Compact and portable cribs

Although there are some mentions of the same paint and denting issues affecting the full-size version, reviewers of the DaVinci Emily Mini (*est. $180 to $260) say they are pleased with it overall. Designed for homes with limited space, the Emily Mini weighs 50 pounds, making it almost a third lighter than a conventional crib. Parents say it fits well into small spaces but is still roomy enough for babies to sleep in comfortably. DaVinci also makes two other mini cribs. The Annabelle (*est. $150 to $260) , like the Emily, can convert to a twin bed with the addition of a separate bed rail kit, and the Alpha crib (*est. $150 to $270) has casters for easier moving and a round base for rocking babies to sleep.

The Delta Fold-a-Way Portable Crib (*est. $120) is another compact crib that parents say works well in small spaces. Parents on Amazon.com say it rolls easily and fits through doors. One major advantage of this design is that it allows parents to move the crib into the nursery at around six months old, when experts say babies no longer need to spend the night in their parents' rooms. Most parents posting to review sites say they use the Fold-a-Way primarily at home, but those who travel with it say it folds up well and fits into an SUV or van (but not most cars). The Fold-a-Way portable crib has a single drop side and a two-height mattress support. The mattress is included, but several parents say it's much too thin and flimsy, and some report having replaced the mattress with a higher-end model. Even with the added cost of a mattress, though, the Delta Fold-a-Way is less expensive than the DaVinci Emily Mini without the paint and denting problems.

The Stokke Sleepi (*est. $750) is an unusual baby crib that gets excellent reviews from both parents and experts. Advocates say its space saving design makes it a good choice for apartments and smaller rooms. The Sleepi starts out as a mini bassinet for babies up to six months old and expands into a crib with the included wooden sides. The Sleepi can also be converted into a toddler bed and, with additional parts, a full-size bed. When the bed is no longer needed, it can be made into a pair of matching chairs. Parents posting comments to BabyCenter.com and Epinions give the Sleepi mostly positive reviews. They like the round shape and lack of sharp edges, and they say the bassinet rolls easily from room to room and through narrow doorways. The only negative mentioned consistently is the price of linens (*est. $225 for a four-piece bedding set) which are sold separately and add considerably to the total cost. One reviewer on Baby Center complains that the mattress is five inches shorter than the crib. Stokke has since issued a recall for the incorrectly sized mattresses, shipped with about 1,000 Sleepi cribs manufactured between September 2006 and March 2007. Owners of the Stokke Sleepi crib can get more information on the Stokke website (see our Best Research section) or through their toll-free information line at 1-877-978-6553.