check the following before purchasing :

  • It is in compliance with federal safety standards, most recently updated in 2010.
  • It has not been recalled.
  • It has no loose or missing hardware.
  • It is in good condition and does not require repair.
Joshua Bartlett
Joshua Bartlett

My name is Joshua Bartlett I run this blog with my wife Jarah. We have more than 11 years of parenting experience including three girls and one boy. I started this blog in late 2018 when I realized that I was dealing with baby-related issues on a constant basis…please read more about me here!