Nestig vs. Ikea vs. Pottery Barn: Which Crib Is Really Worth It?
If you’ve ever shopped for a crib, you know it’s a lot like dating. You scroll, compare, and read reviews, all while trying to find the one—safe, stylish, and built to last.
As a mom who’s gone through her fair share of sleepless nights (and furniture assembly sessions), I’ve learned that not all nursery furniture is created equal. So I decided to break down three of the most popular options: Nestig’s 3-in-1 Wave Crib, Ikea’s Älskvärd Crib, and Pottery Barn Kids’ Larkin 4-in-1 Crib.
Let’s see which one deserves a permanent spot in your nursery.
1. For Added Safety and Certifications… Nestig
When it comes to your baby’s crib, peace of mind matters more than anything else. Nestig goes above and beyond standard safety requirements. It’s both Greenguard Gold and Baby Safety Alliance Certified, meaning it’s been tested for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs. It’s also lead and phthalate-free with non-toxic finishes.
Pottery Barn Kids also takes safety seriously, with rigorous third-party testing and anti-tip kits across their furniture line. Ikea meets U.S. safety standards and includes a guard rail, but it doesn’t carry the same independent certifications.
In a category this important, Nestig’s attention to detail is unmatched.
Winner: Nestig
2. For Ease of Setup and Everyday Use… Nestig
Here’s the thing: no one wants to wrestle with furniture when you’ve got a newborn in the house. Ikea is known for affordable furniture, but that affordability often comes at the cost of…let’s just say, “complex” assembly. Pottery Barn’s crib is sturdier but also heavy and less portable once it’s in place.
Nestig’s 3-in-1 Wave Crib arrives in just two boxes, with every conversion kit and even the mini mattress included. Most reviewers say setup takes around 15 minutes to set up. The mini crib also has locking wheels, so you can easily move it from the nursery to your room during those early months—which means you can skip the bassinet and use the mini crib from day 1.
Winner: Nestig
3. For Convertability… Pottery Barn Kids
Ikea’s crib keeps things simple with a basic toddler-bed conversion, while Nestig ships as a full system—mini crib, full crib, and toddler bed all included upfront, no extra shopping required. But when it comes to long-term flexibility, Pottery Barn’s Larkin pulls ahead with a true 4-in-1 design that grows all the way into a full-size bed.
The tradeoff? You’ll need to purchase each conversion kit separately, which means added cost, extra shipping, and the chance something goes out of stock just when you need it. Plus, unlike Nestig, the Larkin doesn’t come with wheels, so you lose some day-to-day mobility.
Winner: Pottery Barn
4. For Design and Build Quality… Nestig
All three cribs bring something beautiful to the table. Ikea’s Älskvärd crib delivers that clean Scandinavian minimalism, while Pottery Barn’s Larkin offers a classic, substantial look with its poplar wood build and timeless presence. But Nestig manages to blend thoughtful design and everyday practicality in a way that feels effortless. Its handcrafted Brazilian pine frame is sustainably sourced and adapts to any nursery aesthetic—modern, coastal, cozy, or anything in between.
For parents who want a more traditional, heirloom-inspired look, Pottery Barn’s Larkin is still a gorgeous choice, though it’s heavier, bulkier, and comes with a higher price tag.
Winner: Nestig
5. For Sustainability and Craftsmanship… Nestig
This is where Nestig truly shines. Each piece is handmade in a family-owned Brazilian factory, using sustainably harvested wood and eco-friendly finishes. The brand produces cribs made-to-order, so there’s no excess waste or inventory sitting in warehouses.
Ikea focuses on affordability, which often means mass production, while Pottery Barn offers Fair Trade Certified manufacturing but with mixed material use (MDF and veneers).
If sustainability and craftsmanship are priorities for your family, Nestig’s approach feels both thoughtful and transparent.
Winner: Nestig
6. For Overall Price and Value… Nestig
There’s no denying that Ikea is the most budget-friendly option. But once you add up the cost of the mattress, conversion kit, and potential upgrades, that gap closes quickly. Pottery Barn’s Larkin crib sits at the opposite end—beautiful but pricey, with add-ons for each stage.
Nestig lands comfortably in the middle, delivering a complete nursery system in one purchase with no hidden costs. Considering its included mini crib, mattress, conversion kits, and 18-year warranty, it’s easily the best long-term value.
Winner: Nestig
Final Verdict
Each of these cribs has something to offer. Ikea wins on price, Pottery Barn wins on add ons, but Nestig wins where it matters most: safety, versatility, craftsmanship, and convenience. It’s a crib that grows with your family, arrives with everything you need, and gives you peace of mind from day one.
If you’re a parent who wants less guesswork and more peace of mind, Nestig’s 3-in-1 crib isn’t just a nursery essential—it’s a parenting upgrade.