How to Choose a Crib: A Parent’s Guide to Finding the Right Fit
Sweet dreams start here!
Choosing the right crib is an essential part of prepping for the arrival of a new baby. From size and shape to material and convertibility, we’ll walk you through how to pick the perfect crib to welcome your little bundle of joy.
1. Measure for the Right Size
(Shop this image: blue gliding chairs, gray nursery wallpaper, checkered area rugs, kids coastal wall art, and rocking horses)
Mini: Mini cribs are usually 37 3/8" – 38 5/8" long x 23 3/8" – 24 5/8" wide and can fit a 24" x 38" crib mattress – making them a space-efficient option for small nurseries or co-sleeping. However, your baby will outgrow a mini crib sooner and may require a larger bed within the first year.
Standard: Standard cribs are a solid choice for average to large nurseries and are typically 51 3/8" – 52 5/8" long x 27 3/8" – 28 5/8" wide. These cribs fit a 27" x 52" crib mattress and can accommodate the growth of your baby into their toddler years.
Tip!
For more helpful tips on choosing a crib for your nursery, read our guide Crib Dimensions: Picking the Right Crib Size.
2. Pick a Crib Design
(Shop this image: blue nursery rugs, beige rocking chairs, small candle chandeliers, and ornate traditional cribs)
Shape & Style
Upholstered: Upholstered cribs add elevated style to your nursery and provide cushioned surroundings for your baby. However, upholstery may be more difficult to clean than solid wood, metal, or acrylic crib frames.
Round/Oval: Round and oval cribs bring a modern flair to your nursery and have a compact footprint – making them ideal for small nurseries. The rounded edges also reduce the risk of parents and children bumping into sharp corners.
Functionality
Crib & Changer Combo: Cribs with built-in changing tables are a convenient way to save space in your nursery as they function as two essential pieces of furniture. They also allow for convenient diaper changes during naptime and late at night.
Portable: Portable cribs often have wheels or are designed to be collapsible so you can easily move them around the house. This feature is helpful if you intend on moving your crib from room to room or want to keep it in storage for future use.
Convertible: Convertible cribs are designed to grow with your baby, often changing into toddler or twin beds to accommodate each stage of child development.
Tip!
Check out our Types of Cribs guide for an in-depth look at different crib designs.
3. Compare Convertibility
(Shop this image: jute area rugs, nautical kids rugs, plaid pouf ottomans, rattan pendant lights, and toy boxes & benches)
2-in-1: These cribs typically change from an infant crib to a toddler bed to accommodate early growth.
3-in-1: This level of convertibility means that the crib can transform into a toddler bed or a daybed as your baby grows.
4-in-1: 4-in-1 cribs are designed to progress from a crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. Keep in mind that the full-size mattress will need to be purchased separately.
5-in-1: With maximum convertibility, 5-in-1 cribs can change into a toddler bed, daybed, twin, or full-size bed with the option of a footboard. While additional parts may be necessary for the large transformations, the frame is designed to last through each stage of childhood.
Tip!
Simplify your nursery remodel by opting for a furniture set. Complete with a matching crib, dresser, or changing table, furniture sets allow you to furnish your nursery in one simple step.
(Shop this image: gray crib sheets, faux fur area rugs, changing tables, and woven baskets)
Bed Rails-Included: Some convertible cribs come with additional bed rails to help ease the transition between a crib and a toddler, twin, or full-size bed. Guard rails offer protection from falling as your child sizes up their bed.
Under-Crib Storage: Cribs with under-bed storage offer a convenient place to store clothes, bedding, diapers, and other baby essentials for easy-access to maximize the functionality of your nursery.
Adjustable Mattress Height: Adjustable mattress height cribs are designed to grow with your child. Higher settings allow for safe and easy transfer of newborns while lower settings help prevent climbing as your baby grows.
Mattress-Included: Cribs that come with mattresses will simplify the buying process and ensure the mattress fits properly.
Tip!
If your crib doesn’t come with a mattress, you’ll need to buy one separately. Be sure to reference How to Pick the Right Crib Mattress Size for helpful guidance to ensure the right fit.
(Shop this image: floral nursery wallpaper, pink crib sheets, blue rocking chairs, rattan pendant lights, and rocking horses)
Wood: Wood is a classic and durable choice for cribs, though it can be an expensive and heavy material. Wood cribs come in a variety of styles from modern to traditional to suit the theme of your nursery.
Metal: Metal cribs are often made of iron and designed to have a vintage look that will add charm to your nursery. They are durable and often more lightweight than wood, though they can tarnish over time.
Acrylic: Acrylic cribs provide a transparent and contemporary look made with nontoxic and easy-to-clean materials. Acrylic can be more expensive and scratch easily, so it’s not the most durable frame material.
Tip!
When choosing your crib frame, it’s important to find one that’s made with nontoxic materials to protect your baby from chemicals. For extra reassurance, look for GREENGUARD certifications that confirm safe levels of chemical emissions from a product.
(Shop this image: kids animal rugs, green curtains, gray nursery wallpaper, round laundry baskets, and changing tables)
For many new parents, ensuring the safety of their baby’s crib is a top concern. Luckily, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) has a certification process that confirms the safety of nursery furniture. When shopping for a crib, look for JPMA-certified products so you can feel confident in the quality of your purchase.
Tip!
To learn more about safety certifications and what they mean for your furniture, read What to Know About JPMA & GREENGUARD Gold Certifications.
