When visualizing a nursery for your newborn baby, one piece that likely comes to mind first is likely the crib. Quality cribs offer both aesthetics and functionality – often providing lasting use across years and years for generations of family use! While an investment such as this might seem substantial at first, consider its long-term worth before making such a commitment.
Here are a few important considerations when shopping for the perfect baby crib: prices, sizes and more! Here is some essential knowledge you should keep in mind as you browse.
How much do baby cribs cost? It may come as no surprise to learn of the wide variation when it comes to costs for cribs for infants. Here, our listings range from $134 up to $749–but there may also be options at higher price points available.
Understanding that all baby cribs sold in the U.S. must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations can be helpful; while $200 cribs might differ slightly from more costly offerings, both meet baseline safety standards that have to be met for compliance.
Note that safety regulations continue to evolve. Cribs with drop-side rails were prohibited as of 2011 – therefore when purchasing used cribs be wary that they may no longer adhere to current standards and could pose potential hazards for your baby’s wellbeing.
Assembling long-lasting cribs can be challenging. Finding one is about striking a balance between durability and functionality; first look for well-constructed cribs (particularly those designed to convert between sizes), as this will likely last the longest. When viewing models in person pay close attention to how it was assembled if applicable.
Safety-wise, it is advised to switch your child from their crib to a toddler bed as soon as they begin climbing out of it – this may happen before or after their second birthday; either way, investing in one that converts easily between crib and toddler/junior/full size bed could extend its use over time.
Related Article: 4 Key Considerations when Shopping for a Crib
What Is the Difference Between Mini Crib and Standard Crib? With every new baby comes more stuff, which may make life tricky if space is at a premium. Mini cribs offer smaller versions of standard cribs which might make for easier room sharing or non-conventional nursery spaces; typically measuring 24″ wide x 38″ long as opposed to 28” wide by 52″ for conventional cribs.
What Is A Convertible Crib? Convertible cribs offer different configurations as your child grows. Common options for convertible cribs are turning them into toddler beds and day beds or full beds (sometimes this could even become their sole bed), depending on which company manufactured your convertible crib and any necessary hardware may come included with that convertible crib; otherwise you must buy this separately separately; additionally for any day bed+ options, additional mattress size requirements apply as well as potential safety considerations.
Convertible cribs may be popular choices, but they might not suit every family. For instance, if you plan to keep the same crib for multiple children at once, an older sibling might require transitioning out when younger sibs require it as their bed.
Related Article: Does BabyBjorn portable travel crib make sense?
Why We Love the Yuzu 8-in-1 Convertible Crib: When it comes to convertible cribs, few can match Yuzu’s eight-in-1 convertible crib! Offering everything from bassinets, midis, fullsize cribs and toddler beds all the way through daybeds for day beds (and everything in between), Yuzu can do it all, making life simpler when your child changes stage or space is limited – plus buying includes conversion kits so one less thing has to be worried about! We especially adore its modern, versatile modern design that fits seamlessly in any setting (read up more why Yuzu is such an ideal pick here!)
Babyletto exceeds all standards when it comes to safety and sustainability with their Yuzu crib made of New Zealand pine wood with non-toxic finishes that earned it Greenguard Gold Certification. You’ll find natural wood, natural walnut and white finishes for Yuzu as well as its bassinet pad and mid-sized mattress included with it.
Age Range: Newborn to five years.
Nestig is making waves on the market with their gorgeous, high-quality and functional cribs; one such product is their Wave convertible crib: its unique modern design allows it to adapt with changing room decor as your family and your child grow together. Plus, Nestig’s dedication to sustainability extends from handmaking each crib in Brazil at their family-owned factory right up until delivery directly to you!
More Info: The Wave convertible crib comes in either natural wood tones or white hues and includes both a mini crib mattress and conversion kits for easy installation and adjustments to three height positions, wheels for effortless movement, as well as locks that enable added safety features.
Why We Love it: Nothing says heirloom like the Liberty 3-in-1 Convertible Spindle Crib by Namesake! Featuring classic spindles anchored to an extra sturdy frame, and boasting Greenguard Gold certification (to show that its chemical emissions standards have been exceeded), its hardware remains hidden for baby’s safety.
More to Know: With its included conversion kit, this full-sized crib can quickly transform into a toddler bed (requiring another conversion kit to become a daybed). Furthermore, its mattress height can also be easily adjusted into four positions for convenient use.
Why we love it: For families living with limited space, the DaVinci Dylan Folding Portable 3-in-1 Convertible Crib is our go-to pick! As Motherly Editor Katie puts it so eloquently: “We loved that this mini crib had wheels — when our daughter outgrew her bassinet we simply wheeled it right into our bedroom; once she started sleeping alone again it went back into its nursery home!”
The Dylan stroller makes folding and storage simple for any situation without compromising safety or style. Greenguard Gold Certified for added peace of mind.
More Information: As one of our more affordable options, this mattress pad represents incredible value – particularly as it includes one inch. If you wish to transform this crib mattress into a twin bed, an optional mini crib mattress and conversion kit must also be purchased separately.
Why we love it: At IKEA, the Sniglar Crib stands out with its exceptional price point and easy assembly process – both of which we thoroughly endorse! Plus it adds Scandinavian vibes with sustainably-sourced solid beech wood which provides cool Scandinavian aesthetics!
Motherly editor Shannon is an enthusiastic champion of IKEA’s Sniglar crib! When creating her nursery design she desired bright but minimalist colors while being affordable; I found a minimalist wood crib at IKEA which she fell in love with instantly: It converts from crib into toddler bed later! “
Learn More: This bed base can be adjusted to two heights for comfort. With the included conversion kit, one rail can be removed easily to transform this crib into a toddler bed.
Why We Love the Finn Sage Green Crib: Naturally, you caught us falling for this crib’s soothing sage green hue; who could resist?! But our fondness of this crib extends far beyond just its hue – our admiration of its modern minimalist aesthetic with complementary wood tone legs is also unwavering – it truly stands out as a unique statement piece while providing your infant with ample sleeping space and Greenguard Gold certification! Made out of poplar wood rails and spindles it also comes complete with Greenguard Gold certification to further ensure complete peace of mind during use by its parents or grandparent’s!
More to Know: Convert your Finn crib into a toddler bed using the optional conversion kit and rail sold separately, and complete your nursery aesthetic by including one of their matching dressers or night stands!
Why we love it: This Farmhouse Crib & Changer Combo is the ideal nursery space-saver! Including both a full-sized crib and detachable dresser/changing table combo in its farmhouse-style frame made with non-toxic poplar wood construction, you have just about everything needed for a nursery in one convenient package – not to mention conversion kits that can convert it to become toddler beds, day beds and full beds (both sold separately).
More to Know: Featuring three wood tones/colors that would look at home in any farmhouse setting, this crib makes a grand statement in your child’s nursery.