A baby’s crib is the central theme of your nursery, as well as important to your baby since they will be spending a lot of time in their crib. There are five basic crib types to choose from, but within these styles are a variety of different designs and colors. Before you begin to shop around for or buy a crib, here is a list of these crib types along with some helpful information, which may help you narrow your search.
1. Standard Cribs
A standard crib is your basic, rectangular shape crib that is normally good to use for a baby up to 18-24 months, or when your toddler just outgrows it. It is the most common crib used, but there are many different styles and colors, from ornate designs to simple frames. Standard cribs used to have drop-sides for easy access, but as of June 2010, these cribs are banned due to safety issues, so all cribs are now required to have secure, fixed sides.
Here are some examples of standard crib styles and finishes:
- Da Vinci Jenny Lind Baby Crib
- Alpha crib
- DaVinci Kalani Crib
- Hampton Star Crib
- Anastasia Crib
2. Convertible Cribs
A convertible crib, or lifetime cribs, gives you the ability to adjust the mattress height and convert the crib into a toddler bed and/or double bed for future use. These cribs are normally more expensive than the standard crib, but will grow with your child. Like the standard crib, there are many different styles and color options, with the most popular style used in the convertible crib being the sleigh bed design.
Here are some examples of convertible crib styles and finishes:
- Emily Convertible Crib
- DaVinci Kalani Convertible Crib
- Allegra Convertible Crib
- Graco Shelby Classic 4 in 1 Convertible Crib
- Delta Childrens Products Canton 4 in 1 Convertible Crib
3. Canopy Cribs
Canopy beds have a canopy top over the crib, which are popular because it creates a cozy, cute nursery. These canopy tops can be standard, where it covers a frame, or have side panels that enclose the crib. It is best to determine if the fabric used is appropriate, because you do not want little hands or feet getting stuck or caught up in lace or frilly fabrics. Keep in mind too that you’ll need to remove the canopy when or after your baby reaches 4 months, because like music mobiles and crib pads, a baby can use it to climb and fall out of his/her crib.
Here are some examples of canopy crib styles and finishes:
- Storytime 4 Poster Crib
- Jewel Crown Iron Crib
- Cow Over the Moon Iron Baby Crib
- Newhaven 4 in 1 Convertible Canopy Crib
- Twin Heart Crib
4. Round Cribs
This modern, trendy style is great for a nursery that has limited space or is an odd-sized room. The round crib typically measures about 46 inches in diameter and also has the option of a canopy. It comes in many different finishes and colors, but the majority of the crib designs are set around a theme, like butterflies, princesses, stars, or sports. The only downfall is that this crib will not convert into a toddler bed, and your toddler or baby will outgrow this crib at about 35 inches tall.
Here are some examples of round crib styles and finishes:
- STOKKE SLEEPI System I Crib
- Twinkle Star Light Round Baby Crib
- Frette Crib
- Leap Frog Round Crib
- Round Spindle Crib
5. Portable Cribs
Portable cribs, or 3-in-1 folding portable cribs, are great for traveling or visiting babies and toddlers. These safe cribs easily fold up for storage, have wheels to provide mobility, some have 2 – 4 mattress levels as well as convert into daybeds. The difference between these cribs and pack-in-plays is that they are more appealing, versatile, mobile, and normally come with a 1″ mattress. These cribs are ideal for extended trips away from home, grandparents, and childcare providers.
Here are some examples of portable crib types and finishes:
- Delta Portable Folding Crib – Natural
- Orbelle Tian 3-in-1 Folding Portable Crib – Black
- DaVinci Alpha Mini Rocking Crib – Natural
- babyletto Grayson Mini Crib – Espresso
- DaVinci Emily Mini Convertible Crib – Oak
Now, that you’ve determined what type of crib you will be using in your nursery, it’s time to check to see if the crib you’ve selected has been recalled before you buy, then decide on your theme and/or color palette.
