About.com

Top 10 Baby Cribs Under $250

By Heather Corley, About.com
August 2009
View Article

Stylish baby cribs traditionally have an equally fantastic price tag. Thanks to a new crop of budget-savvy parents, baby crib manufacturers now make plenty of budget baby cribs that have all of the style and features of expensive counterparts. The only difference you'll see in many of these baby cribs is the discount price! If you're on a budget, never fear. You can create a stylish baby nursery with less cost than ever, thanks to these great baby cribs under $250.

1. Baby Mod Cadence 4-in-1 Crib
Baby Mod is a division of Million Dollar Baby, a company that sells cribs in higher price ranges at specialty stores. Baby Mod's Cadence crib has all of the style and durability of a higher-priced crib, but it costs less than $250. Rolled edges on the front and back rail, plus curvy, detailed wood on the legs give this crib an elegant look. The Cadence crib is available in four finishes and has four mattress height positions. The toddler bed rail is included with this crib (it's a separate purchase for many cribs) and you can also convert it to a day bed and headboard / footboard (bed rails or frame needed). No drop sides.

2. Graco Dakota Classic Crib
Eco-friendly cribs are quite popular now, but usually the prices are a bit high for budget shoppers. The Graco Dakota Classic Crib offers an eco-friendly option for about $200, though. All of the wooden components are from sustainable forests and are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council through the Rainforest Alliance Smartwood Program. The dark finish is water-based and even the packaging is made from recycled or recyclable materials. The crib has three mattress height positions, caster wheels, and converts to a day bed, toddler bed and full-size headboard. No drop sides.

3. DwellStudio Silver Lake Crib
If you're looking for a sleek, modern crib at a budget price, the DwellStudio Silver Lake crib offers straight white slats flanked by contrasting light or dark wood end rails. Two drawers underneath have heavy-duty metal slides, which is a nice touch at this price range. The crib has three mattress height positions and is made of solid wood. No drop sides. Converts to a full-size bed. About $250.

4. Graco Shelby Classic Convertible Crib
This stationary crib has pretty details on the sides that mimic high-end baby furniture. The Graco Shelby Classic 4-in-1 Crib has rolled, sleigh-like sides on top, and features three mattress height positions and a lower profile that makes it easier to reach in to pick up your baby. This crib converts to a toddler bed, day bed and full-size headboard (bed rails or bed frame needed). It's available in a dark cappuccino finish and costs about $230. No drop sides.

5. StorkCraft Meaghan Baby Crib
The side rails of the StorkCraft Meaghan crib are sleigh-style with rolled edges, while the back rail is gracefully arched to create a beautiful focal point for baby's nursery. The crib legs also curve outward and have rounded feet. The Meaghan crib converts to a full-size headboard and footboard. It is available in five finishes and has a single-piece adjustable mattress support. No drop sides. About $250.

6. Da Vinci Jenny Lind Baby Crib
A Jenny Lind crib offers classic styling, usually at a budget price, and this Jenny Lind crib from Da Vinci is no exception. The crib's slats are turned and curvy rather than straight, adding visual interest. Four mattress levels, caster wheels and a "safety glide" drop side system add convenience for parents. A conversion kit is available separately to change the crib into a toddler bed.

7. Dream On Me Sleigh Convertible Baby Crib
Sleek but classic sleigh curves add interest to this crib from Dream On Me. Three mattress heights allow for growing room, while caster wheels and a single drop-side give parents an easier time in the nursery. You can convert this crib to a day bed easily. Five finishes are available, including white, black and wood tones.

8. Graco Sarah Baby Crib
Another 4 in 1 crib, the Graco Sarah crib converts to a toddler bed, day bed and headboard for a full size bed, but has a great low price. The roll top rails on the head and foot boards add a pretty touch, as do the curved corner pieces, while the straight slats look sleek and classic. The three position mattress support offers enough heights to accommodate a growing baby. This crib also has caster wheels and a single drop side.

9. Storkcraft Sandra Baby Crib
This basic baby crib from Storkcraft has pretty, curved end rails and straight slats. The one-hand "list and drop" drop side release is really convenient when your other arm is busy with baby. The Sandra crib offers three mattress heights and caster wheels for convenience. While this crib doesn't offer a lot of frills, it is definitely a cozy space for your baby at a very reasonable price - probably one of the lowest priced full size cribs available.

10. Graco Lauren Convertible Drop-Side Baby Crib
Available in three finishes - white, natural and espresso - the Graco Lauren drop-side crib has a mission-style look with clean lines and a decorative back rail. This crib converts to a toddler bed, daybed and full-size headboard, so you can use it well past your baby's first years. The casters on the bottom make it easy to move the crib around when necessary. Three mattress heights accommodate your growing child safely.