Experts say a basic crib can be just as safe a fancier model, and a better value. Some reviewers actually prefer a no-frills design, pointing out that static sides improve stability while simple lines reduce the risk of injury. At the top of this category in reviews is IKEA's crib line: five basic models with a minimalist look and few added features. Parents and experts give IKEA's cribs high scores overall. Australia's Choice magazine (similar to Consumer Reports) specifically recommends the now-discontinued IKEA DIKTAD, but the IKEA LEKSVIK (*est. $150) has almost identical features. The LEKSVIK crib is made of solid wood and veneer, has two mattress height settings and converts to a toddler bed. An even more basic option from IKEA is their budget SNIGLAR crib (*est. $80). Made of solid beech, the SNIGLAR has two height settings and one side that can be removed once the child is able to climb in and out independently. IKEA cribs fit standard-sized crib mattresses, including their 3.5-inch SULTAN BLUNDA (*est. $40) which is sold separately. However, in some reviews, the mattress is criticized for being thin and not very comfortable. But since the IKEA baby cribs are a standard size, you aren't limited to buying an IKEA crib mattress.Another less expensive crib, the Delta Jenny Lind 2 in 1 Convertible (*est. $120) is ranked number one in an older comparative review. It also gets the only Parent's Pick rating at ConsumerGuide.com. Unfortunately, however, Delta's cribs have a history of recalls, and parent-written reviews are mixed. Many users posting at Target.com and on the Babies 'R' Us website say the Delta baby crib is generally sturdy, attractive and easy to set up and use. Those who like it say they appreciate the toddler bed conversion, the smooth drop sides, the locking wheels and the no-tool assembly. Others report less positive experiences. A few reviews mention cracked headboards and side rails, and one mother says her child was able to bite off a piece from one of the side slats. Several parents say their cribs came unevenly painted, smelling strongly of paint fumes and prone to chipping and flaking. Even ConsumerGuide.com, which gives the Delta Jenny Lind an almost perfect score for value, ease of use and features, mentions a strong paint smell. Another common theme is poor customer service. Several users say they have found Delta to be insufficiently helpful when they have called to report problems with their cribs.
DaVinci is another brand that gets mixed reviews from parents and from experts. The DaVinci Emily (*est. $230 to $400, depending on model) is made of solid pine with four mattress height settings and a stationary crib side. Reviews on BabyCenter.com, Target.com and Amazon.com are mostly positive. Most parents say it's sturdy, assembles easily and looks stylish. 3Luxe.com, a new review website, includes the Emily in its top-three crib list primarily because of its expandability: it converts to a day bed and a toddler bed with included parts, and then to a full-size bed with an optional bed rail kit (*est. $45 to $150). The most common complaints about the DaVinci Emily baby crib involve the wood and the finish. Many parents say the wood dents easily and can be easily damaged by teething babies. There are also several reports of the finish chipping off easily and even bleeding off completely when the baby sucks on the crib. Million Dollar Baby, the manufacturer of the DaVinci crib line, says that although they don't recommend letting babies chew on their products, the paint used is non-toxic and will not cause harm.
According to the reviews we read, a better option, especially for those who don't like IKEA's minimalist design, is the Child Craft Contemporary Crib (*est. $250) . Child Craft gets a good rating from experts and parents, despite some reader complaints of poor customer service. The brand has a long history of quality, safety and value. Customers at Amazon.com and Target.com in particular like the Child Craft Contemporary, saying the locking casters work well and the knee-push drop-side mechanism is smooth and easy to use. The only common complaint is the set-up process, which some parents say is more difficult than they expected. The Child Craft Contemporary baby crib converts to a daybed and comes with a single drop side and four-position mattress height adjustment.
